Today we’d like to introduce you to Pattie Lin.
Pattie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was three years old, I started banging on the piano, imagining I was playing the grandest of concertos. I grew up singing in the shower, scribbling songs and dreaming of becoming a musician; but as a first generation Asian American girl, I felt the pressure to pursue a more conventional path. Music and art were encouraged only as hobbies. It also felt like the only way I could defend my parents from other Asian parents was to compete with their children. And so I went full throttle on the academic track, doing my best to stifle my musical dreams, all the way through a doctorate in physical therapy.
For a while, I moved every 3-4 months— first as a student, then as a travel physical therapist. Boston, Kaneohe, Baltimore, Denton, Hilo, Seqium, Madison… Everywhere I went, I found incredible friends to make it home; forests to run through, backyards to sing in, and patients I’ll remember forever. Those same patients are the ones who, even on their weakest days, encouraged me to chase my dreams [but only after they were discharged!].
When I landed in Los Angeles for work in 2017, I decided it was time.
Over the past few years, I’ve written, released and performed original music as a singer-songwriter, while treating patients and exploring different healthcare settings as a freelance physical therapist.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve never had to go to bed hungry, so I’d say the road has been smooth— just hilly. Heading into high school, I chose violin over piano; and when my violin teacher became abusive, I lost that too. Like a “good” Asian, I kept quiet. I went on overachieving as if nothing had happened. I wish I had known then that my voice, my feelings– my person– mattered more than All-State auditions and winning ribbons. I suppose that’s similar to chasing likes and subscribes on social media nowadays. Whatever you do, remember why you’re doing it. Mental health has always been a struggle for me, and music is my outlet. I write songs to help myself, and I put it out there just in case they might help someone else.
As for the PT side of things— it’s difficult to walk away from a stable career and income, but my work satisfaction has grown exponentially. Burnout is a huge problem in healthcare, and I’d rather focus my full energy on fewer patients than race through an insurance-driven schedule. The world is full of people telling you not to do what they’re afraid to, but only you can decide what’s right for you. I know, because a bunch of patients aged up to 104 have told me so! Fight for your work-life balance.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I just want to tell the truth, whether that means explaining body parts or storytelling through music. I care about connecting with people and finding the things that put us on even ground, rather than glamorizing to create an illusion. I believe that my personal experiences help me connect with patients who need it the most, and I love when strangers share their own stories with me after shows. It is in my blood to be subtle, but if you listen carefully, you’ll find that all of my songs are about deeper subjects:
“When I’m Gone” is about corruption in healthcare;
“Hope” is about drug addiction;
“Pressure” is about depression;
“Clock Tower.” is about suicide;
“Ride,” is about political lies.
Most recently, I worked with rapper/producer The Hyphenate to finish his most personal and emotional track about his father titled “Thank You.”
I am proud to be (un)known for not fitting neatly into any genre or box. I write my songs to fit the stories they tell. In PT clinics, I am known for my manual therapy skills, but my favorite moment (in LA) was when a patient with chronic ankle stiffness opened up to me about something and cried during our session, and suddenly her ankle released. Last fall, I was the wedding band and emcee at another former patient’s intimate wedding in Palm Springs. I don’t know what else to say about that. My heart is full.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My grandmother was classy, fierce, intelligent and advanced for her time. I was lucky enough to grow up living with my grandparents, and that has shaped my life. Musical inspirations include Celine Dion– for her powerful and pure voice that blew my mind at age 5; Amy Winehouse for her rawness, soul, and jazz that still break my heart; and P!nk for doing whatever the f— she wants.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pattielin.com
- Email: pattielinmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patt5e/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patt5e
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0bE93bCiUfbo0ACeVauC4j
Image Credit:
Jesse Lin, Vincent Luu, Justin Lim, Janis Yue
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