“A poet who composes,” Chinese artist Gordon Eagle presents cross-cultural sounds and styles in his music for soprano and piano. MELANCHOLY IS LIKE A PLUME OF SMOKE features a collection of five songs with music and lyrics penned by Eagle. This new Ravello Records album mingles ancient Chinese poetic traditions and Western sounds in one forward-thinking recording.
Today, Gordon is our featured artist in “The Inside Story,” a blog series exploring the inner workings and personalities of our composers and performers. Read on to discover his feelings of melancholy around this album…
When did you realize that you wanted to be an artist?
In primary school, I was quickly good at many types of arts, but my family solely wanted me to enter politics like many other civilians. So, I was not well educated in music or other arts at all. After many years’ education, it was in senior middle school that I realized I wished to be an artist because I felt really bored and without value. But unfortunately, I had no option besides majoring in Chinese at university.
If you could make a living at any job in the world, what would that job be?
I think it must be an artist, a director, or a writer, for those are what I used to hope for, and I’d avoid a regular routine every day. But of course, I do not exclude some professions, for example, a tycoon, or a farmer. But if I could not make a living, then I will choose to be a chef, like I plan to do presently.
If you could spend creative time anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Anywhere that has many fields belonging to me, and is safe. Because I feel safe and relaxed.
If you could instantly have expertise performing one instrument, what instrument would that be?
What I do now, vocals, since the voice is the most important instrument. But it would be better if I could sing every tune.
What was your favorite musical moment on the album?
I cried several times in some moments on this album and afterward I feel a bit numb. I think it is building a unique music ambiance that relates to the traditional Chinese word for goodness.
This album certainly is significant to me, and I am grateful to PARMA for promoting it around the world.
Explore Gordon’s Latest Release
MELANCHOLY IS LIKE A PLUME OF SMOKE
“A poet who composes,” Chinese artist Gordon Eagle presents cross-cultural sounds and styles in his music for soprano and piano. MELANCHOLY IS LIKE A PLUME OF SMOKE features a collection of five songs with music and lyrics penned by Eagle. This new Ravello Records album mingles ancient Chinese poetic traditions and Western sounds in one forward-thinking recording.
