Today we’d like to introduce you to Betty Ke
Hi Betty, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Taiwan, music was the rhythm that beat in the background of my everyday life. My early years were deeply influenced by percussion, where I spent over 13 years honing my skills. During my school years, I joined the wind band and had the opportunity to serve as a student conductor, which taught me leadership, musicality, and the power of collaboration. While my initial dream was to grace the stages of classical music, life charted a different course for me. I found myself in an Applied Language program in business, which momentarily set aside my musical aspirations.
Everything changed when a friend introduced me to a Production Music program helmed by Real Huang from the celebrated Taiwanese band F.I.R. This introduction was a revelation. It opened my eyes to the vibrant world of pop music and reignited my passion. I realized I could merge my love for music with this new genre, prompting me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Applied Music at Tainan National University of the Arts.
The university offered a nurturing environment that was pivotal in my development. It provided me with the confidence and platform to organize music events, produce albums, and perform live shows. Seeking to deepen my understanding, I actively participated in workshops and sought mentorship. I was lucky to find a mentor in Wu I-Wei from L2R Music Creation Studio. Wu I-Wei, known for his work with famous artists like Eric Chou, Angela Chang, and Rainie Yang, played a crucial role in my growth as a songwriter and independent artist.
During this time, I also gained valuable industry experience working at a music publishing company. This role gave me insight into the business side of music, enhancing my understanding of music rights, distribution, and artist management. As an independent artist and singer-songwriter, I do my own songwriting and music production. I love experimenting with different music styles and challenging myself by organizing music events and workshops.
This path led me to the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Los Angeles, a place that has further broadened my horizons. Here, I continue to evolve, embracing every opportunity, including an exciting interview with VoyageLA Magazine. I just joined the Grammy U membership, and I’ll keep working on it and cherish all opportunities! My journey is driven by a relentless passion for music, which is more than just a hobby; it’s the essence of who I am. As I move forward, I am committed to exploring new avenues and making the most of every opportunity that comes my 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?
My journey in music has definitely not been a smooth road; it has been filled with challenges and obstacles. One of the biggest struggles I faced was balancing my passion for music with societal expectations. Initially, I pursued an Applied Language program because I didn’t succeed in applying for the Classical Music Program at Tainan National University of the Arts. This detour was difficult because I felt a constant pull towards music, but I was unsure if I could turn my passion into a viable career.
Interestingly, five years later, I applied to a different program—Applied Music at the same university—and this time, I got accepted. This shift reignited my musical ambitions and marked a significant turning point in my journey.
When I finally decided to follow my heart and immerse myself in the music industry, I encountered another set of challenges. As an independent artist, I had to wear many hats. I not only had to focus on songwriting and producing my music, but I also had to learn about marketing, publishing, and organizing events. This was overwhelming at times, as there was always so much to learn and manage.
A significant hurdle was my initial lack of formal music training. My early compositions relied heavily on my ear rather than technical knowledge. It was a humbling experience to realize how much I didn’t know. This motivated me to take music theory and arrangement classes, which required a lot of dedication and hard work to catch up.
Financial stability was another major challenge. As an independent artist, funding projects like recording albums, producing music videos, and organizing events often required significant personal investment. There were times when it felt like an uphill battle, trying to secure resources and support for my work.
Despite these struggles, I found strength in the support of my mentors, friends, and the music community. Mentors like Wu I-Wei provided invaluable guidance and encouragement. The supportive environment at Tainan National University of the Arts and the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Los Angeles helped me grow both personally and professionally.
These experiences taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance. Every challenge was a lesson that shaped me into the artist I am today. I learned to embrace the journey, with all its highs and lows, and to stay committed to my passion for music. This path has been anything but smooth, but it has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an independent singer-songwriter and music producer specializing in indie pop. My work is characterized by its emotive lyrics, catchy melodies, and the diverse range of styles I incorporate into my music. One of my proudest achievements is my single “Cold Beauty,” which was inspired by my admiration for Lana Del Rey. This song marked a significant milestone as it was my first time writing and producing an English song.
What sets me apart from others is my willingness to experiment with different styles and push my creative boundaries. I combine my experiences and influences to create a unique sound that resonates with a wide audience.
I am known for my heartfelt lyrics and emotive performances, aiming to connect with listeners on a personal level. My music often explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, offering a relatable and authentic experience for my audience.
One of the aspects I am most proud of is my ability to wear many hats as an independent artist. I handle everything from songwriting and arranging to producing and marketing my music. My first single, “Annoying Love,” was a significant milestone as it was my first attempt at arranging and producing a song on my own. Despite the challenges, I successfully created a piece that resonated with my audience, thanks in part to the support of my talented pianist friend, Mo Yu-Ting, whose contributions were invaluable.
I also take pride in my dedication to learning and growing as an artist. After initially struggling with formal music theory, I committed myself to studying and improving my skills. This dedication has allowed me to produce more complex and sophisticated music over time. My experience as a independent artist and working at a music publishing company has also enriched my understanding of both the creative and business sides of the music industry. This dual perspective has made me more adept at communicating with professionals from different fields who are not musicians. It has also broadened my perspective on creating music, allowing me to approach it not only as a musician but from a multifaceted viewpoint.
In addition to my music, I love organizing and participating in music events and workshops. These experiences not only help me grow as an artist but also allow me to connect with other musicians and share my knowledge and passion for music.
Ultimately, what sets me apart is my relentless passion for music and my commitment to authenticity in my work. I strive to create music that not only entertains but also inspires and supports my listeners, offering them a sense of connection and understanding.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is an inherent part of any creative journey, and it has certainly been a significant aspect of my career in music. I believe that taking risks is essential for growth and innovation. Without stepping out of our comfort zones, we limit our potential and miss out on opportunities for transformation and success.
One of the major risks I took was pursuing a career in music despite societal and familial expectations. Initially, I enrolled in an Applied Language program because I didn’t succeed in applying for the Classical Music Program at Tainan National University of the Arts. This felt like a setback, but it also motivated me to find another path to achieve my dreams. Five years later, I applied to the Applied Music program at the same university and was accepted, reigniting my musical aspirations. This decision involved a significant risk, as it meant defying conventional expectations and venturing into a less secure career path.
Another significant risk was moving to Los Angeles to attend the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music. This move was a leap into the unknown, leaving behind the familiarity of Taiwan and stepping into a highly competitive industry in a foreign country. The financial and emotional investment was substantial, but I believed it was necessary to grow as an artist and expand my horizons.
One of the most significant risks I’ve taken was organizing music events without any prior experience. I made numerous mistakes along the way, but each one was a valuable lesson. I’m incredibly grateful to my university for creating an environment that allowed me to experiment and learn. This supportive atmosphere enabled me to try new things and develop my skills, even when the outcome was uncertain.
In my view, risk-taking is not about being reckless but about making informed decisions that push the boundaries of what is possible. It involves embracing uncertainty and being willing to face potential failure. Each risk I’ve taken has taught me valuable lessons and contributed to my growth as an artist and individual. I believe that the willingness to take risks is crucial for anyone who wants to innovate and succeed in their field. It’s about trusting your instincts, being resilient, and continuously striving to turn challenges into opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://betty123anan.wixsite.com/bettykemusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettykemusic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettykemusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bettykemusic
- Youtube: https://api.ffm.to/bl/e/c/bettyke?cd=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_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
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/betty-ke-los-angeles?osq=betty+ke
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bettykemusic
- Other: https://futureseed.ffm.to/bettyke
