July 30, 2026 Los Angeles, USA
I am incredibly honored to share that “Two Moons,” the title track from my latest album, has won the Hollywood Independent Music Award in the New Age / Ambient Music category.
Among eight nominated works, Two Moons was selected as the winner at the 2026 Hollywood Independent Music Awards (HIMA), making me the first Asian artist to receive this award in the category.
Receiving this recognition means far more to me than winning an award. As a guzheng artist and composer, I have spent many years exploring how an ancient Chinese instrument can speak in a contemporary musical language. While musicians who perform traditional Chinese instruments are often placed in the World Music category, this award represents something different. It recognizes the music itself—its artistic vision, emotional depth, and originality—rather than simply the cultural origin of the instrument.
To me, this is an encouraging reminder that music truly has no boundaries.
Two Moons was created in collaboration with producer and composer Paul Elliott. The album blends the timeless voices of the guzheng and guqin with ambient textures, cinematic sound design, and contemporary composition. Inspired by the image of two moons—one in the sky and one reflected in a window—the music explores themes of duality, reflection, stillness, and the relationship between the external world and our inner selves.
I am deeply grateful to Paul Elliott, everyone who contributed to this project, my family, friends, and the listeners around the world who have embraced this music. Your support has made this journey possible.
I would also like to thank the Hollywood Independent Music Awards for this recognition and for supporting independent artists who continue to push creative boundaries.
Although awards are never the reason I create music, moments like this encourage me to continue exploring new possibilities for the guzheng and sharing its voice with audiences around the world.
This recognition belongs not only to me, but also to everyone who believes that tradition and innovation can exist together—and that music can connect people beyond language, culture, and genre.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Listen to Two Moons
The award-winning album Two Moons is available on all major streaming platforms.