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

Menghe, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

When I saw this question, my thoughts were still “Fading” even after composing a lot of different music and projects. “Fading” explores the cultural heritage and its vulnerability in the face of modernization through traditional Chinese street shout-out slogans. It reflects my deep connection to traditional Chinese culture and my desire to preserve cultural elements in our fast-paced digital age.

During the premiere of “Fading” at my recital “Land in Tide” at the Wild Beast Music Hall in March 2023, I experienced a mesmerizing moment that underscored the cultural resonance of the project. Regardless of their cultural backgrounds, a diverse audience was captivated by the haunting melodies of “Fading.” Many attendees expressed how “Fading” transcended cultural boundaries, touching them on a deeply personal level. It stood out as the only piece in the entire recital in which I exclusively utilized Mandarin, yet it resonated profoundly with audiences from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. We were heartened by their genuine response, which reaffirmed the project’s mission: to bridge cultural divides and foster community understanding.

The premiere of “Fading” marked a significant milestone in my artistic journey, prompting me to reflect on its significance. There is no doubt that “Fading” has the unique ability to transcend language barriers and elicit universal emotions. Seeing this positive response, I am committed to making “Fading” a dynamic, multi-faceted project that fosters connections between people from different cultures and nations. Beyond being a mere musical composition, “Fading” has the potential to manifest itself in various forms and fields, serving as a powerful conduit for cultural exchange and understanding.

Menghe, 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?

Sure, I’m Menghe Jing, a Los Angeles-based vocalist, composer, and performing artist. My journey into the music industry began at the age of 13, deeply inspired by the raw energy of metal and rock music. This initial spark ignited my passion for self-expression through music, leading me to pursue an MFA in Voice Arts at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). I was able to broaden my horizons through this transformative experience, exploring rock, metal, pop, gospel, musical theater, opera, and experimental vocal arts, as well as breaking free from conventional song structure, allowing me to create immersive sound experiences by combining extended vocal techniques with electronic elements.

The pleasure of performing as a solo singer in China and the United States has given me the opportunity to collaborate with bands on recitals, tours, ceremonies, and music festivals. My performances reflect not only my versatility as a vocalist but also my dedication to delivering impactful and engaging experiences to audiences worldwide. I am known for my commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, which fuses art, film, and photography to engage diverse audiences. This approach not only expands my artistic horizons but also pushes creative boundaries, allowing me to create profound and transformative experiences.

My music stems from a profound connection with God, which serves as the driving force behind it. The purpose of my music is to inspire, empower, and communicate love throughout the world through music. While acknowledging the individuality of each person, I believe shared experiences and connections can contribute to a more compassionate and interconnected world by bridging the gap between us. I’m most proud of my ability to constantly push artistic boundaries, embrace collaboration, and infuse my work with love, which evokes emotions in others and creates meaningful connections.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

That’s exactly what I talked about in the last section. Absolutely, there is. My creative journey is deeply rooted in my relationship with God, which has been the driving force behind everything I do. As a musician, I strive to share the love, inspiration, and empowerment that I’ve experienced through this connection through my music.

I believe that music has the power to touch people’s hearts and souls in profound ways, transcending barriers and bringing us closer together. Music is my calling and I believe it has been entrusted to me by God for the purpose of serving the world. It is my goal to create experiences that resonate on a spiritual level and leave a lasting impression with every note, every lyric I write. I see myself as a vessel through which God can encourage people and make this world a better place.

I see myself as a vessel through which God can encourage people and make this world a better place. This mission is deeply intertwined with my personal journey and experiences, from my formative years as a metal and rock enthusiast to my studies and my collaborations with bands and artists worldwide. My concert “Land in Tide” exemplifies this mission. In “Land in Tide,” I crafted original compositions to serve as carriers of different emotions, weaving a journey through various styles of music. But amidst the ebb and flow of emotions, I show the listeners a harbor that we all need through my voice—a source of love and warmth to anchor us in the storm.

Whether I’m performing as a vocalist, experimenting with different genres and mediums, or collaborating with other artists, my ultimate goal is to spread positivity and make a positive impact on the world. I want my music to serve as a source of healing, hope, and joy for everyone who hears it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to cultivate and embrace open-mindedness. As someone who explores a wide range of genres, from metal to gospel, opera to experimental, and choir to electronic, I’ve learned that creativity knows no bounds and thrives on diversity.

I find it rewarding to challenge preconceived notions and push the boundaries of what is considered “normal” or “expected” in my creative journey. A lot of people have a very narrow view of what a musician or vocalist should be. Many assume I’m trying to become a pop star, overlooking the complexity and richness of the genres I love. Nevertheless, I’ve found immense joy in defying those expectations and embracing the full spectrum of my artistic identity.

I’ve always believed that human vision is limited, and we often view the world through a narrow lens, influenced by the information and opinions presented to us. This realization inspired me to create an installation sound art project called “Hidden by Vision” with video artist Muyan Pei, where I explored the concept of information overload and its impact on our perceptions. In a world inundated with fragmented information, it’s crucial to cultivate open-mindedness and resist falling into the trap of narrow perspectives. Artists, in particular, have a unique opportunity to break free from these limitations and encourage others to do the same. As a musician who challenges the status quo to foster empathy and understanding, I have the opportunity to encourage others to approach life with an open mind and heart.

For me, the most rewarding moments are when I witness how art transforms people— when my music touches someone on a deep level and opens their eyes to new possibilities. It’s a reminder of the importance of remaining open to new experiences and ideas, both as creators and as human beings.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jingmenghe: https://www.instagram.com/jingmenghe
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jingmenghe6215

Image Credits
Yubei Jiang, Yuang Li, Jeffery Mak, Shiqing Ban