Introducing KALA CHNG

Music Artist, Songwriter, Speaker, Activist.

1. Tell us about what you do? 

I’m a half-Chinese British Pop music artist from Bristol, UK. I create Pop music with a Chinese twist and write songs and do creative work for charitable missions. My big love in life is connecting to others, community, creativity, well-being, and personal development. I’m also a Bristol Happiness Champion (BBC/BristolPost/Happy City), Culture Ambassador (China Bureau), and community activist.

My recent career highlights include performing at Trafalgar Square London for Chinese New Year in front of thousands, performing at Bristol Pride festival with their sign language artist, and receiving an Arts Council England fund to develop my performance.

I’ve had an incredible decade from performing at festivals including Harbourside Festival and Bristol Balloon Festival (with Jelli Records) to producing my own Mini Moon Festival (East Asian themed with martial arts, dance, music, origami, lantern making, and dumplings!) to helping run Knowle West Festival in my neighborhood.

I love being part of something bigger than me. My favorite projects include City Running (MAYK). I wrote and performed Bristol Beat in front of a live audience in one night, Sanctum Bristol (Situations, Theaster Gates), continuous live music week in a church ruin. Homecoming (KWMC), where I had work exhibited alongside DJ Krust and Full Cycle and Brizzle Week (M-Shed), where I spoke about Bristol identity.

I’m eternally grateful to those who have supported me along the way from the Bristol community and local/regional/specialist media. (I’ve been lucky to be featured on/in, Made in Bristol TV, London Live, BBC Radio, Bristol Post & Weekender, Bristol’s Big Screen, Bristol Music Exhibition, The Musician, BCFM, Ujima FM, and more.)

I’ve been writing and recording new music over lockdown. It’s my best work yet! People I’ve let hear a taste say it sounds like a modern Kate Bush and Lana Del Ray though I do have a few bangers on there as I do like a good beat and bassline!

I’m now building a career to include; my music/performance, songwriting for others ( publishers/personal gifts/projects themes songs/ jingles), doing voice-overs (Bristolian), and panel discussions/talk shows. I’m feeling hopeful for the future, though I know it’s been a challenging year for everyone.

2. Can you share an inspirational quote that has served you well in life?

It’s a quote from a birthday card my friend gave me a few years ago. I have kept it ever since in prominent places around my house where I can see it every day.

It says:

There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask, “What if I fall?” Oh, but my darling, What if you fly? – Erin Hanson

I cried when I opened the card out of the envelope; it’s just what I needed to hear. I’ve done my best to live by it ever since.

3. Where can we find you online?

For more about me, my blog, and e-news, sign up: www.KALACHNG.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/kalachng 

Twitter – www.twitter.com/kalachng

Youtube –  www.youtube.com/kalachng

Instagram – www.instagram.com/kalachng

Spotify – KALA CHNG

I’ve also got a new release out Breathe Again written during lockdown with contributions of lyric ideas from the public, out Oct 23 on Perpetual Records.