In 2015, I first set foot on American soil. Before that, this country felt distant and almost unreal, with everything seeming out of reach—except for music. My journey with music has always been closely tied to America. As a child, I read The Sun Also Rises. While the story itself wasn’t what stood out to me, the concept of the "Lost Generation" left a deep impression. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp it, but I felt a powerful resonance, as if it connected to something within me. I admired that sense of always being on the move, charging forward without hesitation, chasing the light. Back home, I was constantly searching for something, but I often felt like an outsider—misunderstood, unable to express myself freely.

In 2024, I returned to Silicon Valley, hoping to start fresh. This time, I’m determined to connect more deeply with this country, using music and beyond to create meaningful exchanges.

My deeper connection with America actually began five years ago when I became one of the first volunteers for the Society of Heart’s Delight (SHD). I was excited to help build bridges between the Chinese immigrant community and other local groups. At the time, I never imagined how profoundly this experience would shape my life.

Soon after, my music began to intersect more with the American music scene. From my band, Fake Gentle, being invited to perform virtually at South by Southwest (SXSW) for two consecutive years in 2021-2022, to debuting my latest single Be Your Monster at The Commonwealth Club—one of the oldest and most respected public forums in the U.S.—I reflect on these milestones with immense gratitude.

The journey has had its share of challenges and growth, but above all, I’ve never felt alone. Through both SHD and my music, I’ve found warmth and support in a new land. While the road ahead may still hold uncertainties, I’m filled with excitement and ready to give it my all.

2015年，我第一次踏上美国的土地。 在那之前，这个国度对我而言是陌生的，现实中的一切都遥不可及，唯有音乐是例外。 我的音乐启蒙与美国息息相关。小时候，我读过一本书——《太阳照常升起》。书中的故事无需赘述，但“垮掉的一代”这个概念让我震撼。那时的我并不完全理解，却感受到一种深刻的共鸣，仿佛与我生命中的某部分相连。我憧憬那种永远在路上、迎着阳光义无反顾前行的状态。 在国内，我也一直在寻找着什么。然而，我始终像个边缘人，被误解，无法真正畅所欲言。

2024年我再次来到硅谷这片土地，想要重新开始。 这一次，我要用音乐以及音乐以外的方式与这个国度做更多深度的交流。

其实我与美国的深度交流始于五年前。当时我成为愉园社第一批志愿者，非常开心能为增进我们华人移民与其他社区的交流出一份力。那时的我或许未曾想到，这段旅程会如此深刻地影响我的人生。紧接着，我的音乐也开始与美国音乐界产生更多交集。从我的乐队（假斯文乐队）在2021-2022连续两年受邀参加全球音乐盛会美国西南偏南（SXSW）音乐节线上展演，到去年底我受邀在美国最久负盛名的公共论坛之一的The Commonwealth Club首唱我的最新单曲《Be Your Monster》，回望过往的经历，我感慨良多。

这一路，有挑战有成长，但最重要的是，我从未感到孤独。不管是愉园社还是音乐，都让我在异国他乡感受到温暖与力量。未来的路或许仍充满未知，但我满怀期待更愿意全力以赴！