Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Betty Ke. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Betty, 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?
As an artist and a creative, my happiness often stems from the freedom and fulfillment I experience when expressing myself through music. However, lthere are moments when I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job.
Every day, I might see social media updates from friends around my age. Many of them have bought houses, cars, or even have their own families and children. Some even have the financial means to take their parents on trips and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. I wondered if I would be happier with a more structured and secure lifestyle.
Reflecting on this, I realized that while the life of an artist is challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. The joy I feel when I finish a song, the excitement of performing live, and the connection I make with my audience are incomparable and people I meet from music career. These experiences remind me why I chose this path in the first place.
I feel that music has become a part of my life. I know that in many practical aspects, other fields might offer more stability or a better quality of life, but without music, something would feel off, like something was missing. It’s like my coffee must have oat milk; even though I don’t mind black coffee, it feels like it’s missing something essential without it!
To me, art is a deeply spiritual bridge that connects people, just like the people you meet at a job, in school, or through different school clubs and departments, all have their own unique characteristics. I’ve always felt that people who study art are quite different from those in other fields. We are wildly imaginative and strongly expressive, sometimes a bit crazy, sometimes difficult, and other times incredibly naive. While everyone else might experience occasional showers on a partly cloudy day, we’re living through the aftermath of climate change every day. In different aspects, we experience extremes. After all, doing art isn’t just about following a service industry SOP to complete tasks. Creating art requires opening up your inner world for everyone to see, demanding a strong psychological resilience to handle people’s scrutiny and appreciation to finish each piece. I am someone who loves adventure and new experiences, which might be why music attracts me so deeply.
In conclusion, while the thought of a regular job sometimes crosses my mind, it’s the passion for my craft that keeps me grounded. The challenges I face as an artist are part of what makes the journey so meaningful. Each struggle teaches me resilience and deepens my appreciation for the moments of success and connection. Through these reflections, I reaffirm my commitment to my artistic journey, embracing both the highs and the lows.
I believe that if I hadn’t fallen in love with music and had a regular job now, I would still be happy. Every choice and stage of life is the best choice for that moment. Since I’ve chosen the path of art, I won’t imagine another life. I’ll focus on investing in and tackling the challenges I’m facing right now.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Betty Ke, an independent singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. Growing up in Taiwan, music was the rhythm that beat in the background of my everyday life. My early years were deeply influenced by percussion, where I spent over 13 years honing my skills. During my school years, I joined the wind band and served as a student conductor, which taught me leadership, musicality, and the power of collaboration. While my initial dream was to grace the stages of classical music, life charted a different course for me. I found myself in an Applied Language program in business, which momentarily set aside my musical aspirations.
Everything changed when a friend introduced me to a Production Music program helmed by Real Huang from the celebrated Taiwanese band F.I.R. This introduction was a revelation. It opened my eyes to the vibrant world of pop music and reignited my passion. I realized I could merge my love for music with this new genre, prompting me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Applied Music at Tainan National University of the Arts. The university offered a nurturing environment that was pivotal in my development. It provided me with the confidence and platform to organize music events, produce albums, and perform live shows.
Seeking to deepen my understanding, I actively participated in workshops and sought mentorship. I was lucky to find a mentor in Wu I-Wei from L2R Music Creation Studio. Wu I-Wei, known for his work with famous artists like Eric Chou, Angela Chang, and Rainie Yang, played a crucial role in my growth as a songwriter and independent artist. During this time, I also gained valuable industry experience working at a music publishing company, which enhanced my understanding of music rights, distribution, and artist management.
As an independent artist and singer-songwriter, I do my own songwriting and music production. I love experimenting with different music styles and challenging myself by organizing music events and workshops. My path led me to the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Los Angeles, a place that has further broadened my horizons. Here, I continue to evolve, embracing every opportunity, including an exciting interview with CanvasRebel MagazineMagazine.
Recently, I joined the Grammy U membership, which I am very excited about. Additionally, I am currently interning at Oceanfive Records under the guidance of a wonderful boss, Skylar Ward. Skylar has been incredibly supportive, guiding us step by step, and providing me with the opportunity to learn and get acquainted with the culture and work patterns here before officially entering the USA industry. I am very much looking forward to and will cherish every upcoming opportunity, grateful for all the chances that music has brought me, and I am committed to continuing on this learning journey. My journey is driven by a relentless passion for music, which is more than just a hobby; it’s the essence of who I am.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story from my journey that illustrates my resilience goes back to my student days. I am incredibly grateful to my younger self for being brave and full of drive. Back then, whenever I had an idea, I would pursue it relentlessly, even if I had no experience and others told me it wasn’t feasible. I remember diving headfirst into projects and challenges, driven by sheer determination to see them through.
Recently, I came across a quote that resonated deeply with me: “Regarding success, there are ample doses of pain and suffering. Success does not come from talent and luck; it comes from enduring these difficult experiences, which make a person more resilient.” Although I still have a long way to go to reach my ultimate goals, I am thankful that I had the courage to make mistakes during the stage of life when it was most forgiving. These experiences have allowed me to grow into the person I am today, someone who is stronger and more resilient in facing future challenges.
One particular instance that stands out is when I decided to organize my first music festival. I had no prior experience, and many people doubted its feasibility. I pushed forward, learning everything from event planning to marketing on the fly. It was an incredibly challenging process, filled with obstacles and setbacks. There were moments of self-doubt and frustration, but giving up was never an option for me. It taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of believing in oneself.
In summary, my journey has been a testament to the power of resilience. The courage to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them has been crucial in shaping my path. I am proud of the progress I’ve made and remain committed to facing future challenges with the same spirit of determination and resilience.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
One resource that has significantly impacted me is the movie “About Time.” This film beautifully encapsulates the importance of cherishing every moment and being present in all aspects of life.
“About Time” tells the story of a young man who discovers he can travel back in time and change events in his life. However, as the story unfolds, he learns that the true essence of happiness and fulfillment lies not in changing past events but in appreciating the present and making the most out of every day.
Every few years, I revisit this movie, and it helps me during challenging times. Although I don’t have the chance to relive moments, and I can’t always remain positive, the film reminds me to consciously experience my sadness or face difficulties head-on. I believe these journeys will eventually become cherished memories.
In summary, “About Time” has inspired me to lead with empathy, prioritize meaningful connections, and appreciate the journey as much as the destination. This philosophy not only enhances my creativity and productivity but also fosters a positive and supportive environment for everyone I work with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://betty123anan.wixsite.com/bettykemusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettykemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettykemusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettykemusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bettykemusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5wfSgBux2UaqS-UFrPU7YA
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bettykemusic
- Other: https://futureseed.ffm.to/bettyke
Image Credits
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