We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Linyao Feng a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sarah Linyao, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
On my journey through the realm of screen scoring, I’ve had the opportunity to compose for a diverse array of projects spanning from TV and film to animation and video games. Among them, one holds a particularly special place in my heart – a short animation titled ‘Little Rabbit,’ for which I had the privilege of serving as the original composer. Written, animated, and directed by Johanna Xue, the story centers around the story of a 6-year-old girl named ‘Lili’ who embarks on her kindergarten journey. There, she encounters a strict teacher who employs a bamboo stick for discipline. Hailing from Hungary, Lili grapples with the challenges of acclimating to a foreign environment, forging new friendships, and mastering a new language in a Chinese kindergarten, and this experience leaves an indelible mark in her childhood.
The moment I first encountered this film in its animatic stage, I felt an immediate and profound connection with its narrative. As a composer originally from China, I found myself reflecting on my own life’s journey. Memories of key moments flooded back – the first time I ventured alone to the United States for high school, and later, my arrival in New York for college. These parallel challenges resonated deeply with Lili’s struggles, and I was acutely aware of the journey she had to embark upon – one of self-discovery and adaptation.
Fuelled by a deep passion for the project, the music creation process spanned two months. I meticulously crafted the musical landscape through numerous collaborative sessions with Johanna. The film’s incorporation of ancient Chinese poetry, weaving a thematic thread from beginning to end, served as a wellspring of inspiration for my composition. It inspired me to infuse a distinct Asian essence into the score, using Western instruments as my canvas. Rather than relying on traditional Chinese instruments in a conventional manner, our creative direction led me to embrace a hybrid score. I seamlessly integrated diverse world instruments, orchestral elements, and synth pads, creating a musical tapestry that resonates universally, allowing audiences worldwide to connect with Lili’s story.
The journey of creating the soundtrack was both enjoyable and challenging. It was through this project that I began to discover my unique artistic voice – a fusion of the diverse musical styles I’ve studied and cherished, melded with the voice that roots deep down in my heart. It has been a transformative process which allowed me to crystallize what I truly want to convey as an artist.
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 am a Composer and Sound Designer for multimedia. My musical journey began at a young age when I started playing classical piano at three. This early exposure ignited my passion for music and set me on a path toward becoming a skilled musician and composer. Throughout middle and high school, I embarked on a journey of music composition, initially focusing on songwriting. As I grew up, my love for film music blossomed, as I was inevitably attracted by how powerful music is for storytelling. Later on, I honed my skills in orchestration, digital audio workstations, recording techniques, and music production in NYU’s Screen Scoring program. It was during this time that I began crafting music for film, animation, and video games, cementing my commitment to this multifaceted and captivating field.
I consider myself an adventurous and inquisitive individual, perpetually intrigued by all aspects of the audio-related fields. As I journey towards becoming a professional composer, I’ve also cultivated a diverse skill set that includes audio implementation, recording, musical show production, sample library production, and more. Switching between these hats is both challenging and exhilarating, as it equips me with the versatility to multitask and seamlessly fulfill various positions when working with my clients. Thus, I always maintain a positive outlook on these endeavors, always eager to explore and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of sound and music.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
One enduring drive for me is the quest to discover a unique artistic voice that reflects my distinct personality. I firmly believe that authenticity is paramount for all artists. Staying true to oneself, embracing the style of music that resonates with one’s core, and expressing one’s true self are fundamental principles. In the past, I harbored dreams of emulating renowned composers like John Williams, wishing I could craft pieces akin to their masterworks. While drawing inspiration from the masters is valuable for skill development, I’ve come to realize that an artist’s most crucial journey is discovering and nurturing their unique voice. As I evolve on my composer’s path, I embrace the understanding that expressing this distinct voice is the pinnacle of creative fulfillment. There’s no need to emulate others, for I am a unique voice in the world of composers, dedicated to uncovering and nurturing my own creative contribution.
As my aspiration to be a versatile artist, I have been exposed to various facets of creative work that have piqued my interest. The recognition of the importance of balance among elements such as music, sound design, narratives, and dialogues has motivated me to develop a broad skill set for audio post production, allowing me to offer my assistance wherever it’s needed to ensure the delivery of exceptional results.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion and truly understand your journey is an incredibly rewarding experience as an artist. Networking isn’t just about professional connections; it’s about making genuine friends and forming meaningful relationships. Regardless of your style or background, there will always be someone who resonates with your path. Sometimes, you’ll need to reach out, while other times, people will be drawn to your work organically. On my personal journey, I’ve been fortunate to form enduring friendships with filmmakers, animators, and game developers – relationships that go far beyond mere collaboration. Thus, just pour your heart into it, let the magic of music inspire you, be reliable in your collaborations, put in the efforts, and trust that the results will come in their own time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahlinyaofeng.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saruaaa_feng/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-linyao-feng-481973187/