Artist Talks
The below content refers to 2024 Programs
2025 Program will be released soon.
The Journey of No Return
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From classical pianist to hyperpop artist, this Toronto musician has travelled up and down the scales of what music has to offer, and she’s not done yet! AIKO TOMI will lead an engaging workshop on using spectrums as a tool for both self-reflection and creative planning.
Her music career has been a mix of experimentation, evolution, and a sincere pursuit of honesty in self-expression. How does she command the audience from the stage, without losing sight of the real her?
Using her creative journey and real-life examples, let’s dive into the spectrums— such as High Energy vs. Low Energy; Fantasy vs. Reality; Reassuring vs. Provocative, etc. —and discover how these frameworks can empower us in presenting ourselves through music or everyday life!
Reckoning with My Roots
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It takes incredible courage to face your roots, and even more to be proud of them!
On the radio, through the speakers, it’s easy to separate race from the music. But for artists like Eunice Keitan, her Asian roots are part of her identity, whether or not you can hear it in her voice.
At the age of 14, she entered the industry with the understanding that she had this opportunity because she didn’t “sound Asian.” In the years following, she chose to hide or downplay her identity in the belief that it will help her career. Now, she is on a journey of self-discovery, exploring her Asian background through new creations.
How does one navigate the Western music industry as an artist with Asian ancestry? Eunice Keitan will share her personal experiences in hopes of inspiring the next generation of Asian Canadian music artists.
“My aim isn’t to blend in; it’s to have the courage to be fully ourselves and celebrate our individuality and heritage.”
Eunice Keitan
Hip-Hopping My Identity
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Finding your identity within hip hop—That’s what handwash is doing with every verse!
This Hong Kong-born singer-songwriter dives deep into the unique blend of British and Chinese culture in the place he called home. Now based in Vancouver, he is exploring how culture extends beyond his birth place, and how diaspora informs his own creativity.
Through a mix of storytelling and music sampling, handwash will share how he is finding his identity through Cantonese hip hop. He will also share about the growing community of other Asian diaspora hip hop artists in the Yellow Fire Academy.
handwash
Confidence in My Song
自信之歌：城市配樂家的音樂故事
*This program is conducted in both English & Mandarin.
此節目附有華語口譯，以雙語進行。
Gather round for a storytelling experience like you’ve never heard before!
Daniel Lew has many stories to tell. From quitting Chinese school as a child due to self-doubt, to losing hearing in one ear, to joining the Jade Music Fest community and reconnecting with his heritage, he’s bravely pursuing his passion and exploring the world of Chinese-language music. From busking at the train station, to being invited backstage with Ed Sheeran, to touring Canada with his own music, where else will his guitar take him next?
A musical journey of gaining confidence in his heritage, and overcoming the challenges of hearing loss. Daniel Lew’s extraordinary story will show us the many opportunities that music and language can unlock.
聽音樂也聽故事；他的歌聲娓娓道來……
決心創作音樂、重新拾回母語，Daniel Lew 廖偉廉將用一把吉他敘說自己在音樂旅程上的精采奇遇。
曾經因為被嘲笑而再也不去中文學校、又一夕之間失去左耳的聽力，現在他是 Jade Music Fest 音樂社群的一份子，重新連結自己的文化背景，也勇敢闖入了華語音樂的世界。他在街頭表演，為這座城市配樂，也曾因此被 Ed Sheeran 邀請到演唱會後台見面，最近更完成了跨越東西岸的加拿大巡演計畫。
這是一段關於找回自信與克服聽力困難的音樂旅程，
也是一段關乎語言和身分的自我探索。
Daniel Lew
Friday
November 8th
1:30pm
Alice MacKay Room
Vancouver Public Library,
Central Branch
350 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1
Jade Music Fest is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). We acknowledge our privilege to operate on these lands, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples whose music and culture encourages us to better listen to each other.