'A Conversation With...' is finally back with a brand new series featuring interviews with some of my favourite indie-artists. I am so excited to share this interview with Anchen Ji, an indie- pop singer-songwriter who has recently ventured into the music industry. In this conversation we discussed her recent single 'Wait It Out' and how she balances her work as a scientist with her interest in music.
“Wait It Out is based on my experience. I loved a boy. We met some obstacles in reality, such as long distance and age difference. He wanted to leave, but I wanted to wait it out..."
Hi Anchen, thank you for taking the time to do this interview! How are you?
I’m pretty good but busy with my studying at Berklee Online these days.
For those who haven’t heard your music before, how would you describe your sound?
My song is in pop genre. I have a sweet and calm voice and I wish my audience to feel relaxed, happy, energetic, and dance to my music. I wish my audience to think positively about the future.
You’ve recently started releasing music, what inspired you pursue a career in the music industry?
I have encountered great changes in the past 2 years, such as a divorce and changing jobs. I started studying vocal performance and music business courses at Berklee Online in 2021. I had an idea of what my first single was about. I was encouraged by my teacher and was referred to my current producer, Chengcheng (Troy) Tang, and my current
songwriter, Tyller Bolton. They are both Berklee alumni. We worked together and released my first single, “Stars” and my second single, “Wait It Out” and this is how I entered the music industry. I’m a scientist in a pharmaceutical company in Boston, USA to develop new medicine to treat patients. During my evenings and weekends, I work on music.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest single ‘Wait It Out’ and the meaning behind the lyrics?
“Wait It Out” is based on my experience. I loved a boy. We met some obstacles in reality, such as long distance and age difference. He wanted to leave, but I wanted to wait it out. I believe that true love will overcome any obstacle in the end.
Do you have a process when creating music or do you write spontaneously?
I create the song idea first then I discuss with my producer and my songwriter about the song idea. Then the beat comes first. For example, when creating the beat of “Wait It Out”, Troy referenced it from Ariana Grande’s “No Tears Left to Cry”.
Are there any plans to release a music video to accompany the single?
I recorded some footage at Berklee studio while I was recording this song, my videographer is editing it now. I have a lyric video on my website; https://AnchenEntertainment.com . I have an idea of creating a dancing music video in the future for my previous singles. If I have free time, I’ll learn how to dance. I think my songs are very groovy and it’s good to dance together with some friends.
Do you have any goals or plans for the rest of 2023?
Yes, I’m working on my third single with my producer and my songwriter. The song is about love in parallel spacetimes. I hope to release it in 2023. I’m taking 3 classes at Berklee Online: artist management, sight-singing and guitar for beginners. I’m planning to learn more about vocal performance, music business, and song writing in 2023.
Over the last few years, I’ve been asking artists and musicians what advice they would give to those who may be thinking about pursuing a career in music. As someone who has recently entered the music scene, what advice would you give to artists who are about to release and debut in the music industry?
I think that “good” is not enough and that we need great. My advice is to try your best to create great music. After you have great music, use the marketing knowledge you learned from school will help you maximize your exposure to
your potential audience. For a new artist, that is a lot of work to do. So be patient. If you don’t have the marketing knowledge, I suggest you take music business classes.
Finally, what is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I received is to be patient. My teacher said don’t be disappointed if no one listen to your song. Just keep creating great music and work hard.
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions!
Thank you so much for inviting me.
Listen to Anchen Ji's latest single 'Wait It Out' in the link above or hear the song on my Spotify Reviews Playlist (link in bio)
Great to see how much she gets into the music in the second video!