Can you briefly introduce yourself?
Wenfei Liu, a Musician / Multimedia Artist with a mixed background of Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts. She has been trained in pipa since the age 5, joined the Chinese traditional orchestra at the age of 12, and formed a rock band when she was in University, they made some original songs and had a tour in China. From China to Wales to England, she has diligently explored the integration of sound, culture and music. Her creative prowess revolves around themes of acoustic instruments, visuals, sensations, and emotions. Looking ahead, she aspires to intertwine sound, music, technology, and immersive art. Firm in her belief that all forms of art are interconnected, she considers sound an indispensable part of modern art. Her love of nature, technology and the study of psychology drives her desire to craft more feeling-centred music and to explore the relationship between people and technology. Her fondness of exhibitions and other immersive experiences has led her to work on storytelling through sound and music, allowing people to explore their feelings and to provoke empathy.
How do you feel about winning the World Artistry Music Award?
Winning the World Artistry Music Award is an incredible honor and a deeply humbling experience. This recognition is not just a testament to my work but also to the collaborative efforts of everyone who contributed to the project. It reaffirms the value of pushing creative boundaries and experimenting with different forms of artistic expression. Receiving this award is a validation of the countless hours spent refining our music and crafting our creative videos. It inspires me to continue exploring new artistic avenues and to strive for excellence in every aspect of my work. The World Artistry Music Award highlights the importance of innovation in the arts and encourages artists to maintain their passion and dedication.
I’m truly grateful for this recognition and excited about the opportunities it brings. It’s a reminder that art has the power to connect people across different cultures and backgrounds, and it motivates me to keep pushing the envelope in my creative endeavors.
We'd love to hear more about your video submission - A series of covers and improvisation. Could you talk about your creative journey and the story behind the scene?
I’m thrilled to delve into the details of my video submission, which is a collection of covers and improvisations that reflect both my creative journey and technical expertise. This project is a culmination of my passion for exploring various instruments and blending different musical styles.
Drawing from my background in traditional Chinese music, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate beauty of ethnic instruments like the dizi and guzheng. My exploration of electronic music and modern production techniques has led me to experiment with innovative ways to merge these traditional sounds with contemporary elements. This blend of old and new not only enriches the musical texture but also introduces traditional instruments to a broader audience.
In terms of musical analysis, the process began with a thoughtful selection of songs, each chosen for its emotional depth and technical complexity. For the covers, I focused on reinterpreting these pieces through a combination of faithful homage and personal improvisation. Each arrangement was meticulously crafted to balance respect for the original material with my own creative vision.
Improvisation played a central role in this project. During recording sessions, I incorporated spontaneous elements that allowed me to interact with the music in real-time. This approach was particularly effective in adding unique and unpredictable qualities to the performances, capturing the essence of live improvisation while integrating it seamlessly with pre-composed sections.
Arranging and composing for this project involved a multi-layered approach. I meticulously crafted the arrangements to ensure a cohesive fusion of traditional and modern elements. For instance, integrating the dizi’s ethereal melodies with electronic beats required careful attention to how these elements could complement each other. This involved detailed orchestration and the use of effects processing to enhance the traditional timbres without overshadowing them.
I also utilized modern production techniques to highlight the versatility of the traditional instruments. I use Logic Pro and Ableton Live. This included applying effects like reverb, delay, and modulation to create a rich, immersive soundscape. By using these techniques, I aimed to present the instruments in a fresh light, demonstrating their adaptability to contemporary musical contexts.
This project represents a synthesis of tradition and innovation. It’s an exploration of how traditional Chinese instruments can be dynamically integrated into modern compositions and production techniques. The goal was not only to showcase the inherent beauty and versatility of these instruments but also to engage listeners in a new way, offering a bridge between the rich heritage of Chinese music and the evolving landscape of contemporary sound.
The music review of the Electronics & Pipa Track:
In this audacious track, the boundaries between electronic beats and traditional melodies dissolve into a rich tapestry of sound. At its core, the composition exudes the rhythmic pulse of House music, with its infectious beats and crisp grooves setting a vibrant backdrop. Yet, it is the seamless integration of world music elements that truly elevates this piece, weaving a sonic narrative that is both modern and timeless.
The pipa takes center stage, its plucked strings resonating with a resonance that cuts through the electronic haze like a beacon. This ancient Chinese lute is not just an embellishment but the soul of the track, showcasing a virtuosic display of traditional techniques. From cascading arpeggios to rapid-fire tremolos, the pipa’s intricate melodies dance across the soundscape, infusing the electronic foundation with a layer of exotic elegance and historical depth.
The background vocals, ethereal and enigmatic, serve as a subtle yet compelling counterpoint to the main instrumental lines. These voices drift like spectral whispers, adding a haunting quality that enriches the track's atmospheric depth without dominating the mix. Their presence is both intimate and expansive, creating a dreamy, almost otherworldly aura that contrasts beautifully with the rhythmic intensity of the electronic elements.
The track is a masterclass in blending genres, demonstrating how electronic and traditional can coalesce into a coherent and innovative sound. The House rhythms provide a steady, driving force, while the pipa’s melodic prominence anchors the composition in a cultural and emotional narrative. This fusion not only highlights the pipa's versatility but also showcases the potential of modern music to transcend cultural and stylistic boundaries.
Overall, this composition is a striking example of genre-defying artistry. It manages to be both a pulsating electronic anthem and a profound exploration of traditional music, resulting in a piece that is as intellectually stimulating as it is aurally pleasing. It's a bold statement of creativity, offering listeners a unique journey through the confluence of ancient and contemporary musical worlds.