Interview: Kristin Hsiao

Kristin Hsiao (葵斯汀)

Kristin Hsiao (葵斯汀) is an electronic music producer from Taiwan. Through online performances on her Instagram, she has been gathering a following who enjoy her atmospheric and satisfyingly emotive tunes. We reached out to ask her some questions and she was kind to oblige. 

What made you become interested in electronic music? 

I’ve liked to listen to chillout and ambient music since I was a kid. I sometimes add a few electronic elements in my music. But the most inspiring moment that motivated me to want to learn synthesis is that one day on Instagram, I saw a sound design artist who made a very beautiful, ethereal sound with only synthesizers. That really opened my mind. Since then, I began my jamming diary. There are two purposes: One is recording my synthesis learning process, the other is throwing myself into creative vibes more frequently. 

What is your favourite musical equipment to use? 

I would say the ZOIA is my favorite musical equipment so far. It can be a synthesizer, looper, beat maker, or simply a guitar pedal. It’s really versatile. 


You are from Taiwan, do you think Taiwan has influenced your music? 

Yes. Because of the history, Taiwan’s culture is very diverse. One of the most influential stages I can think of is that I watched a lot of glove puppetry shows when I was in elementary school. And I was so into those instrumental scores. So I remember I went to a record store to buy their soundtrack cassettes right away after watching one of the episodes. Maybe that explains why I love making instrumental music rather than singing. I can just simply use instruments or other devices to create the atmosphere I want, and then bring people into my imaginary space without saying a single word.

What do you do in your life outside of music? What is a typical day for you? 

I’d like to go out in nature. For instance, go hiking or camping with my family. I’d play video games sometimes as well as watch TV series. Normally, I spend a morning learning new things, like languages, sound design, or music production etc. Then I practice songs on the guitar or create some stuff with my gear in the afternoon. Sometimes I work on a music project with others instead. In the evening, I go to the gym to do exercise. Then, I read books to soothe and relax my mood before bedtime. 

Can you explain the use of the pig character in your videos? 

The pig is for bringing warm vibes purposes. Because there were many electronic devices squeezed on the screen. It looked a bit insipid and cold to me. So I just added the pig (or other cute ornaments) to spice it up. 

When did you start using social media to promote your music? How has that experience been? 

In 2016, I started uploading my music and some covers on YouTube at first. Then I began Jamming Diary by posting videos of me playing live looping and synthesizers on Instagram and YouTube in 2020. At the beginning, I didn't expect many people would see my videos. I just keep posting them. One day, the company, empress effects, reposted one of my videos on their Instagram. After that, my video’s shares and followers increased like a rolling snowball. Then I was freaking out. It took me some time to get used to it. However, In this digital era, I think it has become a normal phenomenon that everyone can easily find you on the internet. It seems to me that social media is a great tool in terms of who would like to promote their ideas. 

Do you have any plans for the future? 

I’ve been working on an online course about how to integrate your gear and play live-looping with DAWs. Also, my second album is in the works. But before that, I truly hope that we can get through the pandemic and return to normal life sooner. It’s been a difficult time for all of us indeed. I just need to see more joy, more softness, and more acceptance. Spreading love and happiness.