Meet the Tracks & Fields Team: Music Supervisor and Producer Jing
Born in Shanghai, Jing moved to Germany at the age of 18 for further studies before graduating with excellent results from the Bremen University of the Arts. As a skilled violinist, she has performed with several professional orchestras, including the Shanghai Opera House and Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra. Since 2020, she has focused on electronic music and music production, performing and collaborating with various labels in Berlin, guiding audiences on a delightful auditory journey. With her strong academic background and passion for music, she entered the advertising industry in 2022, working in music-related roles.
Q> When you’re working on a new brief or project, what’s your typical starting point? How do you break it down and how do you like to generate your ideas or response?
Jing> It depends on the context. I will assess where I stand when the project comes in. If it’s already at the post-production stage, the creators usually have a clear vision. However, if it’s at the early stage, it’s also very exciting to participate and contribute more to the creative process. What’s most important is always understanding people’s needs and communicating. I’m a big fan of composition, perhaps because of my academic background, and I really enjoy creating customised pieces.
Q> Music and sound are in some ways the most collaborative and interactive forms of creativity. What are your thoughts on this? Do you prefer to work solo or with a gang? What are some of your most memorable professional collaborations?
Jing> I believe music is subjective, so it’s always great to receive input from other creative minds and hear from various angles. I find this to be one of the best parts of the project. It empowers and highlights not just the project itself, but also the connections between the people involved. I’m also grateful to my colleagues, who have been supportive and professional.
Q> When you’re working on something that isn’t directly sound design or music (let's say going through client briefs or answering emails), are you the sort of person who needs music and noise in the background? Or is that completely distracting to you? What are your thoughts on ‘background’ sound and music as you work?
Jing> It depends on the work. Sometimes it's easier to focus when there’s no music, even though I usually enjoy having music as my company. It’s also nice to give my ears a break. Background music is generally fine as long as it’s steady and at the right frequency.
Q> What’s the most satisfying part of your job and why?
Jing> Being able to get through the tough stages with everyone and seeing the final result turn out well is truly rewarding. There are always challenges in a project, and the beautiful thing is that we are willing to compromise or go the extra mile to ultimately create something great.
Q> As we age, our ears change physically and our tastes evolve too, and life’s changes mean we don’t get to engage in our passions in the same intensity as in our youth — how has your relationship with sound and music changed over the years?
Jing> Oh, I’m very devoted to music. It carries, lifts and guides my journey. I’ve had a healthy relationship with music and sound. My current taste might differ slightly from the past, but I can always find similarities.
Q> Who are your musical or audio heroes and why?
Jing> I find artists who don’t confine themselves to a specific genre very inspiring. You can hear through their music that they are constantly exploring new ideas and sounds. For example, in classical music, the transition to the Romantic period with Beethoven and Impressionism with Debussy. I also love Marvin Gaye, Radiohead, Queen and Avicii’s work. What drives them is the pure love for their craft, which helps them innovate within their time.
