Meet John (jingyuan) Li

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to John (jingyuan) Li. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

John (Jingyuan), thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only one in the room who looks like me—whether because of my race, gender, or another part of my identity—has certainly presented challenges, but it’s also been a major opportunity for growth. At first, I felt like an outsider and worried that I wouldn’t be taken seriously. Over time, I realized that my perspective is not just valid, but valuable. Being in spaces where I might be the only one who looks like me has forced me to own my individuality and be confident in sharing my unique point of view.

At the same time, I’m still in the process of discovering who I really am and what I excel at. I’m learning to be more confident and satisfied with what I’ve achieved, even as I continue to grow. The key has been to stay true to myself, speak up when it matters, and trust that my voice adds something important to the conversation. While there are still moments of doubt or discomfort, I’ve learned that embracing who I am is not only empowering—it’s often what makes me stand out and succeed.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a composer, nowadays mostly work in film/tv and games. Music has an incredible power to connect audiences with the stories being told, and that’s what fuels my passion. I see every project as an opportunity to bring my unique perspective to the storytelling process, using music as a bridge between the narrative and the audience’s heart.

One of the aspects I most value about this work is the collaborative process—working alongside other composers and musicians on projects. Currently, many of my projects involve either leading a team of composers or being brought in to collaborate with others. It’s a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, merge our individual strengths, and create something fresh and unexpected. This collaborative spirit has deep roots in my background of playing in bands, where jamming with others always led to exciting and fulfilling results. Over time, this process has not only helped me better understand my own strengths but also revealed the unique talents of my collaborators. As trust has grown, I’ve developed a deep sense of community that is incredibly rewarding. Most importantly, it reminds me that I’m never truly alone in this creative journey.

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?

Resilience, resilience, and more resilience—along with a bit of self-organization. This industry is not an easy one to navigate, much like other freelance fields. People spend years building relationships that lead to opportunities and, ultimately, sustainability. So, starting out as a composer, especially in a city like Los Angeles, can feel especially daunting. You arrive knowing nobody, and you have to accept that reality while continuing to push forward. This is where resilience becomes essential—it’s what helps you weather the inevitable hardships.

The music industry, particularly in entertainment, has become increasingly saturated, with more and more talented individuals joining the roster each year. But not everyone finds their footing right away—often it takes two or three years (or more). I’ve certainly experienced this first-hand when I moved to LA, and many of my colleagues have as well. The best advice I’ve given myself throughout this journey is to keep writing music, keep expanding my network in this new environment, and, most importantly, to have faith in my own abilities.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

The past 12 months have been full of significant turning points. Graduation and the move to Los Angeles marked a new chapter, both personally and professionally. On the work front, I’ve started to build strong relationships with colleagues in both China and the U.S., which has been incredibly rewarding. Transitioning from student projects to more commercial work has been a challenging but fulfilling experience. Recently, I began collaborating as a composer on an animated series in China, which will continue throughout this year and, hopefully, evolve into a long-term project.

Outside of work, one of the things that’s brought me the most joy is joining a band here in Los Angeles. During my master’s program, I really missed the experience of playing in a band, as most of my time was spent writing music in the confines of my tiny bedroom. So, being able to reconnect with that side of myself has been a huge accomplishment. The band is called Nu Peopul—a local R&B, Neo-Soul indie group—and we’ve got some exciting plans for 2025. Stay tuned!

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Image Credits

Image Credit: Kristopher Carter
Image Credit:Joshua 魏 Nai
Image Credit: Ayra Zhang

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