Yun Fei is an emerging Chinese-Canadian composer and recording artist who made her professional recording debut in 2021 with the award-winning piece, “Drum Zen”. That track introduced her Song of the Drum series, a collection of modern works composed and performed on traditional instruments. Beating at the heart her sound is the Chinese drum, or Tanggu.
Since her debut, Yun Fei’s music has been performed around the world. Earlier this year she prepared music videos for two of her compositions “Drum Zen” and “Tico Tico no Fuba”, to compete in the Rome Music Video Awards in Italy. The songs were nominated for numerous awards including Best Original Music, Best Editing, and Most Experimental Video.
Her music pairs modern composition and production styles with traditional Chinese instruments including the zither-like Zheng, the bowed Erhu, and the Dizi (flute). On September 22, 2023, Yun Fei released her first new commercial releases since her debut. The percussionist is joined on the recordings by fellow Chinese-Canadian musicians Ping Jiao, Amely Zhou and Lipeng Wu.
As “Joy” opens, the drum and dizi duet in a dark and cinematic ambient scene. Soon the stringed instruments enter the mix and paint a complex melodic tapestry. It is a beautiful and nuanced piece that ultimately builds to an exciting percussive climax.
“Glory” is an epic instrumental anthem that beautifully blends traditional and modern styles. Yun Fei and her crew weave a complex tapestry of syncopated percussive melodies and rhythms. They paint with broad strokes of sweeping melodies and urgent rhythms, infusing the piece with real Hollywood drama.
Check out Yun Fei’s music below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear the songs “Joy” and “Glory” on the Deep Dive : Jazz & Classical playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming services. Follow the links below to connect with Yun Fei.