

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yi Long.
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?
I am a singer-songwriter focused on giving music life through cultural expression. Born and bred in China and embraced by the vibrant music scene in the United States, I’m proud of my intercultural identity. I recently graduated with a master’s from the Musicians Institute, majoring in contemporary vocal performance. I’m currently working as a faculty member in the same school and performing in multiple venues.
My musical journey has been adorned with vibrant melodies and pulsating rhythms. Since my early years, I’ve displayed a profound interest in music and mastered several instruments, including the clarinet, piano, and guitar. However, the actual ascent of my musical journey occurred when, at the age of 15, I sang on the stage of the Vancouver Global Chinese Spring Festival Gala, enchanting the audience with a Chinese traditional folk song that I rearranged. This recognition not only marked the commencement of my musical journey but also laid a sturdy foundation upon which I would build my dreams.
Driven by an inquiring mind for musical exploration, I went to Los Angeles, USA, and pursued my graduate studies at the Musicians Institute. Here, I found myself in an environment that recognized and celebrated my talents. My academic journey was complemented by the guidance of distinguished music mentors, including luminaries such as vocal coach Debra Byrd, Gina Bagg, Jessica Louise, Katsuya Sezaki, and Tianyang Lan, and remarkable musicians such as Dean Brown and Francis Buckley. These mentors not only nurtured my abilities but also instilled in me fresh inspiration and limitless possibilities.
My voice is often described as infectious and dynamic. My primary musical styles encompass Pop, Jazz, and R&B. As a singer-songwriter, my singles have had over 5 million streams across various online platforms. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have performed and collaborated with some outstanding Chinese artists, as well as to have sung theme songs for movies. I have also done live performances on stages of various scales, including live houses, theaters, and stadiums.
In addition to my solo endeavors, I have also had the privilege of performing as a backing vocalist for many famous artists from Hong Kong and Taiwan during their U.S. Tours. These renowned artists include Christopher Wong, Priscilla Chan, Adia Chan, Johnny Yip, Jinny Ng, Frances Yip, and many more. These experiences have not only enriched my musical journey but have also allowed me to contribute my vocal talents to the performances of these artists.
In the year 2023, I achieved a significant milestone in my music career with my new single, “Friday Night is Dead,” a piece where I served as the singer, songwriter, and producer. This creation earned me multiple prestigious awards in LIT international music awards, including Best Singer-Songwriter, Best Music Producer, Best Female Vocalist, and Best Funk Music, establishing me as a four-time gold award recipient. Additionally, “Friday Night is Dead” was named a finalist in the Best Asian R&B category at the InterContinental Music Awards.
I look forward to sharing my story with you as I continue my exploration of the world of music, guided by the power of melodies and the warmth of musical expression.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When reflecting on my career journey, one of the most significant challenges I faced was organizing and hosting my first independent solo concert in Shenzhen, China, immediately after completing my bachelor’s degree in contemporary vocal performance. This project holds a special place in my heart because it marked a significant milestone in my career and allowed me to make a positive impact on both the artistic and philanthropic fronts.
What set this project apart in terms of challenges was the multifaceted role I had to assume. I was able to prepare, rehearse, and coordinate, pulling all the strings and moving all the weights within an extremely limited timeframe. While I was the lead singer, I also took on crucial tasks, including conceptualizing the creative direction, designing the visual elements, arranging the music, managing promotions, and crafting the stage design. This comprehensive approach allowed me to create an all-encompassing experience for the audience, where music seamlessly intertwined with visual aesthetics.
The fact that this concert attracted substantial media attention and received recognition from multiple industry professionals was immensely rewarding. It not only validated my musical endeavors but also opened doors for potential collaborations and growth within the industry. Knowing that my work was highly valued by experts in the field was a significant boost to my confidence and motivation.
Beyond the artistic achievements, what made this project truly special was my decision to donate all of the concert’s income to the “Shenzhen Project Care Foundation”. This act allowed me to contribute to a cause I deeply believed in and use my artistry to make a positive impact in the community. It emphasized the idea that art can be a catalyst for positive change and reinforced my commitment to merging my pursuit of music with a sense of social responsibility.
Looking back, my first solo concert in Shenzhen represented a pivotal moment in my career as a singer-songwriter. It showcased my ability to excel in various roles within the production, received recognition from the media and industry professionals, and most importantly, allowed me to give back to the community through a donation to a charitable foundation. This project embodies the fusion of artistic expression and social impact, making it the most meaningful endeavor I’ve undertaken to date.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m profoundly proud of the intersectionality of culture and identity that I bring to music. My artistry is routed in traditional Chinese music but elevated by the sound of Jazz and R&B in the US. This fusion of multiculturalism in ethnomusicology gifted me with a unique perspective on how I interpret and perform using my voice. I want to create a singing style in a world where differences are celebrated and continue to build a bridge between cultures and their melodies.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe that risk-taking is an integral part of personal and professional growth. In my journey as a Chinese singer-songwriter, the riskiest decision I ever made was coming to the United States alone to pursue my studies and build my career. This decision was particularly challenging because it meant leaving the comfort and familiarity of my home country to venture abroad and start my career from scratch.
The decision to study and develop my career in the United States required immense courage. It meant leaving behind the support system I had in China, including my family, friends, and a network within the music industry. It also involved adapting to a new culture, navigating unfamiliar educational systems, and building a brand-new professional network from the ground up.
I view risk as a catalyst for growth and personal development and as a necessary element in one’s journey to success. It pushes individuals out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to learn, adapt, and overcome challenges. While I don’t consider myself a risk-taker by nature, I firmly believe that taking calculated risks is essential for achieving significant goals. In my case, the decision to come to the US was a calculated risk based on my passion for music and a desire to expand my horizons as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.longyimusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yilongmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yilongmusic3106
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-10194898?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VqMNatpTORj4PDhcgiSal?si=tAfeyhpnSIOZ16Ji-sK0Pg
Image Credits
Sam Yang @sammydepthphoto