Today we’d like to introduce you to Lava Hong
Lava, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a child, Lava’s love for music was evident through her heavy training in piano performance and choirs. Her classical background inspired her to venture into crossover work and eventually create her own unique pop/singer-songwriter style. Pursuing a music minor and focusing on audio music engineering during her major studies in Digital Media Studies at the University of Rochester, she further honed her skills. Continuing her education at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Industry Management program, she aimed to become a future leader in the music business.
Since 2021, Lava has been working as a music supervisor for a prominent Hollywood trailer company, Trailer Park, building her reputation and network within the industry. Alongside her professional endeavors, she has begun to showcase her performing and songwriting abilities, starting with live shows in Austin, LA, and NYC. Collaborating with many artists and producers, she has been prolific in her music creation, with plans to release an acoustic album, Mountains, Oceans, Rivers, on June 21 featuring some of her recent works that were capturing some fleeting sentiments and emotions.
Looking ahead, Lava intends to delve into more intricate and diverse music production styles, including genres such as melodic EDM and cinematic dark pop. She also plans to continue collaborating with hip-hop/R&B artists, to release 20-30 tracks by the end of the year. Exciting projects lie ahead, promising a plethora of new music experiences for her audience to anticipate.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has definitely had its challenges. Growing up, she faced cultural stereotypes and underrepresentation, which made it difficult to establish her unique voice in a predominantly Western industry. Her music includes songs in English, Mandarin, and a combination of both. Lava has always strived to ensure that language is not a barrier in her music career, aiming to be recognized not just as a niche artist but as a musician in the global music scene.
Working as a female Asian music supervisor in Hollywood presented its own set of hurdles. The competitive environment and the pressure to prove herself added layers of complexity to her career. The emotional strain of being far from home, coupled with the isolation that comes with being a minority in the industry, weighed heavily on her.
Despite these hurdles, Lava’s greatest strengths lie in her storytelling and ability to convey profound emotions through her music. Her songs reflect intricate feelings and resonate deeply with her audience, transforming her struggles into powerful and emotive music. This resilience and determination have provided her with a strong sense of purpose and belief in her artistic vision.
Lava’s journey has been a testament to her strength and adaptability. Her ability to capture and express nuanced emotions has not only helped her navigate the industry’s challenges but also connect with her audience on a profound level. This combination of talent and perseverance continues to drive her forward.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Golden Trailer Award and Clios Award-nominated Associated Music Supervisor at Trailer Park, one of the largest agencies in LA specializing in trailers and promos, Lava is dedicated to promoting diverse music placements in both traditional and new mediums and is attuned to trends in the global music industry. She has been invited to Songwriter’s Camp, Sync Con, What Up Pitches Panel, Sync Summit, and Durango Songwriter Expo, where she collaborates with up-and-coming indie artists. Lava has played a crucial role in many large IPs and theatrical and TV campaigns, working with major studios and networks to facilitate music and sound effect placements. Some of her recent work includes Netflix Stranger Things, Umbrella Academy, Wicked, Three-Body Problem, Oppenheimer, Dr. Strange, Jurassic World, Sing 2, and etc.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
For Lava Hong, the most important aspect of her music is its ability to blend cultural influences and tell compelling stories that resonate deeply with her listeners. She believes in the power of music to convey deep emotions and paint vivid portraits of self-discovery, love, and resilience.
As an Asian woman in America, Lava values the opportunity to connect with her audience through relatable narratives and heartfelt lyrics. She believes that music has a profound ability to express complex emotions and experiences that words alone cannot capture.
Lava’s commitment to her craft is reflected in her continuous pursuit of new musical styles and collaborations. Whether it’s through music supervision or crafting her own music, she is always on the lookout for up-and-coming indie artists, hoping to promote more diversity in music placements and genres. She believes that supporting emerging talent and encouraging a diverse musical landscape is crucial for the growth and enrichment of the industry.
For Lava, what truly matters is using her music to express herself authentically and to help others, especially other Asian women in America. This group is significantly underrepresented in the music industry, and Lava is passionate about using her influence to create opportunities and foster a supportive environment. She aims to uplift diverse voices and ensure that more stories from her community are heard, contributing to a richer and more inclusive music world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6yDrbCYEt6ICpuW4Uc9YZu?si=c-Zvm7caTBu6TbVgVrnG-Q
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavahongmusic/
- Other: https://lavahongmusic.disco.ac/playlist-new/16901597?date=20240523&user_id=878537&signature=-q4k4StVds6ZPCzbwL8XwnuAbbQ%3AbEIJyCaF
