Founder, Rhymoi Music

"Learn something seemingly useless"

Ye Yunchuan makes a speech about the relationship between his music and classic Chinese texts at the 19th SELF Forum in Beijing on July 21, 2017. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Having forged a passion for ancient Chinese culture, Ye spent many years trying to bring it together with modern music. In 2003, he founded a studio named Rhymoi Music that is designated to tap the unique charm of traditional culture and present it in Chinese style of modern music.

"From the drumbeats of our ancient ancestors to today's unlimited streaming services, music is an integral part of the human experience. Music brings people happiness, but it also has a dark side. The sudden death of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington is such an example," Ye said.

He also talked about his deep affection for Shanhaijing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas), a compilation of Chinese fairy tales and myths written more than 4,000 years ago.

"I read it when I was just 10 years old. Many people think it was pretty much useless. But how do you know you can't make something useful from the seemingly useless 'trash' someday?" he added.

Ye never regretted investing in the classics. "It would be better to say that they helped me set a unique tone in producing music," he told China Daily website.

A piece of classic Chinese texts Shanhaijing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas). [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]