Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Baolu Chen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Baolu, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I would say I’m learning to be happy again after music became not just a passion but a way of life. When I have a lot of deadlines and feel pressured to write something, I start to wonder if it would be better to treat music as a side hobby instead of a career. That way, I would feel freer to create whatever I want, rather than forcing myself to produce something on demand. I also wouldn’t need to worry about the financial impact of turning down offers. I could write purely because I love what I’m writing about, not because I have to.

For instance, there was a time I had to write cues for TV shows with content I personally found problematic. I had to convince myself that there was nothing wrong with the music itself and that I had no control over how it would be used. However, I also recognize that every job has its hardships. When I’m doing what I love, I have more motivation to overcome those challenges. Plus, I love the flexibility of arranging my day as I like and not having to go to an office.

So, in the end, I still love my work as a composer and producer.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started playing piano and Guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument, at the age of five, which sparked my inspiration to blend both Eastern and Western musical styles. Growing up in a traditional Asian family, I never initially considered music as a career path. However, in high school, I watched a documentary about music producers, and it opened my eyes—I realized this was the life I wanted to pursue. After debating for a few years, I transferred to Berklee College of Music, where I began to seriously treat music as my profession.

Today, I compose music for TV shows and recently secured placements in shows like 90 Day Fiancé. It’s always exciting to hear my music aired, giving me a real sense of accomplishment. I also collaborate with artist friends, producing and co-writing songs, which I find incredibly fulfilling.

Currently, I’m studying immersive music technology at NYU Steinhardt, focusing on recording and mixing in immersive formats, as I see it as a transformative trend in the industry. My arts-based research thesis explores producing popular music in Ambisonics format, and I’ll be holding a listening event to connect with audiences through these new sonic experiences.

Through my work, I aim to create unique, cross-cultural sounds that resonate with people and push the boundaries of traditional and immersive audio. I hope this approach sets me apart and draws others to experience my music on a deeper level.

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 often hear people, even friends, say they envy me for doing something I love, and they wish they had a natural talent for music. I think it’s a myth that you need talent to become a musician—or to pursue anything you’re passionate about. For me, if you love something, that passion itself is a form of talent. Passion drives you to push through challenges and be more disciplined because you genuinely enjoy the process.

In my experience, discipline is far more important than any innate talent. Writing music, like any skill, requires practice. People often assume that writing a good song takes talent, but it’s actually dedication and consistent effort that lead to great songs. No one creates a hit on day one—it’s a gradual journey of improvement and learning.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is knowing that, once I finish a piece, I’ve brought something new and meaningful into existence. It takes a lot of effort to create something I’m truly satisfied with, but once it’s out in the world, it becomes a lasting testament to my vision and growth. Each work serves as a marker of my creative journey—a reminder of my memories, the friends I collaborated with, and the experiences that shaped me. Having these pieces in the world is like leaving behind a trace of who I was at each stage, something others can connect with and that I can return to, either to appreciate or to recognize how far I’ve come.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @baoluccc
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nonacbl