Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonina Liao.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My earliest musical experience was with classical instruments—playing the flute was my first entry into the world of music. Over time, I developed a deep interest in R&B and jazz vocals, drawn to their emotional complexity and expressive depth. For a period, I performed frequently as part of a band. The stage lights and applause were constant, but deep down, I began to feel a growing emptiness: we were always covering other people’s songs. Where was my voice in all of this? That realization led us to start writing our own music. The urge to express something truly personal has stayed with me ever since. To me, music is not only a channel for inner emotion—it’s a bridge that connects me to others. I look forward to larger stages, more collaborations, and the chance for my songs to reach wider audiences—not because they’re tailored to trends, but because they speak honestly and resonate with people in a real way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has never been easy. When I first started creating original music, I often questioned whether my voice was worth being heard. There were moments of deep self-doubt and emotional lows. On top of that, navigating the music scene as an artist with an Asian background added another layer of complexity. It’s not a language barrier—it’s about differences in cultural context, aesthetics, and modes of expression. At times, I felt caught between being misunderstood and being hard to place. To be seen and heard, I had to constantly negotiate between staying true to myself and meeting external expectations. But over time, I’ve realized I don’t want to cater, nor do I want to highlight my difference for the sake of it. I just want the music to return to its essence—a space for honest, human connection. The challenges are still there, but I feel more grounded than ever in the path I’m carving for my own voice.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a vocalist, songwriter, and music artist who focuses on creating emotionally honest, intimate sonic experiences. My background spans classical training in flute, vocal explorations in R&B and jazz, and years of performing live, both solo and as part of a band. What defines my work is not a fixed genre, but a sensibility—an emphasis on texture, breath, memory, and the quiet tensions beneath everyday life. I’m most proud of the moments when my music resonates with others not because it’s loud or polished, but because it feels true. I’ve been told my performances carry a kind of quiet intensity, where vulnerability becomes a strength. I don’t see myself as someone who fits easily into categories, and I don’t try to. What sets me apart is perhaps the way I allow space—for silence, for contradiction, for slow emotion—to exist inside sound. I’m always looking for new ways to connect, not just through what is heard, but through what is felt.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
There are definitely people I wouldn’t have made it this far without. First and foremost, my mom has always been a quiet but constant source of support. She never pushed me in any direction, but she created the space for me to explore and trust my instincts—even when I didn’t quite know where I was headed. Her belief in my creativity, even in its messiest forms, has meant more than I can put into words.
I also owe so much to my bandmates. We’ve grown together—from playing covers to taking the risk of writing our own music. They’ve taught me about collaboration, patience, and what it means to really listen—to sound, to each other, to the energy in a room. That shared journey, with all its doubts and breakthroughs, shaped who I am as an artist. No one does this alone, and I’m deeply thankful I didn’t have to.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joninajojo/
