We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wanye Kong a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Wanye, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I decided to pursue music professionally during high school. I realized that if I wanted to stand out like the top students in academic achievements, only music could help me achieve that. Compared to other things, music was what I was best at and loved the most. When I performed on stage, I discovered that standing out was simple—it was music that made me shine among the crowd.

At the age of six, I began learning the violin, singing, and Latin dance, participating in every available art class. However, the only one I stuck with was the violin, thanks to my parents’ encouragement. For a playful child like me, practicing the violin was tedious, but under my parents’ supervision, I persisted for ten years. This dedication led me to become the concertmaster of my high school orchestra and win the national youth violin gold medal. It wasn’t until high school that I decided to embark on a true musical journey.

Despite being immersed in classical music for over a decade, I couldn’t resist the allure of a different path when choosing what to study in college. I opted for popular music and vocal performance, as singing was my true passion. My parents have always supported my choices, which led me to the vibrant and opportunity-filled city of Los Angeles. In this city of musical dreams, I embarked on a more professional journey at the Musicians Institute to deepen my musical education.

Wanye, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Wanye Kong, a singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles and a graduate of the Musicians Institute Master Program. I have been performing for over ten years, including singing and playing the violin. My music combines pop and folk in a way that feels natural and genuine. I use my experience in performance and my classical training to give depth to my music, making it relatable and thoughtful.

My music journey started from a dream that inspired my first song, “I Heard My Name.” This song tells the story of that dream, focusing on self-discovery and looking back at the past. It uses the idea of dreams to explore deeper feelings and thoughts.

I strive to make music that’s not just enjoyable but also makes people think and reflect. My songs have a dreamy quality that I hope will encourage listeners to think about their own dreams and what they might mean. This can lead to new insights about themselves.

My debut song, “I Heard My Name,” shares stories from my dreams to inspire others to think about their own dreams. I hope my music helps listeners understand themselves better and appreciate the subtle messages in their thoughts. “I Heard My Name” will be released next month, and I’m excited for people to hear it and start their own journeys of self-discovery.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, creating is a profound way to express myself, with music being one of the most impactful forms. Being able to capture my thoughts and ideas in music is invaluable, as these can often be fleeting. Music allows me to preserve my stories in a rich, immersive way, which is incredibly precious. Another crucial aspect is that composing music is when I truly find my sense of purpose. It’s a form of spiritual release and redemption for me, allowing me to connect deeply with my inner self and the world around me. This connection and the ability to convey my inner thoughts through music are what I find most rewarding about being an artist.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Meditation has been the most profound influence on my thinking, both as an individual and as a creative entrepreneur. I started with yoga, which initially served as a physical exercise, but it quickly became more about the mindfulness and mental clarity that came with it. As I delved deeper into meditation, I found it brought a profound calmness to both my mind and body, allowing me to think clearly and calmly in various situations.

This practice of inner reflection through meditation has been invaluable for my music creation and career decisions in the music industry. It has provided me with inspiration for both my life and work, guiding me through creative processes and crucial decision-making moments. If the brain and heart are the controllers of our actions, then meditation is the mirror of my heart, helping me to see and understand myself clearly, learn from my experiences, and continually strive to become a better version of myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanye_kong/