Meet Qianqian Jin

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Qianqian Jin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Qianqian , 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.

First and foremost, I make sure I’m in a safe space, surrounded by people I trust—people who share mutual respect and motivation. It’s so important to feel supported and uplifted when creating, and that energy has to be just right! I love to decorate my space in a way that makes it feel like a cozy little sanctuary. I’ll throw in some fluffy pillows, snuggly blankets, and twinkle lights to set the perfect mood. It’s like creating my own little bubble of peace and comfort, where the outside world melts away. When my mind and body feel in sync, that’s when the magic happens—that’s when I’m able to pour my soul into my art and create something truly special.

Traveling, for me, is like a creative superpower! Every time I visit a new place, it feels like I’m unlocking new pieces of inspiration. Whether I’m walking through a bustling city or relaxing in a quiet little town, I’m constantly picking up new ideas and fresh perspectives. Plus, meeting new people and hearing their stories adds another layer of richness to my creative process. It’s like each connection, each experience, weaves itself into my art in unexpected and beautiful ways. Traveling helps me see the world through a new lens, and that keeps my creativity buzzing with excitement and possibilities.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hi, my name is Qianqian, and I grew up in Urumqi, a city in Northwestern China. I began playing the Guzheng, a traditional Chinese zither, at the age of 8 and was classically trained in Chinese music. During high school, I became fascinated with joining a rock band, but amplifying my acoustic instrument was a challenge. Around that time, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Israel, where I began experimenting with improvisation on my Guzheng. I spent two years there, jamming with local artists from diverse musical backgrounds and also learning to play the piano. Those two years helped me see how music can bring people together across cultures, and it showed me that my instrument could be a bridge between worlds.

I later moved to the U.S. to study Music Technology at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. It was a turning point in my life. I found a community that supported my vision and taught me how to bring my ideas to life. This program expanded my network and gave me a deeper understanding of the technical side of music. I connected with composers in the gaming and film industries, while also creating something I had once only dreamed of — a customized MIDI controller for my Guzheng with a built-in amplification system. This invention became a Top 10 finalist at the Guthman Instrument Competition in 2019. It was also during this time that I adopted my artist name, QJin, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my creative journey.

My work is best known for soloist of video game theme tracks for Mortal Kombat 11, MK1, Fortnite’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the Netflix series Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight. While living in the Bay Area, I collaborated with electronic artists and DJs at venues like DNA Lounge, Boom Boom Room, Gray Area, Lion’s Den Bar and Lounge, and Asian Art Museum in SF. Now based in Los Angeles, I’m passionate about modernizing folk music by blending it with new genres, expanding its reach to a broader audience. Below are my latest art releases, crafted alongside my incredibly talented friends:

Dogsick:
This is my first piano & vocal EP. This song was written during a really emotional time in my life when I had to be apart from Qina, my sweet little Pomsky. It captures a lot of the love and longing I felt, and I hope that, in some way, these emotions resonates with you too. Hear more at:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/qjin/dogsick
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Eternal Youth:
Eternal Youth is an additive electronic groove that blends elements of lo-fi hiphop, expansive reverbs, and catchy Guzheng melodies, in order to evoke a youthful feeling of life, meditation, playfulness. Produced by zen-t, a visionary artist in electronic music and audiovisual art, who pushes genre boundaries with a fresh take on EDM. Hear more at:
https://share.amuse.io/track/zen-t-eternal-youth

Eternal Youth digital gallery blends elements of ancient nature, serenity, and retro futurism. It presents a CRT TV that is being held on a floating island, accessible only to butterflies and friends of mother nature. In the TV, we see and hear my performance. The melody is believed to hold the island, and its life, together. It’ll soon be live and ready for you to experience at:
https://zen-t.com
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Harmonic Essence:
Studio recording of a live gallery performance at the Asian Art Museum in SF – an undulating tapestry of shapes and patterns glides across the gallery walls, moving and changing in response to the sound of a live cello and guzheng performance. Highlighting the complexity and beauty of human expression in the digital age, this spontaneous dance between the technological and the organic offers audiences a shared moment of serene reflection. This immersive piece is on display at the Asian Art Museum in SF until the end of the year!

Performed by :
Qianqian Jin – Guzheng
Dan Gorelick – Cello
Osman Koç – Visual Artist

Produced & Recorded/Mixed by Seira McCarthy
Assistant Recording by Udit Srivathsan
at San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Originally performed at the Asian Art Museum
Production Coordinator Xu Cheng
Cinemaphotographer/Photographer Zephryn Avila
AV Preparation by Eddie Contreras

Hear more at:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/qjin/harmonic-essense?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaKMQo5gpLaoI2M7AMQa4gz47P3Zmnem54FIIC3YaEIQD2x__OJTSRR0uo_aem_FUFzax7WWlVpzyc1-OKjwQ

Music Video available at:

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Music Technology
2. Passion
3. Connecting with others.

1. Set an achievable goal and work toward it steadily. Gaining knowledge and skills in music technology has had one of the biggest impacts on both my artistic and professional journey. I’m still learning and growing in this area every day, striving to reach my goals. After graduating from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, I didn’t stop there—I found accessible tools like MasterClass and LinkedIn Learning, which have been so helpful. Learning is a lifelong journey for me, and I make it a point to learn something new each week or month, documenting every little discovery. My goals often revolve around creative projects or collaborations that reignite my passion, like live shows or recording sessions. And as I improve, those goals evolve, growing more challenging but also more exciting as I discover new possibilities.

2. Whatever you pursue, it needs to spark joy. Passion is the fuel that drives my journey. As a performer, I thrive on improvisation and blending musical genres in fresh and unexpected ways. What keeps me going is the joy I feel when I express myself—whether it’s through my voice, fingertips, or the movement of my body. It’s such a powerful feeling. Finding your own passion can be the key to building a strong foundation for your beliefs and dreams. So ask yourself—does what you’re doing make you smile? If it fills your heart with joy, you’re already on the right path.

3. Surround yourself with people who feel like a true connection. Staying curious about others and their stories is one of the most beautiful ways to grow. Some of my greatest inspirations come from listening to other artists, learning how they create unique sounds, melodies, and moods. We live in a time where building connections is easier than ever, so take advantage of that. Seek out people who share your energy and values—those connections will create a community that brings more joy into your life. It’s also important to check in with yourself—are these the right connections? Trust your guts.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

It can be so frustrating to feel overwhelmed, especially when life gets chaotic and everything feels like too much. Sometimes, just stepping away for a moment can be the reset we need. Taking time to connect with nature and breathe in the fresh air can help us return to ourselves, giving us the space to feel more grounded. When we feel calmer, it’s easier to find clarity and make decisions that feel right.

Sharing your feelings with friends who genuinely listen and care can also ease the weight of stress. It’s comforting to have people who can empathize and support you through tough times. Surround yourself with those who truly understand—those are the people who bring light to our lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.qjin.xyz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qjin_guzheng
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyjin/
• Other: Harmonic Essence:
  music video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xWq1xLrl30

  Music Release – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/qjin/harmonic-essense?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaKMQo5gpLaoI2M7AMQa4gz47P3Zmnem54FIIC3YaEIQD2x__OJTSRR0uo_aem_FUFzax7WWlVpzyc1-OKjwQ

  Eternal Youth:
  Music Release – https://tr.ee/cW0NHnbP4T

  Dogsick:
  https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/qjin/dogsick

Image Credits

My Bio Photo – Anaiah Simons
Harmonic Essence Album art and liveshow shots – Zephyrn Avila
Eternal Youth Album Art – zen-t
Dogsick Album Art – zen-t