01Profile
A Shi Shi Sun Photo
Shi Shi Sun
Musician — Taiwan
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Shi Shi Sun. My background is a bit mixed. My grandpa moved from Shandong, China, to Korea, when he was young. But both of my parents grew up in Korea, and so did I.
What do you do?
Songwriter/singer/producer.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Once I went to the performance of a Japanese band called Ego-Wrappin’ in Korea, consisting of a guitarist and a vocalist whose singing is amazingly dynamic. It was a snowy day, and I went to the show alone. Somehow it just felt really romantic.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Rock music has the most influence on me since I played in a rock band when I was a university student. I think jazz also has some influence on me, too.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
The one time, I performed in a small club. Although the venue wasn’t big, with only a small number of patrons, it just felt great, like I felt like I was an established musician. Come to think of it now, I can still feel the same excitement.
If you could be on the line up with any band in history?
Tokyo Jihen (aka Tokyo Incidents). I became a big fan of their music back in my band days. To date, I can still feel their influence on my music work.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
It would have to be my mother, who passed away when I was in senior high. She had a beautiful voice when she sang. If I only had one hour, I would want to listen to her sing. My mind would feel so cleansed and renewed. Michael Jackson would be another person I’d love to spend time with. He was such an influential figure in music history!
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
My father. When I was a kid, he once drew 4 pictures on a piece of paper in order to teach me to sing a kiddie song, thinking back now, the drawings were really good! He also taught me how to record what’s on TV to a VHS tape, so I could replay my favourite music videos over and over again later. He even sang along with me when I played! We watched Michael Jackson concert DVDs and danced together. I learned how to play the guitar from him. I can say I got my mom’s voice, but dad was the one to develop my interests in music.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'The Scientist' by Coldplay and 'Goodbye Days' by YUI. Although the first songs I played on repeat weren’t these two, I was really touched by them during my teenage days. Now I still have a soft spot for them.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Complicated' by Avril Lavigne. I chose to write about her for a school project in junior high. I was in love with her, from her style and attitude to her music work. I love how she’s a bit of a rebel, but with a sensible rationale.
One record you would keep forever?
'In My Own Words' by Ne-Yo. My mom bought it for me especially at a music store when she went to Seoul. It’s one of the earliest R&B albums I collected. Self-titled 'Corinne Baily Rae' is another album that I listened to countless times. Her songs are simply inspiring. I must mention this experience. I used to sing along with a Sara Bareilles album as a way to train my vocal, and it was very helpful. One time, unexpectedly, I hit a note that I usually couldn’t reach and right there I suddenly blacked out and fell. It freaked me out, but I was ecstatic.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
'Crooked' by Waa Wei. Lyrics written by Francis Lee. The line "the kid couldn’t leave because his finger is stuck in the dike" is intriguing.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Don’t Start Now' by Dua Lipa. This song is perfect for walks and workouts as it makes me feel confident and puts me in a good mood.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
An oldie, 'Merry Go Round' by Sally Yeh. I am also surprised that this song can be so evoking.
Any new bands you are listening to now?
Sunset Rollercoaster, LEE, and BIBI.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Shi Shi Sun. My background is a bit mixed. My grandpa moved from Shandong, China, to Korea, when he was young. But both of my parents grew up in Korea, and so did I.
What do you do?
Songwriter/singer/producer.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Once I went to the performance of a Japanese band called Ego-Wrappin’ in Korea, consisting of a guitarist and a vocalist whose singing is amazingly dynamic. It was a snowy day, and I went to the show alone. Somehow it just felt really romantic.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Rock music has the most influence on me since I played in a rock band when I was a university student. I think jazz also has some influence on me, too.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
The one time, I performed in a small club. Although the venue wasn’t big, with only a small number of patrons, it just felt great, like I felt like I was an established musician. Come to think of it now, I can still feel the same excitement.
If you could be on the line up with any band in history?
Tokyo Jihen (aka Tokyo Incidents). I became a big fan of their music back in my band days. To date, I can still feel their influence on my music work.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
It would have to be my mother, who passed away when I was in senior high. She had a beautiful voice when she sang. If I only had one hour, I would want to listen to her sing. My mind would feel so cleansed and renewed. Michael Jackson would be another person I’d love to spend time with. He was such an influential figure in music history!
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
My father. When I was a kid, he once drew 4 pictures on a piece of paper in order to teach me to sing a kiddie song, thinking back now, the drawings were really good! He also taught me how to record what’s on TV to a VHS tape, so I could replay my favourite music videos over and over again later. He even sang along with me when I played! We watched Michael Jackson concert DVDs and danced together. I learned how to play the guitar from him. I can say I got my mom’s voice, but dad was the one to develop my interests in music.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'The Scientist' by Coldplay and 'Goodbye Days' by YUI. Although the first songs I played on repeat weren’t these two, I was really touched by them during my teenage days. Now I still have a soft spot for them.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Complicated' by Avril Lavigne. I chose to write about her for a school project in junior high. I was in love with her, from her style and attitude to her music work. I love how she’s a bit of a rebel, but with a sensible rationale.
One record you would keep forever?
'In My Own Words' by Ne-Yo. My mom bought it for me especially at a music store when she went to Seoul. It’s one of the earliest R&B albums I collected. Self-titled 'Corinne Baily Rae' is another album that I listened to countless times. Her songs are simply inspiring. I must mention this experience. I used to sing along with a Sara Bareilles album as a way to train my vocal, and it was very helpful. One time, unexpectedly, I hit a note that I usually couldn’t reach and right there I suddenly blacked out and fell. It freaked me out, but I was ecstatic.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
'Crooked' by Waa Wei. Lyrics written by Francis Lee. The line "the kid couldn’t leave because his finger is stuck in the dike" is intriguing.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Don’t Start Now' by Dua Lipa. This song is perfect for walks and workouts as it makes me feel confident and puts me in a good mood.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
An oldie, 'Merry Go Round' by Sally Yeh. I am also surprised that this song can be so evoking.
Any new bands you are listening to now?
Sunset Rollercoaster, LEE, and BIBI.