Meet Dian Shuai

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dian Shuai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dian, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I keep my creativity alive by constantly immersing myself in new experiences and perspectives. As a composer, I believe creativity thrives on curiosity. I find inspiration by exploring different genres of music, revisiting classical works, and analyzing modern film scores. This blend of tradition and innovation fuels my artistic voice.

Stepping away from music is equally important—whether it’s walking through nature, reading, or even cooking. Speaking of cooking, when I was a little kid, my dream job was to become a chef. Even though life led me to become a composer, I see so many similarities between cooking and composing. In both, you balance ingredients—whether flavors or instruments—layering and combining them to create something beautiful and satisfying. The key is knowing when to add something extra and when to hold back, because a dish, like a piece of music, needs just the right amount of artistry to truly come alive.

Whenever I feel less motivated, I always reconnect with nature, whether it’s the forest or the nearby ocean. I have a special connection with the ocean. I remember a time when I didn’t feel like composing anything for days, so I took a four-hour walk along the beach in Santa Monica. Feeling the Pacific Ocean and its vastness sparked multiple musical themes in my head. It reminded me of the importance of stepping back, breathing, and being present.

Another source of inspiration for me is the people close to me, especially my partner. Sometimes, just sharing ideas or having a simple conversation reignites my creative spark. I’d say love and meaningful relationships are a powerful source of inspiration, especially when the other person understands and appreciates my music. There’s something incredibly special about sharing your artistic world with someone who truly supports and inspires you.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a music composer specializing in film, television, and multimedia projects. My work focuses on crafting unique, emotionally resonant soundscapes that enhance storytelling and connect deeply with audiences. I’ve always believed that music has the power to evoke feelings beyond words, and I find it incredibly rewarding to collaborate with directors, producers, and creatives to bring their visions to life.

One of the most exciting aspects of what I do is the diversity—it allows me to explore different genres, styles, and formats. Whether I’m scoring a dramatic film, composing an immersive theatrical production, or conducting for a live-to-picture concert, each project offers a fresh challenge and an opportunity to grow as an artist.

Recently, I’ve worked on a variety of exciting projects, including scoring short films, composing music for a live cinematic concert, and releasing several albums. My latest album, ‘Legends of Valour,’ was particularly special as it captures themes of epic and drama, blending cinematic and emotional elements. I’ve also been exploring new creative avenues, such as hybrid cinematic music and medieval-inspired pieces for upcoming projects.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding my work into the video game music industry, a field I’m deeply passionate about. The interactive nature of game music fascinates me—it’s dynamic, immersive, and offers a unique storytelling platform. I’m also exploring collaborations for upcoming film projects and continually releasing new music.

At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to storytelling through sound. Whether it’s through a sweeping orchestral score or an intimate, minimalistic piece, my goal is to create music that stays with people long after they’ve experienced it. I’m excited to keep sharing my art with the world and collaborating with passionate creatives to push the boundaries of what music can achieve.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

First, I think having a solid foundation in any field is essential, and this is particularly true in music. For me, having years of experience playing instruments has been invaluable. As a composer, if one cannot play any instruments, it may limit their creative process, as performing and improvising are deeply connected to the music itself. Playing an instrument allows for a more instinctive and intimate understanding of music.

Second, theoretical knowledge is crucial. While technical skills in performance are important, a comprehensive understanding of music as an art form and discipline is equally vital. This includes music history and music theory, areas that many music students might overlook today. Personally, I have a deep passion for counterpoint, and I genuinely believe that mastering counterpoint has countless benefits for a composer. For me, composition is all about counterpoint and modulation. While that may sound a bit absolute, I believe that excelling in these two areas can make working with tonal, traditional music much more intuitive and effective.

Finally, perseverance and resilience are key. It’s crucial not to give up easily. This kind of determination is essential in any field. During moments of doubt or confusion, it’s important not to overly question oneself. Keeping a calm mind and having confidence is essential. And when faced with a creative block, my advice is simple—step outside, connect with nature, and allow yourself to refresh.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

There have been many books that have significantly influenced my development, but the one that has helped me the most is the Tao Te Ching.

The Tao Te Ching, written by Laozi, is an ancient Chinese text that provides profound wisdom on how to manage oneself and interact with the world. It offers timeless principles for life and leadership. One of its most impactful teachings is: ‘The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things and does not compete. It stays in places that others disdain, and therefore it is close to the Tao.’ This means that the highest virtue is like water—gentle yet powerful. Water nourishes all life while remaining humble, flowing to the lowest places. Laozi uses water as a metaphor for people with noble character, emphasizing their humility, adaptability, and selflessness. True strength lies in balancing gentleness and resilience, as the greatest wisdom often comes from maintaining such harmony.

Another teaching that deeply resonates with me is: ‘The five colors blind the eye. The five tones deafen the ear. The five flavors dull the taste.’ It suggests that excessive stimulation—whether visual, auditory, or sensory—can overwhelm us. I find this especially true in music. I prefer to express emotions through simplicity, rather than relying on overly complex structures or technical displays to showcase my skills. To me, authenticity and directness are at the heart of meaningful musical expression.

The Tao Te Ching contains countless such insights, but its core message is about humility, selflessness, and considering others. By adopting this mindset, I’ve found greater ease and fulfillment in my work. Laozi teaches that kindness and openness not only benefit others but ultimately come back to enrich your own life.

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Image Credits

All credit goes to Wenxin Luo, except for the Berkeley graduation photo, which is credited to Jiashen Huang.

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