We recently connected with Yuxuan Li and have shared our conversation below.
Yuxuan, 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.
Studying music from a young age has afforded me the invaluable opportunity to learn from and draw inspiration from some of the greatest artists. One fundamental lesson that has become ingrained in my creative journey is the importance of nurturing open-mindedness and a commitment to continuous learning. To me, studying is not merely a routine but a potent habit—a musician’s dual role of both absorbing knowledge and creating sound.
My perception of sound has evolved significantly over the years. In my early years, I held the belief that music should strictly adhere to tonal structures and follow rigid rules, largely influenced by my immersion in classical Western music theory during my college studies. However, a transformative shift occurred when I ventured into the realms of modern music history and electronic music production. This exploration opened up an entirely new world, expanding my horizons and pushing the boundaries of my creative expression. Music ceased to be a mere auditory experience; it became an integral part of my identity and my connection to the world around me. This journey has been as much about self-discovery as it has been about musical evolution, helping me unearth my distinct musical voice.
As a musician, my education extends beyond the domain of sound. Engaging with various art forms has proven instrumental in nurturing and sustaining my creativity. Take, for instance, the mug I currently hold as I compose this interview question—a piece of pottery that I crafted with my own hands. I can vividly recall the tactile sensation of manipulating wet clay and the liberating, unrestrained creative experience it offered. It prompted me to reflect on how I could infuse the process of composing music with the same sense of relaxation and freedom. The key, I realized, is to let go of concerns about external judgment, just as I did while shaping the clay. Moreover, it requires shedding preconceived notions about creativity and allowing the music itself to be the guiding force. By surrendering to the music and trusting it to lead the way, I believe I can create the most profoundly creative music of my life.
In essence, creativity is an ongoing journey—one that necessitates a willingness to explore, adapt, and embrace the unexpected. It is through this commitment to continuous learning, coupled with a dedication to breaking free from self-imposed constraints, that I strive to keep my creativity alive and thriving in both my musical endeavors and my artistic pursuits beyond sound.
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 multi-instrumentalist from China. My musical journey began at a young age when I started learning to play both the piano and the guzheng. Later on, I came to the United States to pursue my musical studies. While the piano is widely popular in the US, the guzheng may require a bit of an introduction. The guzheng is a plucked string instrument from China with a rich history spanning over 2500 years. Today, I actively work in the US as an independent musician, performer, and educator, with a mission to introduce more people to the captivating world of the guzheng. I engage in various aspects of new music creation and performance, with a particular focus on cultural fusion, exchange, and integration, primarily in the vibrant cities of New York City and Los Angeles.
The multicultural environment of the United States has significantly influenced my artistic journey, encouraging me to experiment with the guzheng across a spectrum of new music genres. In 2023, I achieved a significant milestone in my career with the release of my debut EP titled ‘Magnetic Field.’ This album boldly blends the guzheng with Electronic Dance Music, Brain Dance, and Bass & Drum, among other genres. Although this might seem like an extensive range of genres to incorporate into a single EP, I harnessed the ancient sounds of the guzheng as a unique source for sound sampling. I then applied innovative electronic music production techniques to create a fresh form of guzheng music. The experience was akin to opening a Pandora’s box of possibilities.
For me, the most exhilarating aspect of my career is the ability to remain endlessly creative and to inspire others in the process. The journey of musical exploration and cultural fusion is thrilling, and I eagerly anticipate pushing the boundaries of what guzheng music can achieve while sharing it with audiences worldwide.
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?
Have an Insatiable Hunger for Knowledge: Never cease your quest for learning and exploring the things you’re passionate about. Education extends far beyond the confines of formal schooling and doesn’t adhere to a strict beginning or end. In the ever-evolving realm of music, continually unlocking the latest technologies and trends nurtures a growth mindset that propels your musical journey towards success.
Nurture Your Curiosity – It’s a Trusty Guide: Curiosity serves as your compass, leading you to a deeper understanding of your musical aspirations. Don’t hesitate to experiment with new techniques, musical instruments, styles, or genres, as it may unveil unexpected musical treasures. For instance, my foray into electronic guzheng music was a result of my curiosity-driven exploration of electronic music production. Curiosity is the wellspring of my inspiration.
Embrace Courage and Self-Confidence: Be bold and have faith in yourself. You are the primary audience for your own music, so trust in your talent and vision. This self-confidence forms the bedrock of bravery. Your voice and style are unique, and courage entails staying true to your musical vision, allowing the world to experience your distinctive voice.
These three guiding principles have been my steadfast companions, helping me navigate even the most daunting challenges and situations as a musician. I hope that fellow musicians can find them both valuable and inspiring.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Collaboration is the beating heart of my musical voyage, and I am perpetually thrilled to engage with fellow musicians who harbor a profound enthusiasm for venturing into uncharted territories and experimenting with novel musical ideas. Together, we possess an extraordinary prospect to craft music that defies boundaries, amalgamating a spectrum of influences to yield genuinely pioneering outcomes.
This presents an opportunity to plunge into unexplored sonic landscapes, fuse genres, and defy traditional norms. If you are reading this and share the desire to collaborate, please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuxuandemili97/
- Youtube: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mcpkeuHeOAkNhHq9f6jpC6oPwpDHihTDw&si=bul2SUKxkztB5DYx
- Other: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/65uTu6yDH9Oo4XdQu7PzRs?si=jW_VKQsCT8CSSu3HzHyGVA
