Hushed Noise’s 10: Jonina Liao on Music, Self-Discovery, and the Courage to Start Over

28 Feb 2025

Jonina Liao is a musician whose work bridges R&B, Jazz, and City Pop, blending deep introspection with a universal emotional resonance. Her music is shaped by personal experiences, cultural exploration, and the courage to start anew. Through her songwriting, she captures fleeting emotions, transforms them into melodies, and creates a space for listeners to find their own reflections. In this conversation, Jonina discusses her creative journey, the challenges of crafting R&B in Chinese, and how she hopes to inspire others to embrace new beginnings.

Hushed Noise: Can you share a bit about your artistic journey? What inspired you to start creating?

Jonina Liao: For me, music has always been a way to explore and understand myself. When I first started creating, it was simply a personal outlet—writing down my emotions, capturing moments in melodies. But over time, I realized that music is not just about self-expression; it is about connection. I became more interested in how my music resonates with others, how it can evoke emotions and create shared experiences.

As I developed my style, I gravitated towards R&B, Jazz, and City Pop. These genres allow me to experiment with rhythm, harmony, and storytelling in ways that feel natural to me. Now, when I create, I focus not only on expressing my thoughts but also on crafting a space where listeners can find their own reflections within my music. I believe that music is a dialogue—one that transcends words and allows us to connect on a deeper, more instinctive level.

Hushed Noise: How does your cultural background or personal experiences influence your work?

Jonina Liao: My cultural background and personal experiences have shaped my music in ways that go beyond just sound—they influence my perspective, my creative choices, and the stories I tell. Growing up, the music I was most exposed to wasn’t necessarily R&B or Jazz, but as I explored different styles, I found myself deeply drawn to them. At first, I questioned whether I could truly make these genres my own, whether my interpretations would feel ‘authentic’ in a Western-dominated industry.

 However, through performing and connecting with other musicians, I came to realize that music is not about fitting into predefined categories—it’s about bringing your own voice to the art form. My background gives me a unique lens through which I interpret these genres, and rather than trying to conform, I now embrace the idea of blending influences, creating something personal yet universal. That’s the beauty of music—it transcends cultural boundaries, allowing each artist to bring their own essence into the sound.

Hushed Noise: Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you develop an idea into a finished piece?

Jonina Liao: My creative process often begins with pain. For me, music is not just a means of expression—it is a way of having an honest conversation with myself. I believe that as an artist, it is essential to confront emotions head-on, especially those fleeting, indescribable moments that often slip through the cracks of everyday life. These subtle yet profound experiences carry the rawest emotions, and capturing them is at the heart of my work.

 When I create, I focus on collecting these moments as they come—whether it’s a single phrase, a melody, or even just a feeling in the air. I don’t force them into a structured form right away; instead, I let them intertwine naturally, like threads weaving into a larger net. Over time, they start to take shape and evolve into something whole.

 My memories and emotions guide my creative process—they dictate how I express myself and ultimately shape the final piece. Every song I create is a reconstruction of emotions, a way of piecing together fragments of experience to form something meaningful. My role as an artist is to document and translate these emotions as honestly as possible.

Hushed Noise: What themes or messages do you explore in your art, and why do they resonate with you?

Jonina Liao: In my work, I often explore themes of the stars, the universe, the ocean, and the courage to start over. These are not just visual symbols; they represent my perspective on life and the emotions I wish to convey.

The stars, the universe, and the ocean are vast, boundless, and filled with infinite possibilities. Standing before them, we seem small, yet that very insignificance brings a sense of freedom—when the limits of reality expand, can we also discover new possibilities within ourselves? I love using these elements as metaphors for exploration, movement, and the unpredictable journeys of life.

