Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuko Zen
Hi Yuko, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My mom is a music enthusiast, and our home is filled with CDs and vinyl records, so I grew up having access to a wide variety of music genres. Unlike the typical Asian parent stereotype, my mom was always incredibly supportive and encouraging of my hobbies, rather than just focusing on my grades in school. I still remember that back in high school, I would sneak out of class almost every day and hide in the music room to practice, and I never got caught.
Although my background is in classical piano, my love for various music genres made me want to explore beyond my previous studies, especially after I started experimenting with composing. There are so many things that happen in life, and I felt a strong desire to capture and express them through music. At that time, I was searching for a way to incorporate as many music genres as possible, and then I discovered film scoring. One time, my mom took me to a concert where they played Peter and the Wolf; they showed an animation on a screen while the orchestra played along with it. That was the first time I saw a live orchestra playing in sync with visuals. The experience was a sensory revelation, completely different from watching TV at home, and it made me realize the powerful role and allure of a soundtrack for the first time.
I’ve always loved movies and video games, and I started noticing the diverse range of music genres used in them, from orchestral to jazz, rock & metal, electronic, hip-hop, pop, folk, and more. So later, I went to Los Angeles to study composition and scoring for visual media at Musicians Institute, and soon after, I became a part of this industry. Being an LA-based composer, right in the heart of the film, music, and entertainment industry, not only helped me hone my technical and creative skills but also provided me with invaluable resources and an unparalleled cultural environment.
Recently, my team and I have been collaborating with Tencent Games on various game music projects, and I’m also involved in teaching, offering as much help and guidance as I can to students who are eager to learn about film scoring.
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?
It wasn’t quite as smooth as I imagined; entering the music industry wasn’t easy, and making connections took a lot of work. Making a living wasn’t easy either, especially in the beginning. I still remember the time when I worked in sales for a while, thinking that a stable and high income was more appealing. However, it was then that I truly realized what I wanted to do. It was a nice job, but even if I made a lot of money, my life wouldn’t have been truly happy—like a movie without conflict, a game without players, or a taco without toppings. So, I went back to making music and regained my sense of purpose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a working music composer for visual media (film/TV/game etc.) Ever since childhood, I have been a passionate enthusiast of games and movies. This deep interest and enthusiasm for film and game music have significantly influenced my music career. Transitioning from being an audience and player to a composer is an extraordinary experience. Viewing things from the perspectives of directors and developers has satisfied my curiosity to a great extent and made me realize how crucial my previous roles as an audience and player are to music composition.
In recent years, my team and I have been involved in creating music for Tencent Games. Before that, I was an avid player of many of their games. Immersing myself in these games has allowed me to empathize and connect deeply, giving me a more intuitive expectation and imagination regarding music and sound design. The same goes for movies—understanding the film and its visuals is a vital first step.
Being able to work in the field I love with all my heart and soul makes me feel fortunate and steadfast, and it makes my life feel truly meaningful as if I have found my true purpose. One of the biggest reasons I love what I do is that it’s always interesting to tell stories and guide emotions through music. It keeps me constantly observing and experiencing life and this world.
How do you define success?
My long-term goals are to create impactful music that inspires more people. In education, I aim to help more students reach their full potential and be able to provide them, as well as others in need around me, with better resources and support.
In terms of personal growth, I continuously challenge myself to explore new fields, learn new techniques, and always push the boundaries of my creativity. This ongoing process of learning and self-improvement is, for me, a crucial indicator of success.
Ultimately, success is about finding a balance—achieving professional goals while maintaining personal happiness and well-being in a busy work life. Much of my inspiration and motivation comes from my life experiences, and without the support of my friends and family, I wouldn’t have come this far. So, spending time with them is a key part of my puzzle for success, ensuring that I stay grounded, inspired, and fulfilled.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yukozen.com/listen-watch
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yukozen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeng.yuko
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/yukozen/sets
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Kh5k0iC99k6k2F9IwD4bo?si=49WoqPl4Q6m-XBmFo8_AeA
