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

Lori, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I was very fortunate that my parents gave me the freedom to try everything as a child. I was the kid with a packed routine and schedule from a young age—the one who did basketball, volleyball, badminton, competitive swimming, piano lessons, gymnastics, acting, and painting. Having the chance to explore so many different activities helped me discover my strengths and weaknesses. Over time, as all the things I used to do narrowed down to one, it became clear to me that the thing I stuck with was the thing I truly loved—music and acting.

The opportunity to choose for myself and think for myself about what was right for me is a luxury not every child gets. My parents guided me without pushing me, giving me the space to decide my own path. They instilled in me the belief that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

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.

I write music and perform at various events in my region, focusing on themes like women’s empowerment, Asian heritage, youth diversity, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Beyond performing for these causes, I also enjoy creating and recording music for my band, Lori & David. Since 2020, we’ve been collaborating, experimenting with sounds, and pushing creative boundaries. Our latest single, FOCUS/NEVER HURT YOUR SOUL, reflects our shared passion for storytelling and innovation in music.

I’m also an actor, a journey that began when I was just 5 years old. Starting with print work and gradually transitioning to commercial films, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some truly talented and inspiring individuals—something I’m endlessly grateful for. Some notable projects I’ve been part of include Level 16, The Suitcase (my first movie), Odd Squad, and an exciting new project set to air in October 2024. During the second half of 11th grade, I discovered a deep passion for filmmaking through my film class. Directing and screenwriting quickly became creative outlets I love, and I plan to dive further into movie-making in the future.

At the heart of everything I do—whether it’s music, acting, or filmmaking—is a desire to remind people what it truly means to be human. To me, that means embracing and celebrating the full spectrum of emotions, both the good and the bad, and pouring our hearts into everything we do. In a world that often feels chaotic, I want to show that life can be simple, beautiful, and worth enjoying. My willingness to take risks and tackle life’s uncomfortable or overlooked topics is what sets me apart as an artist and creator.

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

I often talk about not caring too much about how people perceive my work, but when someone does feel something—anything—towards it, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of creating. It might sound a little intense, but for example, seeing someone cry over a lyric or getting teary-eyed warms my heart. It means I’ve done my job of reminding us what being human is all about: feeling. Or, on a lighter note, seeing people smile, dance, or just vibe to my music is just as fulfilling.

Knowing that there are people out there who are truly listening—deeply enough to feel something—means the world to me. It’s those moments that keep me creating. My hope is that anything I put out into the world gives people a chance to escape into a sea of emotions, to step away from whatever feels bigger than the present, and to reconnect with themselves—feeling life in full color.

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.

It’s weird—whenever someone asks me why I do what I do, I get stumped. Not because I don’t have an answer, but because it feels like second nature to me. Like breathing. I don’t have some perfectly logical reason—it’s just who I am, what I do.

People love to say the entertainment industry is whimsical or unstable, but they don’t get it. The most successful people in this space are the ones willing to dream bigger than anyone else thinks is reasonable. It’s not just about luck or talent—it’s about having a vision that’s almost too big to make sense to anyone else.

And yeah, I could say I want people to feel something when they hear my music—and I do—but honestly, even if they didn’t, it’s still my music. It’s still me, and that’s enough.

What really bugs me, though, is the term “non-creatives.” I don’t believe in it. Everyone is creative in their own way. Whether it’s solving problems, crunching numbers, writing, or deciding what to cook for dinner, creativity is everywhere. This idea that artists are somehow in their own separate bubble? That’s the kind of thinking that kills the color in the world.

So, when people tell me they don’t get why I do what I do, that’s fine. Honestly, I don’t completely understand it myself. I just know I have to—it’s who I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/loriphun
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriphun/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.phun.7/?locale=zh_TW
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lori-phun-10a844290_hey-linkedin-if-youre-new-to-following-activity-7134004077092339712-jHSX/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@loriphun
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lori-phun

Image Credits

Michelle Fagin