We recently connected with Ailin Deng and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ailin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have an agent or someone (or a team) that helps you secure opportunities and compensation for your creative work? How did you meet you, why did you decide to work with them, why do you think they decided to work with you?

I am an independent artist and have not been signed by any company. I am currently working with a small team that I trust. I have several artists I deeply respect, like Arca, Eartheater, and FKA Twigs, who inspire me with their innovation and fearless creativity. When it comes to collaborators, I’m not just looking up to big names—I’m interested in connecting with people around me, like talented producers here in New York or even remotely. I’m open to various types of work now, whether it’s DJing, creating sync tracks, or pitching songs for other artists. For me, collaboration is about building connections and finding creative synergy in unexpected places.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey has been a combination of passion and self-driven learning. I was born in China, where I began my career as a self-taught songwriter and synthesizer musician. One of my first big breaks came when I became the official promoter for Roland’s TR-8S drum machine in the Chinese market. It was a rewarding experience and solidified my love for electronic music.
Since then, I’ve expanded into many roles—producing, songwriting, directing, and even serving as the music director for the MMORPG Torchlight: Infinite, the relaxing idle adventure mobile game Go! Go! Muffin, which was a fantastic experience and a big milestone for me.

https://torchlight.starforce.tw/en
https://muffin.xdg.com/en/

I’m also an indie game lover, and I recently finished another game project with friends for this year’s competition. And I’m excited to see how it’s received!
Directing and producing my music videos is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. I manage everything from directing, casting, lighting, choreography, costume design, and even hair and makeup. It’s a hands-on process, allowing me to entirely shape the visual and emotional experience I want to convey with each track.
Studying at Berklee NYC was eye-opening! It expanded my approach to electronic music production and connected me with talented songwriters and producers who are just as passionate about dance music. Being here in New York has allowed me to dive deeper into this world and collaborate with artists with similar energy and vision.
As a singer now, I’ve had the opportunity to perform at various venues in New York City. This year, I performed at the 15th anniversary of the NYU GALA at Terminal 5 and the Manhattan Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown. I’m also a regular at venues like Brooklyn Made, Brooklyn Music Kitchen, pinkFrog cafe, and Powerstation Blackbox. Recently, I took on a new role as a DJ, exploring the world of electronic music and performing at EVOL and other nightclubs around New York. It’s been exciting to explore this side of music and connect with audiences in a whole new way.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the connection I create with people through my work. Whether I’m on stage, in the studio, or even mixing music as a DJ, I’m driven by this idea of building an emotional bridge. When I perform live, like the venues in New York, I can feel the audience reacting to my music, forming a shared experience that’s beyond words. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my music and energy can touch someone’s day, resonate with something they’re feeling, or help them feel understood.

Beyond the performances, I find fulfillment in seeing my growth as an artist and helping others find their voice. Working with Grammy-winning producers or collaborating with friends on independent projects, I learn something new each time. These experiences motivate me, and I feel privileged to create something authentic that resonates with others and fosters a sense of community.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I would say there are three qualities that I think are very necessary as an artist.
They are professionalism, humility, and a constant drive for growth. Being professional in every project is essential to me—not only by respecting each team member’s role and being on time for shows but also by bringing a personal aesthetic and authenticity to every song I write. I believe in creating work that reflects my unique vision without compromising or stepping on anyone else’s toes.
Humility is also crucial; I rely on a small, trusted circle for honest feedback. I think it’s essential to be confident—sometimes even arrogant in pursuing my vision—but grounded enough to know when to listen to my trusted ones.
Finally, growth is my motivation. I need pressure to push my limits, but I also make time to recharge. I believe in balancing my fast-paced work life with moments alone to reflect and reconnect, which helps me manage stress and energizes me creatively.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ailin.909
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ailin909
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ailin909
• Other: Spotify: Ailin Deng
  linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/ailindeng