Leni Thio
Leni Thio is captivating audiences with her originality, distinct lyrical style and edgy pop production, on full display in her new radio single ‘Don't Waste My Time’. We wanted to find out what drives this dedicated pop artist to push the limits of the genre.
ALEXIS: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
LENI THIO: This is a difficult question, hehe. To start with i could say that thing has been stable in my music career so far.
ALEXIS: Your song ’Don't Waste My Time’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
LENI THIO: I was very excited! I hope the listeners enjoy listening to my song.
ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your radio single?
LENI THIO: It was Kris Wu’s song titled July that I wrote this radio single in EDM (Electronic Dance Music) which make it danceable with simple message about not wasting time.
ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
LENI THIO: I’m a third person when it comes to writing songs. Most of the songs I wrote are about what I see based on the facts adding the element of history on it. As a classically trained composer, creating or composing music has become one of the my activities, something like a hobby.
ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
LENI THIO: I’m a composer (21st century composer), My style is very simple, incorporating elements of world music and classical music which sounds modern and contemporary. My passion is in movie and music. Some of my earlier compositions were unpublished and purely instrumental, influenced by 20th century music that sound dissonant. My main instrument is piano, occasionally performs at music recitals and sings in the church choir. My other interest is in languages but I found that music is the simplest language - Music is universal language.
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ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
LENI THIO: Music project is always about team work; working together with other musicians in order to produce sounds that are pleasing for listeners to hear. Solo music project requires team work too, for example song writer wrote a song, then recorded it at music studio with the help of music engineer and music producer to ensure the recording is at good quality.
ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
LENI THIO: Classically trained at the University with major in music and minor in management studies at Royal Holloway, University of London (UK) and Master in commercial music at California State University Los Angeles (USA). I didn’t come from musical family. I was introduced to music at early ages, about 4-5 years old by taking classes at music playgroup. My family is doing business and I’m the only one in the family to pursue career as a composer.
ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
LENI THIO: I found that beside writing song, composing music, and performing as an artist, The most rewarding being an artist is the songs that I wrote do have the actual positive impacts in the society.
ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
LENI THIO :I don’t have a particular role model in music. My classical music influences are Debussy and Ravel, and my pop music influences are James Brown, The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and many more American songwriters.
ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
LENI THIO: Most memorable performance singing performance is when the audiences are engaging with the song I sing at that time. It gets more serious during piano performance, the best performance requires hours of practice because I'm not as genius as Lang Lang who doesn't need to practice. Hehe! The most fun is as composer. I got to enjoy listening to the pieces of music I compose, while both group of musicians and the audiences are having fun. :)
ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
LENI THIO: Listen to music that they like, participate at music events, and further their studies in music. Make sure to be discipline to practice their instruments.
ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
LENI THIO: Next for me is EP or mini album and I’m looking for collaborations with film makers in the coming future. Yes, “Don’t waste my time” is one of the song from my album 33. The concept of this album 33 is love, peace, health, and politic. I have been promoting that to wider audiences. it is about different topics that happen around different facets of life. All of the music in this album are tied around a consistent sound and sweet rhythm. It includes fun songs to songs about good old days, dream worlds and holiday. It also consists of some more serious topics about racism and the conflict in Syria.
ALEXIS: Very exciting! It's been a blast talking with you. Thank you for your candid answers and we can't wait to hear your new music.
http://www.theakademia.com/artistkit/LeniThio-DontWasteMyTime.html
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