Meet Yaoyang Liu

We recently connected with Yaoyang Liu and have shared our conversation below.

Yaoyang, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from being really curious and disciplined. I’ve always loved how music can tell a story, especially in movies. That keeps me excited and wanting to learn more. But it’s also about showing up every day and working hard, even when things get tough. I learned the value of hard work from my family, and that’s stuck with me in everything I do.

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

I’m a film composer, and my work is all about creating music that supports and enhances the stories told on screen. I love how music can add emotional depth and help the audience connect with what’s happening in a scene. Every project is unique, allowing me to explore different genres, styles, and instruments. Lately, I’ve also been composing for video games, which brings a new challenge of creating interactive, adaptive music. One project I’m excited about involves a time-traveling, cat-robot detective game with a retro, art deco aesthetic, where the music evolves based on the player’s actions. I’m passionate about how music can evolve alongside technology while being mindful of its impact on artists. As AI becomes more prominent, I’m focused on protecting the creative side of music. Right now, I’m looking to collaborate with more creators in film, games, and other artistic fields, and I’m excited to be part of the future of storytelling through music.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I think three qualities that were most impactful in my journey as a composer are curiosity, persistence, and collaboration. Curiosity has always pushed me to explore different musical styles and techniques, and to stay open to learning from various genres and mediums, whether it’s film or video games. Persistence is key because the creative process can be challenging. There are times when ideas don’t come easily, but pushing through those moments and continuing to create has been vital to my growth. Lastly, collaboration has taught me so much—working with directors, game developers, and other artists has expanded my perspective and improved my ability to shape music around a shared vision.

For those early in their journey, I’d say always stay curious and willing to learn. Don’t limit yourself to one area of music or art—explore as much as possible. Also, be persistent, especially when things don’t go as planned. It’s important to keep creating, even when you face setbacks. And finally, focus on building relationships and collaborating with others. Music, especially in film and games, is a collaborative art form, and learning how to work with others will only strengthen your own creativity.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Three people have been incredibly helpful in my journey. First, my graduate teacher, Kubilay Uner, has played a major role in helping me develop my skills as a composer. Kubi pushed me to think more critically about music and challenged me to explore new ways of approaching composition. Another key influence has been Philip Klein, who was my internship mentor. He taught me a great deal about being an orchestrator and programming, providing invaluable guidance on the intricacies of scoring for film. His mentorship has significantly shaped my understanding of the industry.

Lastly, my girlfriend, Siqi, has been a constant source of support. Whether I’m facing creative challenges or navigating the ups and downs of an artistic career, she’s always there to keep me grounded and motivated. Her belief in my work helps me push through tough times and continue striving for success.

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