If given the chance to choose, would you pursue a stable and unchanging life, or embrace the ever-changing challenges?
Although this statement appears to be filled with instability, the unwavering expression conveyed through the words makes it hard to forget.
Clearly, she was already slowly advancing on the path to “success,” yet she suddenly bid farewell to the big corporation to become an independent singer. Amid what seemed like instability, she started her own studio and courageously clinched the “Best Female Singer Silver Award” at the 2024 Music Awards, along with a spot in the top ten, thereby proving that her choice was the right one.
In truth, she is by no means a natural second-rate; it’s just that her brave and genuine heart is hidden behind countless transformations.
This versatile graduate student describes creativity as a remedy for the soul, allowing her to seek self-discovery within the vastness. Since seeing her work is like seeing her, let us step into her creative world together and uncover the source of that unrestrained freedom.
Versatile Synonyms
In an era where the public tends to stereotype creators, Jace has already embarked on her own creative path with her ever-changing qualities. While she enjoys this journey, she also feels quite troubled when it comes to defining her position. “If I were to describe my creative style, I hope it would be distinctive and nonconformist; versatility would also be one of the key words, as this is something everyone gradually agrees upon as they get to know me better.”
From “Born with Second Class” to stepping into the public eye with a striking black and light gradient short haircut, showcasing a bold and stylish image, they teach everyone that being true to oneself is the best value of existence, filled with youthful rebellion; later on, with a heartfelt ballad titled “Isolation,” they express the various sorrows of being distanced from a crush; until recently, with the song “That Night is Not Very Night Huggies,” they sincerely and earnestly thank those who have helped them along the way…
She demonstrates her aesthetic stance through a series of works, continually exploring, elevating, and evolving, while perfectly interpreting how to navigate freely between the clear distinctions of “rebellion” and “obedience.”
This unique character actually stems from the nurturing of the environment in which I grew up. “The people who have influenced my creative style the most are my parents, because they never demanded that I conform to social norms.”
Thinking of her parents also reminds her of the fun moments she recently shared with her mom while looking through old photos: “In one particular photo from my childhood, my expression was especially striking. My mom said she decided to take that picture and have it blown up because she thought I looked quite cheeky. In fact, my mom really wanted her daughter to live boldly, so gradually, I unconsciously started to express that same boldness in my creative work.”
It is precisely because she sets no limits and is unrestricted that she can retain the courage to boldly experiment during her creative process, entirely unbound; this quality, which outsiders describe as “very bold,” has, over time, become her most distinctive personal label. A fierce flame burns in every inch of the space between her and her dreams.
“I used to think that being told ‘you’re so bold’ was a negative thing, but my mom confidently replied, ‘Well, I can handle it,’ which made me realize that possessing this level of pride and confidence is actually quite rare and is a distinctive quality.” She said.
Are You Arrogant or Not?
Behind every creation is a process of relentless refinement. Seeing her always exude confidence, passion, and optimism, one can’t help but wonder what brave principles she follows in navigating the world. How does she maximize her confidence?
Unexpectedly, Jace candidly revealed that the most EMO thing for her is that she lacks confidence. “Every time I’m interviewed, I’m asked how I can be this confident. It’s because I have to present a very confident side; that’s part of being a performer, and you can’t be anything less than confident when performing. But as a creator or as Chen Kai-yung in my personal life, I’m actually a very insecure person. The contrast between these two states is so extreme that it makes this quite EMO.”
This confidence acts like armor, creating a gap between the outer self and the inner self, while also facing the struggle of self-doubt. However, this contradictory mindset has become a source of inspiration for her creations. “Creation is a brave process of self-discovery, and it’s a time to confront one’s own weaknesses and endless self-questioning. It’s a repetitive process, one of back and forth, and it may even involve constant self-denial and numerous inquiries about oneself, but ultimately, it cannot escape the search for ‘me’.”
