We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lotus Flow. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lotus below.
Lotus, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
My journey towards pursuing a creative and artistic path professionally began at a young age with a foundation in 10 years of classical piano training. Growing up in China, I immersed myself in the intricate world of classical music, developing both technical proficiency and a deep appreciation for the beauty of composition.
In addition to my classical roots, I found myself drawn to the enchanting world of Western pop music. The diversity of genres and the ability of music to convey emotions and stories fascinated me. This early exposure sparked a curiosity that would later influence my decision to pursue a career in the music industry.
When I was 16, I committed myself to pursue a career in music industry, so I traveled abroad to Berklee College of Music to study Jazz and electronic sound design. Studying jazz allowed me to explore improvisation and musical expression in ways that classical training hadn’t. Simultaneously, diving into electronic music production opened doors to the cutting-edge possibilities of technology in music creation. This fusion of traditional and contemporary elements has become a hallmark of my approach as a producer.
Lotus, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Lotus Flow, and I am a multi-genre music producer, songwriter, and artist originally from Shenzhen, China, currently based in Los Angeles. I grew up with multi-genre music environment, and have now become an active versatile musician. During my teenage years, I was influenced by western pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music, which led me to pursue music career in US.
I performed as a synth bass player in a funk band at jazz clubs and city radio when I was in college. Additionally, I created an indie band, which motivated me to start releasing original music; Meanwhile, I got a publishing deal with Universal China as a producer and writer. This marked the beginning of my journey in creating music for other artists within the industry. My works started getting exposures by TV shows/festival, Tencent game and commercials in China.
After relocating to LA in 2022, I built my writing team with WD, who is an amazing songwriter that introduced me to the Kpop scene. Together, we collaborated with incredible artists such as AleXa, Gloria Kim, Santa(Zanduo) and Lily Pichu, as well as other talented songwriters.
Started from 2023, I have been developing my own music style and creating my artist projects. My second original single ‘Casual’ is going to be released at Feb 2nd, 2024.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
As a young Chinese female producer in the US, I am fueled by a commitment to excellence and a desire to bring a fresh perspective to the global music landscape. My goal is to challenge conventional norms and introduce fresh ideas that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s through groundbreaking production techniques, genre-blending compositions, or exploring new avenues in music, I aspire to be at the forefront of innovation.
I also see it as an opportunity to break down barriers and foster greater inclusivity. I want to showcase that diversity is not only welcome but essential for the evolution of the industry. My journey is guided by the belief that through music, we can create bridges between cultures and connect with audiences on a profound level.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
While my life philosophy doesn’t come from a traditional business book, I’ve found profound insights and impactful philosophies in the show ‘The Minimalists.’ This documentary series delves into the principles of minimalism, exploring how simplifying our lives can lead to greater fulfillment and purpose.
One key takeaway from ‘The Minimalists’ is the concept of focusing on what truly matters and eliminating unnecessary complexities. In the entrepreneurial realm, this has translated into a strategic emphasis on core values, streamlined processes, and a conscious effort to avoid unnecessary distractions. The idea of ‘less is more’ has become a guiding principle in my management style, promoting efficiency and clarity.
In music production, I firmly believe that achieving a minimalist and tight sound is the pinnacle of skill. Stripping away unnecessary elements and honing in on the essential components of a track requires a deep understanding of both musicality and production techniques. It’s about making deliberate choices, avoiding overthinking, and allowing the core elements to shine.
By embracing minimalism in both my philosophy towards success and my music production techniques, I aim to bring clarity, purpose, and a heightened level of skill to everything I do. It’s a commitment to excellence through simplicity, allowing the true essence of the work to resonate with its audience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lotusflow__/
Image Credits
Jay Xiao