Music: Leaf Yeh

Hakka music often carries stories and emotions deeply rooted in tradition. How do you navigate between preserving these traditional aspects while infusing contemporary elements into your compositions?

Hakka language itself has a rhythmic sense. By using it as the basis of the melody in my compositions, without deliberately thinking about traditional methods, this approach naturally blends the elements together.

Your musical journey is unique. Could you share a bit about how your past experiences and inspirations have shaped your musical style, especially in relation to your current album “Migration“ ?

Life is a constant process of moving to the next stage. Making music has been an unexpected journey. Along the way, there have been challenges like losing my voice, but I've persevered and followed my heart. This is the essence of my experience with “Migration”.

Congratulations to nominated by the Best Recording category on the 66th Grammy Awards! How does it feel to receive such recognition for your work, and how has this nomination impacted your approach to music?

Because the physical album features animated images and an overall design based on the fable I wrote, titled “Fish and Bird” receiving recognition for this feels like the narrative and text of the entire work has been seen and acknowledged.

It's a significant affirmation of the intention behind my work.

With songs that contain the grace and power of philosophical fables, Taiwanese singer/songwriter Leah Yeh has attracted major buzz in her home country and has recently begun to receive international attention. Her adventurous mixture of pop, electronic, and world music is unlike anything else. Using a diverse mixture of instruments including piano, flute, handpan, sitar, didgeridoo, and more, she creates fully immersive worlds of sound to express her thoughts on love, philosophy, and nature. 

We caught up with the Avant-garde musician and discuss her new music.

Please introduce yourself a bit. Your decision to focus on Hakka music is fascinating. What drew you to this genre, and how does Hakka culture influence your musical expression?

After growing up and studying in Taipei, the Hakka language, familiar from my childhood memories, gradually faded away. However, when it comes to “home” it is a very serious matter. “I want to talk about it in the earliest language I remember.” — This is how my creation in Hakka language originated.

Your latest album has received acclaim for its originality. Can you delve into the creative process behind this album and how it differs from your previous work?

Since I've been continuously accumulating production experience, my skills have improved. As a result, my work has become more intuitive and unburdened. This album should be more mature than my previous works.

You're known for exploring various genres. Could you discuss the diverse influences that contribute to your music, and how you blend these elements into a cohesive sound?

I have an affinity for world music and electronic music because they differ from the sounds of common instruments.

I prefer fresh sounds, and the aforementioned music genres offer many unusual sounds to explore.

Alongside your music career, you've ventured into film “Murmur of Memories” How does your experience in filmmaking influence or intersect with your approach to creating music?

For me, there's a similarity because when I write songs, images also emerge in my mind. With scoring, there are already visuals that inspire me to start writing the music. In the end, both processes result in music that evokes vivid imagery.

Your involvement in a movie project added another dimension to your artistic expression. How did working on the film influence your perspective on storytelling through both music and visuals?

The creation of music for films is related to the atmosphere and needs of the movie, involving interaction with another creator, as well as serving the plot and visuals.

This is different from creating my own independent works.

Can you share any anecdotes or memorable moments from the creation of your recent album that significantly impacted your artistic direction?

I've realized that language is a tool for creation, and not necessarily a limitation. Even if people hear a language they don't understand and can't grasp the content, they can still transcend these barriers and perceive the emotions within. This is a fascinating phenomenon.

Being a nominee at the Grammy Awards speaks volumes about your musical impact. How do you envision leveraging this recognition to further your career and artistic endeavors?

Receiving affirmation for the physical album is certainly an achievement, but in the future, I hope to be recognized in music awards as well. I will continue to refine and improve myself.

Your music often resonates deeply with audiences. What do you hope listeners take away from your latest album, both emotionally and thematically?

This album is about “home”. I hope it prompts everyone to rethink what 'home' means to them: where they come from, what kind of person they have become, and where they are headed.

In times of loneliness, understanding that you are your own home, and that you have the ability to support yourself, which is important.

Your interest in mediation is intriguing. How does the practice of meditation influence or inspire your creative process when composing music?

When meditating, it's like connecting to a universe. Sometimes there are no thoughts, and at other times, inspiration descends spontaneously.

I appreciate these moments of settling my thoughts, as they bring clarity of mind to view things and make decisions.

We've seen you passionately engage with your music. Are there specific philanthropic causes or charitable initiatives that resonate with you and that you've been involved in?

I regularly donate to children in remote areas, and I've also shared my creations in long-term care centers with elderly individuals suffering from dementia, doing charity concerts.

How do you see the intersection between music and philanthropy, and how does this influence your approach to making a difference in the world through your art?

I believe that as a musician, the best thing I can do is to bring love, care, and positive intentions to the world through music.

This is the direction I aim to pursue.

Looking ahead, what projects or collaborations are you excited about, and how do you foresee your music evolving in the future? Any plans to work with Hollywood artists?

In the past, I had more opportunities to complete works on my own.

I hope to collaborate with more international artists in the future, without any limitations, and I look forward to what fate brings. GR8T

Leaf Yeh YouTube - LINK
Leaf Yeh Instagram - @leafyeh_music