 The courage to start over is a message I deeply want to share. I’ve noticed that many people hesitate at life’s crossroads, burdened by fear and countless considerations. But we only live once—if we never try, how will we ever know where a new path might lead? Through my work, I hope to give strength to those who long for a fresh start but lack the courage to take the leap. And for those who have already given up, I want to offer a parallel universe—a space where,

Hushed Noise: What challenges do you face as an emerging artist, and how do you navigate them?

Jonina Liao: Regardless of whether I am in China or the UK, creating R&B in Chinese is my biggest challenge. The genre itself has strong Western roots, and the industry often leans towards established trends. Yet, I believe that language should never be a limitation in music—what truly matters is authenticity and emotional resonance.

As an emerging artist, I navigate this challenge by staying true to my artistic vision rather than conforming to expectations. I don’t want to chase trends simply because they are popular; I want to create music that is honest and meaningful to me. It’s not always easy to balance personal expression with industry realities, but I believe that genuine artistry will always find its audience. My goal is to push boundaries while staying rooted in what feels true to me.

Hushed Noise: Are there any artists, movements, or experiences that have deeply influenced your work?

Jonina Liao: Mariah Carey was my first introduction to R&B—she was the artist who opened the door for me to explore the genre. Her music ignited my passion for vocal expression and melodic storytelling, shaping my early understanding of R&B’s depth and emotional range.

As I’ve grown as an artist, my inspirations have expanded. I now find myself deeply influenced by the works of Jude, Khalil Fong, Tia Ray, and Shan Yichun. Each of them, in their own way, has inspired me—whether through their unique approach to songwriting, their vocal techniques, or their ability to infuse authenticity into their music. Their artistry continues to push me to refine my own sound and stay true to my creative instincts.

Hushed Noise: How do you see your art evolving in the next few years?

Jonina Liao: In the next few years, I hope to reach a wider audience and continue growing as an artist. Releasing an album is definitely something I aspire to—it would be a milestone that allows me to fully showcase my musical vision.

Beyond that, I look forward to collaborating with more talented musicians. Music is an ever-evolving journey, and working with different artists brings new perspectives and inspirations. I want to keep pushing my creative boundaries while staying true to my sound, exploring new possibilities, and finding deeper connections with listeners through my work.

Hushed Noise: What’s a recent project or piece that you’re particularly proud of, and why?

Hushed Noise: What role do you think social media and digital platforms play in shaping the opportunities for emerging artists today?

Jonina Liao: Social media and digital platforms have completely reshaped the landscape for emerging artists, offering both unprecedented opportunities and new challenges. On one hand, they provide a space where artists can share their work directly with audiences, bypassing traditional gatekeepers like record labels and mainstream media. This democratization of music distribution means that independent musicians, including myself, have a chance to reach listeners across the world without relying solely on industry connections.

However, while these platforms offer visibility, they also come with the pressure to constantly produce content and stay relevant. Algorithms favor consistency, engagement, and trends—things that don’t always align with an artist’s natural creative rhythm. For me, the challenge is to use these tools effectively while staying true to my artistry, rather than getting caught up in chasing virality or following fleeting trends.

 I believe the key is balance. Digital platforms should be a means of amplifying authentic artistry, not reshaping it to fit an algorithm. While I embrace the accessibility and community-building aspects of these platforms, I also remind myself that true artistic growth happens beyond the screen, in the real moments of creation, collaboration, and self-exploration.

Hushed Noise: If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Jonina Liao: If I could collaborate with any artist, it would be Jude. I have always been deeply drawn to his music—not just for its sound, but for the emotions and imagery it conveys. His ability to paint vivid emotional landscapes through music is something I truly admire.

 What resonates with me the most is how naturally I connect with the feelings he expresses in his songs. There’s an honesty and depth in his work that I find incredibly inspiring, and I would love the opportunity to create something together, blending our artistic perspectives to explore new musical possibilities.

Follow Jonina Liao’s work on Instagram: @joninajojo. For inquiries, contact her at JoninaLiao@Gmail.com.

Edited by Xeni R. Quine

Images by Jonina Liao