Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with 关于黄彦斌 Yanbin Huang

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

When I was in elementary school, I heard my cousin play the violin, and I became immensely curious about the sound of the instrument.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

When I was 20, I met my jazz teacher, Mike Tseng, who introduced me to my very first live jazz concert. After that, I knew I wanted to play jazz just like the musicians on stage.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

My upcoming project is called 緣 (Yuán), which translates to “fate” or “destiny” in English. It explores the connections between music, people, and shared experiences.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

I’d say my compositions are influenced by a wide variety of genres. It sounds like a cinematic soundtrack, but built on a foundation of jazz thinking and improvisation.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

It came from the violinist Adam Bałdych, who told me that the most important element when writing music is balance.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Acoustic piano, violin, baritone violin, and Sibelius for notation and producing sheet music.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

The Japanese drummer Shun Ishikawa and his project Mabui.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

All of the music I create is deeply rooted in my personal experiences. The people I’ve met and the places I’ve visited.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I hope the music encourages listeners to reflect while listening and ultimately brings them a sense of inner peace.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

Music connects people. It can take you to places you could never have imagined both physically and mentally.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

North Sea Jazz Festival or Tokyo Jazz Festival.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

From the past, Wayne Shorter: he is my hero, and he made the world a better place through his music. From the present, Brad Mehldau: my all-time favorite composer and pianist. His endless musical ideas always blow my mind.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music?