After helping promote this amazing way of sharing art in the Bay Area, I knew that I had to join in. In August, I absolutely loved collaborating with the incredibly talented artists that were also helping promote this movement (Quinn, Selkie, etc.), while also working with Melissa McLane and her insanely talented kids. This song, “Stay,” has always been very special to me, and I am really excited to share it with this wonderful foundation. Thank you!

The Red Hot Chili Peppers is one of my biggest influencers when it comes to songwriting. I especially love The Zephyr Song’s rhythm and sentimental meaning of the lyrics. I interpreted this song as a reflection of the love of life. “In the water where I center my emotion, all the world can pass me by” depicts how surfing helps the singer to forget the troubles around him. He loves being in the ocean because it clears his mind, the same way that this song makes me feel free and hopeful.

Written in 1972, the song Rocket Man by Elton John and co-writer Bernie Taupin is timeless. The universe is a mysterious place, and over the decades, humans have been curious to know more about the unknown – a place outside our planet earth. Listening to this song makes me feel intrigued by how curiosity leads to so many discoveries every day. The song depicts the intense love between life in space and life on earth with family. It hits me the same way as I think about how much I want to explore all the possibilities out there after school and yet, I still love being in the comfort of my home with my family. Rocket Man is a song that makes me reflect on the limitlessness of one’s life every time I listen to it.

Mozart Piano Concerto No. 12 in A Major, K. 414 – I. Allegro Eric-Shih-Koh & Yi-Fang-Wu

One of my favorite bands right now. They are a group from Japan that specializes in rock and funk fusion. They have incredible bass lines. They are fun to play as a bassist.

This is a Halloween song from the movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” called, “This is Halloween.” I chose it because we’re in the Halloween season and I love that movie. (played on piano)

This is a cover/arrangement of the famous Jazz standard “Lullaby of Birdland,” this arrangement is featuring Qiana Hester on piano and vocals, Aidan Macdonald on drums, and Naomi Baraban on bass, background vocals, and production. This was filmed and edited by Connor Ruiz.

This is one of my favorite songs, and I am so excited to share it! My full description is in my first submission, as this is my second (I wasn’t able to put both videos in the first submission for some reason!). Thank you!

Cover of the PJ Harvey song “Naked Cousin,” performed live at the Phoenix Theater on November 12th, 2020.

A cover of The Sonics song “Have Love Will Travel,” performed live at the Phoenix Theater on November 12th, 2020.