Hiya You Liang, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
Before music, I was working in tech as a consultant and engineer. It paid well, but I always felt a stronger pull toward music; it’s been the core of my life for as long as I can remember. In January 2023, I decided to commit fully to it, and I’ve never looked back. Every now and then I wonder what life might have been like if I hadn’t made that leap, but I know I chose the path that truly fits me.
Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
The scene is definitely lively, but it’s still very DJ-driven rather than producer-focused. There’s little pressure on DJs to release music, and the ones who do produce often get overlooked unless they grind their way up from zero—doing promoter work, long residencies, and proving themselves night after night. Many talented producers end up ghost-producing or tagging their names onto bigger DJs just to get noticed, rather than being recognized for their own artistry.
I know that firsthand—I had to grind from zero myself. None of my productions gave me a shortcut. I spent a year playing R&B and hip-hop before I was even allowed near house music.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
I see it as a necessary evolution. The power has shifted to the artist, and social media makes that visible. In the past, getting signed was often just luck by being discovered in the right place at the right time. Now, artists can track their own numbers, measure progress directly, and even aim for the kind of reach that viral videos achieve. It’s no longer just about being found– it’s about proving yourself with clear results, just like aiming for a major label.
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
I focus on consistency and authenticity. I post around each release, show, or milestone, but I also share behind-the-scenes moments to keep things personal. I respond to comments and DMs so fans know I’m listening, and I track which types of posts drive the most interaction—like short video clips, playlist placements, or show recaps.
Since I’m based in Tokyo, I’ve noticed the Japanese audience tends to DM me their thoughts directly instead of commenting on posts, so I make sure to engage in that space as well. For me it’s not just about numbers, it’s about building a community that feels connected to both my music and my journey.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
The industry feels more open than ever but also more competitive. Streaming and social platforms give independent artists like me real opportunities to reach global audiences without major label backing. At the same time, the sheer volume of music makes it harder to stand out, so consistency, branding, and live performance matter more than ever. I see it as an environment where creativity plus strategy can still break through.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I’d say I’m right on the cusp of breaking through. I’ve already charted across major DSPs, secured multiple editorial playlist placements on both Spotify and Apple Music, and built a consistent release record. The foundation is there—the next step for me is translating that momentum into bigger live shows and festival slots. I feel like I’m on the right track, and just one or two key opportunities could push me to the next tier.
Whats the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
That consistency beats everything. Releasing regularly, showing up on socials, and performing often matters more than waiting for the “perfect” track or moment. I’ve also learned that building genuine relationships—with fans, DJs, and labels—is just as important as the music itself. Momentum comes from staying present and active.
What was your best experience on stage?
Every time I play at my ZeroTokyo residency feels special. Even though it’s not the biggest stage yet, the consistency of playing there has let me build a real connection with the crowd. Watching familiar faces come back, reacting to new tracks I test out, and feeling that energy grow each time reminds me why I do this.
What was your worst experience on stage?
I once played a reception party where the client requested Latin music and Bad Bunny, so I came prepared with a full crate of Latin tracks. But midway through, the client asked me to “play something she knows,” and I later learned the guests would’ve preferred familiar Top 40. On top of that, I hadn’t been told the party theme was pink, so I stood out in blue while everyone else matched. At the time it was tough, but it taught me how important it is to clarify expectations in detail and to stay flexible on the spot. Now, I always dig deeper into requests and can pivot faster when the crowd’s energy shifts.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about.
Before I ever touched DJ decks, I was an alto singing J-pop in an acapella group at Keio University. People are usually surprised that I started with vocals and choreography before moving into electronic music, but it gave me a strong sense of melody that I still carry into my productions today.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
My latest release Maybe Tonight just came out on Gemstone (Revealed Recordings’ house imprint). It’s a dance-pop track with deep house vibes, blending emotional vocals with a feel-good energy that works both on streaming and in the club. I’m really excited about how it’s connecting with listeners and the early support it’s been getting.
What was the recording process like?
For Maybe Tonight, I started with a vocal sample that really caught my ear—it had the right mix of emotion and catchiness. From there I built the instrumental around it, layering deep house grooves, piano chords, and bright synths to give it that dance-pop feel. The process was less about writing from scratch and more about sculpting everything to make the vocal shine, and making sure the track would hit both on streaming platforms and in the club.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
For Maybe Tonight, the biggest challenge was dialing in the balance between emotional songwriting and club-readyenergy. I wanted it to feel like a dance-pop track that works on streaming, but also carry enough weight to lift a dancefloor. Getting that middle ground right—especially in the arrangement and mix—was a real learning curve, but it taught me how to refine my sound for both worlds.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
At first, I thought about working with a topliner or even singing it myself, but when I submitted the track with the current vocal sample, Don Diablo and the Revealed team really liked it. That pretty much sealed it—it showed me that sometimes what feels like a placeholder can actually be the right fit. So no, I wouldn’t change it now.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Yes—this October I’ve got a progressive house collab with Jordan Grace finally coming out. It’s been in the works forover a year, and it’s easily one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever been part of. I can’t wait for people to hear it.
FOLLOW HIM HERE
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