Jeff Howard: So, you recently performed with your new project, “Asian Fusion,” at Montage Music Hall this past Saturday. I find the band name very intriguing. What inspired the project and where are hoping to go with it?
Yang Yang: Well, that’s actually a very temporary name because I was asked if I wanted to do the montage show but it was […] super short notice. I was in an Asian fusion restaurant off campus when I said yes to Dan. I was in Parallax last year, but somehow music studies in depth during these past years in college had a huge impact in the way I look up music, so I wanted to do something new.
JH: That’s awesome. I love how school can do that to you. How did music studies open you up?
YY: I had no music studies background prior to college. No singing class, no theory class, nothing. Classes here made me see what music does to society, how it was progressed in response to politics, art, literature, religion…etc. I really feel like I can get a sense of the world by studying music deeply. It also makes me aspire [to make] better music because I know how much it can do.
JH: Nice. I noticed that you guys heavily drew from a jazz and soul vibe at the show, with some rock tendencies in there too. Do you have a stylistic direction you want to take the group in, or are you just going to see where the project goes?
YY: We definitely wanna infuse jazz into it. It’s the “new” of music, like a prospering business where [the] best musicians gather. But we’re attracted to all kinds of music, like Brazilian, Australian, may be even Asian…I like the rhythmic variety of progressive rock music, so I definitely wanna incorporate that as well. I guess that’s where the fusion idea comes from, literally fusing everything that feels inspiring.
JH: Interesting that you liken it to a business.
YY: I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m cynical for bad music being good business, but economy teaches you that best human resources are usually gathered among the newest filed.
JH: So it sounds to me like Asian Fusion is a collective made up of UR’s best.
YY: We try.
JH: So, in addition to singing, you play the harp, and I’m pretty sure you’re the only UR student to play the harp…
YY: That’s possibly true. I only picked it up last year.
JH: What was it like to pick up the harp? When did you start?
YY: The decision was made last summer; […] because harps are extremely expensive, plus, I wanna utilize it in contemporary music, [so] I went for an electric harp. It’s really exciting because it’s like I’m a kindergarten kid again, everything is so exciting. But because I knew theory and everything now, communicating with teachers is very efficient and I’ve been moving fast as a beginner.
JH: Are the strings on a harp laid out similarly to keys on a piano?
YY: Yes…or no. It does make a lot of sense to me because I play the piano. But, first of all, it’s a lever harp, so assuming it’s tuned in F (it is, with all levers down), you have to set a key prior to playing but lefting up certain levers. Also, the texture of harp music is completely different.
JH: Different instruments lend themselves to being played differently. I learned that when I switched from guitar to bass. A killer guitar line could sound stupid on the bass, and vice versa.
YY: Yeah, I totally agree.
JH: I see you’ll be busting the harp out for the next No Jackets Required (NJR) show. Sounds like it could make for some real majestic, cinematic moments.
YY: Yeah, I’m excited for that. “Moon River” is one of my all time favorite girly songs. So cool, just I-vi chords.
JH: The first two chords of “Earth Angel.” My “comfort food” chord progression, if you will, is I-IV.
YY: So many classical, romantic pieces man, VI is like the revelation key or chords. My history teacher now is obsessed with the subdominant. I like it more as a key area.
JH: So is this gonna be your first time playing with NJR?
YY: Oh no, I’ve done plenty shows with NJR in the past, but only not last semester.
JH: Gotcha. Also, I noticed you had the Chinese flag on your Nord keyboard at montage. Does your Chinese descent play an important role in your music?
YY: Not so much the music, but more of the spirit with which I approach things.
JH: Interesting… how so?
YY: I see my difference and see how it’s unique, how it gives me confidence because there’s thousands of years of wisdom that I grew up with. The food, the architecture, the philosophy. Everything makes me access ides a different way. Languages make certain ideas more accessible, I believe.
JH: Sounds like you stay true to your roots. And absolutely, it’s amazing how different ideas and mindsets are conveyed through different languages.
YY: If I give my roots up I’m lofty in the air!
JH: That’s all on my end. Anything you want to add?
YY: Nope. Thank you for the opportunity!