So, between the unchanging and the ever-changing, she always chooses the latter, brave enough to embrace challenges and face gains and losses, often being unwittingly hard on herself. For example, in her work, she constantly thinks and prepares extensively; the level of being well-prepared is such that even her colleagues or team can’t help but feel she does too much, yet she still finds joy in it.
She said that from the conception to the later stages of production, each step is a manifestation of self-exploration, allowing her to understand and reflect on herself. Although the process is long, it is a happy one. “Creation is not simple; from my perspective, it is not about seeking results or goals, but rather the process of insight, which is necessary to experience, and this is more important than the outcome.”
So what can EMO do? “This matter is quite difficult to handle, we can only live with it. It should get better and, eventually, it will be resolved. And when my future self is confident inside and out, I’ll come back and answer this question for you (laughs).”
Balancing Multiple Identities
The gaze of others may not be in her control; however, her own mindset can be adjusted through cultivation.
One of the most inspiring works for her in recent years is a book called “The New Soul Perspective.” “The content talks about the new generation. Although I don’t have a religion myself, reading this book has opened up many ways of thinking for me and made me more free-spirited.”
“One of the most profound insights is that we must solve problems with love. It might sound cliché, but I truly believe in it. If we respond to situations with anger or sadness, we only create karma…” Listening to her speak so passionately, it’s easy to sense the significance of this book in her life and the strength it brings her. “Although I feel a bit silly talking about this, I really believe, and hope to bring everyone together to improve with the greatest love.”
Especially after going through a period of reflection and leaving a big company, starting over entirely on one’s own is undoubtedly an adventure and a tough battle; balancing different identities can be challenging, even resulting in a complete clash. However, thanks to this book, she gradually changed and learned to stabilize her emotional state when confronting instability. This mindset has slowly permeated her creative work. “In a song from ‘HATCHING’ titled ‘Earthly Fairy Experience,’ it embodies a more Zen quality, but I believe it closely aligns with the feelings this book has given me, teaching us to appreciate the beauty of nature and to go with the flow. I feel it’s a very personal song, and one that reflects a state of nature that I really love.”
After going through ups and downs, during the intermittent breaks, she slowly整理, rebuilt, and completed herself, and also learned to believe in herself.
【Dealing with Unstable Statements】
“I think that Chen Kai-yong in 2024 really hasn’t paid any attention to the outside world’s reactions to his work, because I’m just focused on doing my own thing, and that makes me very happy.”
She said that balancing different roles and identities requires effort, but at the same time, there are many things to try, and no one can force you to do what you don’t want to do, making the entire creative process very individualistic.
“Regardless of how others react, I don’t pay much attention. If they don’t like it, I’ll understand that our attitudes and preferences are very different; but if they do like it, I feel like I’ve found like-minded people. If these works can elicit strong feelings or accompany people for a while, that brings me warmth and comfort.”
And the beauty of art and creativity is truly irreplaceable. “I find it hard to define what art is, but I believe that many things in life can be art. They can cultivate character, help us find ourselves, inspire our imagination and thoughts, and serve as an outlet for our emotions. For me, art is something beautiful and essential in life.”
Finally, she smiled slightly and said, “I have never considered myself a romantic person; perhaps the only romantic thing in my life is believing in art and interpreting my own art in my own way.”
One can see Jace’s gentle yet steadfast demeanor, confidently and diligently moving forward. Suddenly, it dawns on me that perhaps sincerely facing oneself and authentically engaging in creativity is the best nourishment for building confidence; the ever-changing nature of it all is merely a process of taking one step after another, coming closer to one’s true self.
“Although I don’t want to make any bold statements, I will take good care of myself in 2025, and I also hope to take care of everyone by releasing more works for us to share together and improve alongside each other.”
执行制作人：Angus Mok
摄影师：Olivia Tsang
艺术指导：Olivia Tsang 和 Mimi Kong
造型：Mimi Kong 协助 Yoanah Chan
摄像师：Alvin Kong 和 Matt
视频编辑：Alvin Kong
采访：Louyi Wong
妆容：Echo Makeup
发型：Kenki Lau
服装：MAJE
化妆品：YSL Beauty