Photo courtesy of John Packman

There were two distinct moments in my life where I had the strongest urge to make a living making music. I already played saxophone since I was 9, and at 16 I started a weekly singing class with a focus on jazz and musical. After I finished high school my dream was to enroll into a musical theatre school in the UK. I travelled to London with my dad and checked out a few schools in person, applied and then got annihilated by my mom who wanted me to go study something proper at university. Half Asian mom, just saying.

For a few semesters I sampled courses in theoretical theatre and translator in Germany, but didn’t continue my studies and instead took film making classes in England, where I ended up graduating with a B.A. (Hons) and another diploma in animation and acting in Vancouver. How is filmmaking more proper than music? Mom logic.

I’m actually so grateful I did because now I work in graphic design and film and am able to make my own music videos and all things visual for my music.

I grew up with animated cartoons like Disney and Looney Tunes, so I fell in love with filmmaking and wanted to become an animator at Pixar. I even went to check out the studio in California because a friend of mine used to work there. That new career goal really confused me because I also loved music but I was struggling with what my heart truly wanted and which field was a better financial decision. Add acting to the list because I studied it for character animation and now wanted to try my luck in that as well. I did have a nervous breakdown and depression at some point.

There were other things going on as well - relationship trouble and recovering from a tailbone fracture. It all culminated into that moment where I sat in my room for a day or two, being in the deepest black hole; not eating, not remembering what I did and all of a sudden there was this eerie voice from somewhere above. It was more like an inner voice but it felt like it came from far away, like when you get inspiration or an idea and something hits you. And that female angel-like entity told me to do music. In that moment I felt such a relief, like I found a long-lost sister. I can’t even explain it but I knew then what my path is.

It’s been a long and winding road but I loved starting my music career in Toronto being a jazz singer and then moving into writing my own songs and getting them out into the world. I also do voice work for commercials and TV shows and write for sync libraries that place the songs into features, trailers and commercials. I also got some of my own music placed and continue to expand my network and opportunities, with a debut in video games coming soon.

In the last few years I realized that, as a solo artist, it’s tough and lonely to do everything by myself. I started discovering the few really great music professionals that I work with, that I consider my friends and that are part of my team. I support and collaborate with other artists that I have become good friends with. Trust me, it’s more fun, and lifting each other up is way more powerful than competing.

I can’t wait for you to hear my debut EP, PTSD, out in November - what a therapeutic ride it will be.