Ting Lin is a multilingual, multitalented artist with international music influences. With lyrics that are inspired by the complexities of life, to melodies that pull on your heartstrings and sounds that blur the lines of the genre; Singer, songwriter, performer, Ting Lin, creates music that encourages reflection and inspires action.
What first got you into music?
I started learning classical piano at age 5 which became my musical foundation. I also grew up in a household full of music lovers who played all types of music constantly, whether it’s in English, Cantonese, or Mandarin. On the weekends, we would go karaoke and sing for hours on end. Music is truly my first love!
Has your musical journey had a deliberate direction or did it simply gradually evolve in whatever direction it found?
My musical journey has been a winding road. I started with classical piano for about a decade from China to America. Then I changed course to do vocal training in high school while I was in LA. I took a break from music in college. After I graduated, I started singing and performing covers all over NYC. It was there that I started experimenting with songwriting as well. And now, I sing, write, and perform! This was not the trajectory that has been planned for me nor was it one that I imagined, but I do believe that it happened the way it should. I’m glad I found my way back to music eventually.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I like to create music with messages. It could be messages about cultures, social causes, or life. It could be messages that touch your heart, stimulate your mind, or inspires you to act. Regardless, I want to write music that reflects the complexities of life and those around us. I want to bring new sounds to your ears. I want to surprise you. I want to break rules.
What is your creative process like?
Every song has a different creative process and it develops pretty organically. For one song, I might have a clear idea of what I want to write about, then I write the lines, add vocal melodies to them and present the song to the producer. For another, I might start with the vocal melody of a chorus, then build out the rest of the melodies, then add lyrics and present the song to the producer. Or I might start with an instrumental from a producer, then I add vocal melodies and lyrics to it. I try not to force a song to happen but let the song take shape on its own. I want to be as authentic as possible while creating so that the audience can really relate to it.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thank you for being an open-minded and supportive audience!
What led you to become a music artist and what advice can you give to others aspiring to make a hit?
I had a music career trajectory designed for me and I totally went in a different direction. As challenging as that was, I’m glad that I followed my heart and now doing it my way. So my biggest advice is to listen to your inner voice and follow it! Make music that moves you, not just for the money or charts. I think when you create something authentic and meaningful, it will resonate with people and bring the right opportunities.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
I get to create something that will live beyond me and is bigger than me. I can connect with people and the world in so many different ways. I love collaborating with other awesome creatives and artists. I have ownership in how I want to run my career and live my life.
What’s next for you?
My music video for “Dream Chaser” is premiering on 1.29.22 on Youtube! This song is my first EDM style song sung in my native language of Cantonese. Even if you don’t understand the language, you will feel the upbeat, positive, and celebratory energy that fills the song and video. I hope it inspires you to chase your dreams!
Other than that, I will keep creating of course! I will release more original music, music videos, and collaborations. I will keep elevating and refining my artistry. And promise I will be performing more!
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Of course! It depends on what song is stuck in my head that day, but it’s usually a slow ballad. I love the acoustics in the bathroom!
What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?
Anything from the ocean will do. Seafood lover over here!
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
Does Netflix count? If so, then it’s “Emily In Paris”.
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
“Are you living the life that you have always wanted?”
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
“The Ting Times”
We are all dream chasers!
Amidst the #StopAAPIHate movement in 2021, Ting Lin wrote this positive and upbeat Cantonese Electronic Pop song to raise the spirit of the community. This original piece celebrates the ups and downs of the immigration journey, while paying homage to those who left their homelands in search of better lives. It serves as a reminder for all to be proud of who they are, where they came from, and what they have accomplished. The song was released on May 28th, 2021 and the music video is set to release on Jan 29th, 2022!
Ting Lin is known for her smooth yet powerful voice, experimental music styles, and refined fashion taste. She is fairly new to the DMV (DC, Maryland, & Virginia) music scene but has quickly won the hearts of peers and other industry folks. Through music, she aims to promote cultural diversity, raise awareness on important social issues, and inspire real action. In “Dream Chaser”, she proudly sings in her native language and reminisces about her hometown, Zhanjiang China. The song has been nominated for the “Best World Music Song Award” and she has been nominated for the “Best World Music Artist Award” at Wammie Awards 2022.
从海岸到海岸
(From coast to coast)
从新开始起创 (Starting anew)
难得一次机会
(It’s a rare opportunity)
改进
(Let’s change and grow)
抓紧
(Let’s seize it)
For the music video, Ting Lin played with the concept of “dreams”, whether it’s a “dream” that people have when they are sleeping or a “dream” that they are chasing after. She takes the audience through a joyful tropical journey and leaves them wondering whether they are witnessing a reality or “dream”. It was filmed during her family vacation in Aruba, with her stepdad David Werk in charge of concept, photography, & directing, her mother Cheyenne Werk as co-star, and her boyfriend Ronald Licairac as an extra in the video. It was truly a family production!
Check out Ting’s music on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, & YouTube
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