Melbourne is a city celebrated for its abundant art and creativity, serving as a global hub for emerging talent. Diverse communities converge to embrace a vibrant and flourishing arts scene, where innovative ideas flourish.
Notably, Melbourne has been the springboard for countless young artists worldwide, launching their creative journeys.
In the realm of art, it's a distinct path, as artists must navigate the dynamic societal landscape independently. Balancing their unique voices amidst a rapidly evolving world, these artists inspire us with their resilience and ingenuity, reaffirming Melbourne's status as a fertile ground for artistic exploration and self-discovery.
Born in 2000, Lee Chanho is a Korean musician with a unique journey.
His inspiration was drawn from the iconic K-pop group, Big Bang, fueling his ambition to debut as a member of a K-pop sensation.
Lee spent several years as a trainee in one of the industry's entertainment companies, hoping to realize his dream. However, the experience did not align with his artistic vision. It led to a significant realization that he didn't want to be a product of the industry but, instead, an independent artist. Determined to find his own voice and create his music, Lee Change chose to walk his path. His story epitomizes the pursuit of authenticity and creative independence in the ever-evolving world of music.
"I make music, write lyrics and sing it."
Blending alternative, rap, and rock sounds, his music resonates with a powerful message - sharing his personal stories to inspire and comfort those facing similar challenges.
He firmly believes in the transformative power of music.
For artists, financial stability is paramount to fuel their creative journey, and Lee Chanho recognizes this need. To strike a balance, he's embraced a part-time job to sustain both his artistic pursuits and financial stability. His story is a testament to the delicate dance between passion and practicality in the world of music.
Lee Chanho, the young rising musician, pursuits his goal one step at a time.
"I think mixing the creative expression with commercial viability is the perfection. Most of artists have their own statements, but stubborning to it might be poison."
Every artist grapples with a perennial challenge on their creative journey—striking the delicate balance between artistic expression and commercial viability.
Though he's not heavily promoting at the moment, Lee Chanho is gearing up to make his mark. He's planning to leverage platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, which have become powerful tools for reaching audiences. Short-form videos are the focus of his upcoming endeavors.
In a candid interview with artist (Lee Chanho), he shares insights on qualities vital for artists and his personal journey. When asked about the most important quality an artist must possess, he emphasizes "Truthfulness." He believes that, eventually, people will recognize the authenticity in art.
Network is considered playing a great part in artists’ careers. Lee Chanho revealed his experience with art school, highlighting its role in fostering open-mindedness, self-expression and networking.
Acknowledging setbacks, he points to financial challenges as a recurring hurdle in his career.
Diving into the influence of his cultural background, Lee Chanho shares that nearly all his art is a reflection of personal experiences, aiming to provide comfort and hope to others by honestly sharing his lows and adversities.
Emerging metal musician Lucy Li is turning her adrenaline-fueled passion for scootering into captivating music that captures the raw emotions of extreme sports. Inspired by the exhilarating rush and inherent danger of soaring through the air on her scooter, Li channels her experiences into powerful guitar riffs and heart-pounding rhythms.
"I want to capture the moments of dangerous things, not just normal things," Li explains. "Like someone skydiving and the emotion they feel at the time."
Li's unique blend of technical prowess and emotional expression has already garnered attention in the metal scene, setting her apart from the crowd. With her fiery guitar work and soaring vocals, she's poised to become a force to be reckoned with in the world of metal.
Li's story is a testament to the power of music to transform personal experiences into something that resonates with others. Her music not only captures the thrill of extreme sports but also speaks to the broader human experience of pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown.
Born in China but raised in Australia, musician Lucy Li's upbringing has profoundly influenced her artistic path. "I grew up in Australia and that motivated me to pursue a career in music along with other kind of art, because it's really popular in Australia whereas in China it isn't as common," she explains.
Li's experiences in Australia's vibrant arts scene ignited her passion for music and encouraged her to explore her creative talents. Her music reflects the diversity and energy of Australia, while also incorporating elements of her Chinese heritage.
Li's passion for creating music remains unwavering. "I want my audiences to be amazed and think, wow that is so impressive, that's awesome!" she exclaims.
Li's story highlights the powerful impact that cultural context can have on an individual's artistic journey. Her music serves as a bridge between her Chinese roots and her Australian upbringing, showcasing the transformative power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people on a deeper level.
Demotivation is one mental setback all artists encounter in their career.
“I’m still finding my style in music and sometimes I feel like my expectations are way too high and that I should’ve gotten this better which causing me not getting anything done in time.”
It can get overwhelming during the creative production process. It is a long way of learning and self-structuring. It is a both thrilling and tiring path that has no specific instructions to follow. Musicians, and all the other artists, are the people who are drawn to such an experience.
The experience of possibilities.
“Other than producing metal music, I’m planning to work in different projects in the future, a bit of everything, exploring my position in the art world. “
Artists are usually multi-tasked. Especially the young musicians, for lack of fund, they need to not only be the song writer, but also the singer, producer, and the photographer for the album.
It is these various tasks that enrich their learnings in the early stage of their career, which can be beneficial in the future.
Art takes time, both Lee Chanho and Lucy understand it. As the new generation of musicians, they’ve still gotten a long way to go. It might not have been easy and will not get easier as the time passes. They and all other young artists are aware of this while stepping into the journey.
Whatever happens, “it’s ok to be a starving artist” Lee Chanho and Lucy said, “I just want to enjoy the process while I still can”.
Not every musician can have the chance to perform in front of thousands of audiences, not being recognized doesn’t mean unappreciable. Music itself has power.
