We recently connected with Yunglin( Henry) Shen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yunglin( Henry), thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is a theater production called “Hollow Cross” at Soho Repertory Theater. This production, based on Keigo Higashino’s novel of the same name, delves into profound themes of sin, punishment, and forgiveness. It was an honor to contribute to such a powerful narrative, and the experience became a defining moment in my creative journey.
For this project, I took on the roles of sound designer, sound engineer, and composer simultaneously—a first for me. It pushed me to think holistically about how sound could amplify the story’s emotional depth. After several discussions with the production team, we collectively decided that all the music would be composed and arranged solely on the piano. This choice was intentional, as the piano’s resonant tones perfectly captured the solemn and tragic atmosphere we wanted to evoke.
In addition to the music, I extensively used train and wind sounds throughout the production. These elements added layers of suspense and unease, mirroring the characters’ internal struggles and the story’s tense, unpredictable moments. Integrating these sounds into the narrative was a fascinating challenge that required a deep understanding of timing, dynamics, and spatial audio.
What made this project even more meaningful was the collaboration with a highly skilled and dedicated team. Their professionalism and creativity inspired me to elevate my work and pay attention to every detail, ensuring the sound design was both cohesive and impactful.
Overall, “Hollow Cross” allowed me to explore the intersection of storytelling and sound in ways I had never done before. It was not only an opportunity to grow technically and artistically but also a deeply rewarding experience that reinforced my passion for crafting soundscapes that resonate with audiences.

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 am a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans sound design, live sound engineering, composition, music production, and visual design. My journey into this field began with my deep love for music and film. Back in college, I initially started my academic career studying Biology. However, I quickly realized that it wasn’t my true calling—I found myself spending more time making music in my dorm room than studying. That realization prompted a life-changing decision: to chase my dream and immerse myself in the world of sound and art.
I transferred to Purdue University to study Sound for the Performing Arts, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience working on theater productions. It was at Purdue that I truly discovered my passion for theater sound design and learned the intricacies of collaborating on live productions. Determined to further my craft, I moved to New York and earned a master’s degree at Berklee NYC, majoring in Live Music Production and Design. There, I expanded my expertise, mastering concert production and designing visual content for live events.
What I believe sets me apart is my versatility. I have the unique ability to work seamlessly across multiple disciplines within live production. Whether it’s crafting immersive soundscapes, mixing live audio, composing music, or creating visual elements for events, I bring a diverse skill set to the table. This adaptability has allowed me to contribute to a wide range of projects, from studio recordings to theater productions and live concerts.
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is my ability to integrate audio and visual elements cohesively in a production. This multidisciplinary approach enables me to provide creative solutions tailored to each project’s unique needs, helping clients and collaborators bring their artistic visions to life.
For me, sound and visuals aren’t just technical components; they’re powerful tools for storytelling. My goal is to create experiences that resonate deeply with audiences, whether that means enhancing a theater production’s emotional impact, elevating a live concert’s energy, or bringing cinematic depth to a studio recording.
If there’s one thing I’d like potential collaborators to know, it’s that I approach every project with passion, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence. I thrive on the challenges of live production and am always excited to collaborate on innovative and meaningful projects that push creative boundaries.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the constant opportunity to push boundaries, try new things, and bring 100% effort to every project. Breaking out of my comfort zone is something I value deeply because it not only refines my skills but also forces me to learn and grow by tackling challenges that I’ve never faced before. Working on unfamiliar territory often leads to surprising discoveries and creative breakthroughs, which makes the journey even more fulfilling.
I also see challenges and competition as invaluable companions for artists. They drive us to be better, more versatile, and well-rounded, preparing us to take on whatever new opportunities or obstacles may arise in the future. These experiences shape us into more resilient and innovative creatives.
Equally important is the mindset of giving our all to every piece of work. Whether the project is large or small, I believe each holds meaning and deserves the same level of dedication and excellence. This commitment not only allows us to fully express ourselves as artists but also ensures that the audience experiences the best version of our creative vision. If we don’t give our best, we miss the chance to showcase the full extent of our capabilities and connect authentically with our audience.
Ultimately, the process of continual learning, striving for excellence, and sharing meaningful work with others is what makes being an artist so rewarding for me.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Here’s a thoughtful and professional response:

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to embrace a multifaceted approach that values art not only as a form of expression but also as a critical component of culture, education, and the economy.
First, increasing access to arts education is essential. By integrating the arts into school curriculums and making creative opportunities accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, we can foster a culture that values artistic exploration from an early age. This helps build a pipeline of future artists and audiences who appreciate and engage with creative work.
Second, financial support is crucial. Governments, organizations, and communities can create grants, scholarships, and funding programs that enable artists to focus on their craft without the constant burden of financial insecurity. Tax incentives for art-related initiatives and spaces can also encourage private sector investment in the arts.
Third, providing platforms for visibility is vital. Society can support artists by creating more opportunities for them to showcase their work—whether through public art installations, local festivals, artist residency programs, or online platforms that highlight emerging talents. This not only helps artists reach wider audiences but also enriches the cultural fabric of communities.
Collaboration is another key element. Encouraging partnerships between artists and industries such as technology, education, healthcare, and environmental advocacy can expand the reach and impact of creative work while solving real-world problems through innovative approaches.
Finally, fostering an inclusive and diverse creative environment is essential. By celebrating different perspectives and ensuring that underrepresented voices have a seat at the table, society can benefit from a richer, more vibrant creative ecosystem that reflects its true diversity.
Ultimately, supporting artists and creatives requires a collective effort to recognize the value they bring—not just aesthetically, but emotionally, socially, and economically. When artists thrive, society thrives, as art has the power to inspire, challenge, and bring people together in profound and meaningful ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shen571.wixsite.com/portfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henry.shen.96742/profilecard/?igsh=ZG15MGlzN3NsZjR2
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryshen0524

Image Credits

Christy Pang, Andy Li, Ana Paula García, Sirui “Ray” Qian, Siqi Deng