Moulann: Interview of the chinese canadian singer

Moulann

Toronto singer-songwriter Moulann (traditional Chinese: 張沐嵐; born in Taipei, Taiwan) suspends captivating melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and lush harmonies with a distinctly emotive voice that is both warm and penetrating. Her brand of soul-infused pop/rock is a truly unique product of her contrasting influences and experiences.

Moulann's debut album, Introflective (2003), reveals an eclectic mix of electronically influenced pop songs recorded and co-produced by Juno-nominee, Adam Messinger. The album boasts an incredibly refreshing sound, balancing upbeat grooves with touching ballads. With virtually no publicity, the album made its way to listeners through the internet, live shows and word of mouth. Orders for Introflective came from all over North America, Asia, Europe and Australia, testifying to the universal appeal and infectious nature of her songs.

Moulann has been featured on CBC radio's Here and Now, Fairchild television, Jasmine magazine, World Journal newspaper, and US magazine. She has also appeared in several college radio stations, community newpapers, university student publications, and a myriad of websites. Her music has topped various online music charts, and has received airplay overseas in places as far as Germany and Bombay. A highly recognized artist in the Asian Canadian community, Moulann has appeared in many of Toronto's largest cultural events. She is an accomplished classical pianist, having received numerous awards and scholarships from local and national competitions, including the Kiwanis Music Festival, the Canadian Music Competition and the Toronto Symphony Piano Solo Competition. She is a graduate of York University's music program, where she studied classical piano, contemporary piano improvisation and was a member of the school's highly acclaimed a cappella choir, Wibijazz'n'.

As a live performer, Moulann is exceedingly versatile, as she is able to sing original and cover material in English, Mandarin and French. Whether she is accompanying herself on a piano or playing with her band, the inspiring honesty in her music and her quirky, yet engaging stage presence often moves her listeners to silence, laughter or tears. The multitude of genres in which Moulann writes and performs provides her with a fluidly evolving sound that reflects her irrevocable passion, integrity and dedication to meaningful musical expression.

INTERVIEW::
conducted by
JiZO Jewles

PA: Hi Moulann and thank you for accepting to do this interview with us?

Moulann: Hello Jay! It’s my absolute pleasure!

PA: Can you please tell us a little about yourself? What is your ethnic background if I may ask?

Moulann: I was born on the beautiful island of Taiwan and raised in Toronto from the age of three. I am 75% Chinese and 25% Japanese. My internal dialogue is mostly in English, interrupted by random thoughts in Mandarin and scattered French one-liners. I’m a vegetarian chocoholic who love all foods, especially Chinese, Indian, and fresh organic fruits and vegetables.

PA: Is Moulann your real name or just a stage name?

Moulann: Believe it or not, it’s my real name – a phonetic derivation of my Mandarin name - which was generated by a numerologist. It means “to be immersed in the mountain mist”... admittedly, I don’t feel as serene as the definition of my name suggests!

PA: When did you discover you had a talent for music?

Moulann: Someone once said, “You have a talent for music,” so I took it to heart. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if that person told me, “You have a talent for aerospace engineering,” or, “You have a talent for juggling fire”.

PA: Who or what were your musical influences when growing up?

Moulann: I wasn’t allowed to listen to anything but classical music until the age of 14, so I actually missed out on a lot or early influences! The first contact I had with pop music was at Karaoke, where I heard a whole bunch of Taiwanese pop songs. After that, it was drum n’ bass when the rave scene began in Toronto. Then I saw an acoustic singer/songwriter perform for the first time in my third year at University! I think all these contrasting influences are very evident in my first album. Although it’s somewhat comical, I’m strangely thankful for having such unconventional formative musical experiences because people can’t really put their finger on what I sound like. These days, I listen to anything that catches my ear, from mainstream to obscure.

PA: You are both an accomplished singer and pianist: do you actually prefer singing or playing the piano?

Moulann: I love the direct physical aspect of singing – I mean, it’s pretty intense using one’s body as an instrument. Playing piano is like sitting in front of a master control panel with 88 buttons mapping out the orchestral range. It’s a tough decision to say what I prefer!

PA: Has the internet been overall helpful or even instrumental in promoting your music?

Moulann: Oh yes, definately. The internet has been, for the majority, very kind to me. The online community has been most lovely and supportive. Thank you!

PA: What is your own general perception of Asians and the music industry? Do you believe we have a long way to go before we start seeing more Asian artists in mainstream music?

Moulann: There are already many talented Asians and I think it’s just a matter of perfect packaging before the first cross-borders Asian artist shoots to the stars. The younger generation of Asians all over the world are quickly breaking out of the stereotypes that many people my age were associated with (um... I’m not that old, but I’m noticing much more creative freedom among the Asian teens today). Many people say that Asians need to find their own “sound” but honestly, it’s a pretty long shot to create a distinct new “Asian sound” when we’re working within pre-existing systems and genres that have been around for a long time. The fact is that in pop music, we’re all writing songs based on the Western system of musical theory which already encompasses most tonal systems used in Asian music (I’m not talking about classical Indian music – it’s a whole beautiful world on its own). There are so many types of Asians with such a variety of preferences – it would be difficult to imagine a unified “Asian pop” that exists without compromising creativity! I suppose we could create a whole new kind of music, but that would take decades of refinement before the innovation becomes culturally ingrained. My opinion is that it doesn’t matter what kind of music an artist explores, as long as they are adding quality work to the existing repertoire, or pushing the boundaries on whatever genre they choose. In the end, “good music” is “good music” whether you choose to do “Caucasian-influenced” rock or folk, “African-influenced” urban music or some hybrid of dance, pop or world music mixed with traditional Asian elements. When an artist has integrity, they will attract the type listeners who will appreciate their sound.

PA: Why did you call your first album "Introflective"?

Moulann: Hahaha... the short story is that I’m often an introspective introvert who thinks too much, so the title is rather self-descriptive. The long and more boring story is probably somewhere online.

PA: Are you currently signed with any major label?

Moulann: No. I’ve had several tempting opportunities here and overseas, but I’ve learned from observation to be very careful and to wait until all the elements feel right.

PA: What would you consider a "perfect day"?

Moulann: A perfect day for me is when people can truly realize that we’re all interconnected on this beautiful planet and decide to work towards a common goal of peace, tolerance and sustainability. That would bring joy everyone!

PA: You are coming out very soon with a new album? Can you tell us what inspired you to write those new songs?

Moulann: My songs are sparked by things that give me a deep emotional impulse. Usually, it’s love... I mean, we’re all so hard-wired to be loved. The album has a few songs about other things as well, but I think that lyrically, the overall theme is one of searching and hopeful acceptance.

PA: Have you considered making or are you currently making a music video to help you expose your music?

Moulann: To be honest, I am very camera shy. I love taking photos, but I dread being in from of a video camera. Still, I plan to have a music video one day. It is quite important.

PA: Do you have any plans to do a U.S tour or even a European tour?

Moulann: I don’t have any concrete plans yet, but I would love to do both. I miss the U.S. and I have never been to Europe... it would be such a delightful experience.

PA: Is there anything in particular you would like to tell your fans or the people who have just recently discovered your music?

Moulann: There is a vast and truly humbling ocean of music out there. I’m touched that people have found a connection with my songs and took the time to reach out. I want to thank you all for listening and supporting!

Moulann at Toronto Night Market 2006

You can support Moulann and her music by buying her CD's at : Toronto.CoffeeHouse.Ca
Official site: http://www.moulann.com/
MySpace: www.myspace.com/moulann