Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Song.

Hi Frank, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

I spent most of my life playing music. I was expected to pursue academics, and took that all the way through medical school, residency, and a full time practicing physician. However, after residency and covid, I realized I needed to pursue my dreams and true passions. So I left my full time practice, and am now a full time musician in Brooklyn! My journey has also been informed by my identity has a queer man and my Chinese-American heritage. It feels like I’ve been spending most of life trying to decipher where I fit within society and what makes me, ME.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It has definitely not been smooth! I first decided I wanted to pursue a doctorate in Naturopathic medicine, as my philosophies align with more holistic medical traditions, herbal medicines, etc. Unfortunately, there is blatant stigma towards this form of medicine, no matter how closely you try to follow western – scientific research based guidelines to the practice of herbal and natural medicines. I also grew up in an environment in rural Virginia where expressing my Chinese and East Asian heritage was not safe and welcomed. Additionally dealing with homophobia for most of my life has left me with a lot of material to review with my therapist. I’ve had to dive into why I have such a low sense of self-worth, feeling of discomfort when engaging with my Chinese folk traditions, and fighting to have a voice in modern America. However, I do believe the struggles has made me very strong in what I believe is my path and what I’m fighting for in this life.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

My goals as an artist are almost exactly what I’d say my goals are as a medical professional. I am working towards merging and bridging Eastern and Western traditions. If you think about it, that’s simply who I am. I am an American born citizen, but raised in a traditional Chinese household, and I’ve spent my whole life trying to bring both halves of my identity together. In music, I am merging American/Appalachian folk music with East Asian Folk music. This represents my childhood. I grew up around bluegrass and Celtic music traditions in rural Virginia and then would be home listening to traditional East Asian music. Many of these folk songs are about the same subject matter; our relationships with our selves, family and nature; just written and performed in two different languages and styles. I wish for my music to be a vehicle for people’s healing and for listeners to connect with themselves and their emotions. I wish for my music to represent liberation, peace, and transformation. I want my music to reach the queer communities and people in small towns around the world. To help them feel like there are humans that understand their struggle and their loneliness. Through my music and lyrics I hope listeners feel like they can find the strength to move forward, build there own communities, and find the people who see them for who they are and love them regardless of their perceived “faults”.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?

Communication and intentional dialogue is so important. I’ve done a lot of therapy and introspection to better these skills. I have realized it’s always important to be honest and not let resentment or miscommunications build. Leading with kindness and love has helped me and my success. Taking breaks and also not taking life so seriously is something I’m working on. I always find that my mind, intentions, and work are more clear and come with ease if I take time for breaks. Sometimes we think our work and our own “selves” are way more important than they actually are. Life and joy is meant to be simple. I think being truly honest with myself and accepting my own unique identity and perceptive has been challenging but rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.franksongjr.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franksongjr/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_akdLM45g572PUhuBxM3hA/video

Image Credits

Elizabeth Spear