As Lunar New Year approaches, the vibrant melodies of New Year Is Here are ready to unite communities and bring joy to celebrations. Co-produced by Charlie Wu, General Manager of the Society of We Are Canadians Too and organizer of Jade Music Fest, this song is a collaborative masterpiece created by local Chinese-language musicians to mark the Year of the Snake. In this Q&A, Charlie Wu shares insights into the inspiration behind the project, the cultural significance of the music, and how the Jade Music Fest continues to elevate and celebrate BC’s rich artistic talent. —Noa Nichol
What inspired the creation of New Year Is Here, and how did the idea come to life at the Jade Music Fest?
Charlie Wu: As the organizer of Jade Music Fest, we’ve witnessed the incredible talents of Canadian musicians reclaiming their heritage languages. Individually, they work tirelessly to shape their careers while embracing an authentic identity they’re proud to share. Collectively, Jade Music Fest aims to provide platforms to showcase these talents and foster public appreciation for Chinese-language music in Canada. Lunar New Year is the perfect occasion to achieve this.
How did the collaboration between the four musicians—Ginalina, Van Lefan, Daniel Lew, and Kapa Arkieh—shape the song’s composition and message?
Charlie: Ginalina took the lead as co-producer. Over the Christmas break, the group came together to write the song, reflecting on Lunar New Year traditions. Daniel, a third-generation Chinese-Canadian with roots in Hong Kong, and Ginalina, a second-generation Taiwanese-Canadian born in Toronto and a mother of four, brought unique perspectives. Van Lefan and Kapa Arkieh, both 1.5-generation Canadians who immigrated from Taiwan at ages 11 and 10, added their own styles. Their trust in each other, built over years of connection through Jade Music Fest, made this collaboration possible. The song’s message reflects their Canadian upbringing, offering a fresh perspective compared to traditional Lunar New Year music from Asia.
Can you tell us about the significance of incorporating family and fellow artists into the creative process, such as Ginalina’s son Gabriel and Van’s mom as the Taiwanese consultant?
Charlie: Music has a unique ability to connect generations, which has been a fascinating discovery during Jade Music Fest. The song naturally brought family members into the creative process—Lunar New Year traditions often center on family. Gabriel’s involvement in the group vocals and Van’s mom’s contribution to the Taiwanese lyrics highlight how music bridges generational gaps and strengthens these bonds.
What was the experience like producing Canada’s first-ever Lunar New Year music video, and what role did the visuals play in bringing the song’s spirit to life?
Charlie: Ewan Mac, an experienced music video producer, brought incredible passion and expertise to the project. His work during the recording sessions was impressive, and he captured the joyful spirit of the songwriters perfectly. The music video amplifies the project’s essence: replacing money in the traditional red envelope with music, representing happiness and connection. The double meaning of “music” and “happiness” in Chinese underscores the project’s uplifting message.
The character for “music” in Chinese also represents happiness. How does this double meaning influence the overall theme of New Year Is Here?
Charlie: Traditional Lunar New Year celebrations in Canada often differ from those in Asia and may not feel relevant to newcomers or second-generation Canadians. This project offers a fresh, creative way to celebrate the tradition in Canada, making it more relatable and inclusive for future generations while maintaining its joyful spirit.
How do you hope the song will resonate with listeners, both within the Chinese-speaking community and beyond?
Charlie: The song features multilingual lyrics in English, Mandarin, Taiwanese, and even a touch of Cantonese. We hope this inspires appreciation for Canada’s linguistic diversity and encourages audiences to embrace multilingual content as part of our cultural identity. Phonetic subtitles are also available for anyone who wants to sing along, making it accessible to everyone.
Can you explain the idea behind the Red Music Envelope tradition and how it ties into Lunar New Year celebrations?
Charlie: The Red Music Envelope is a creative twist on the traditional red envelope. Instead of money, it contains music, symbolizing happiness and connection. This innovation exemplifies how festivals and events can foster cross-platform collaboration, promoting intercultural and transcultural dialogue to break down silos within our communities.
What has the response been like so far to this project, and how do you see it contributing to the growth of Chinese-language music in BC?
Charlie: The response from partners like CBC, Fairchild Media Group, and Granville Island has been overwhelmingly positive. Many are excited to share the song with their audiences, which is a great step toward raising awareness of Chinese-language music in BC and showcasing its potential.
How do live performances at the LunarFest Concert and the LunarFest Launch Event aim to create a shared experience for audiences?
Charlie: The live performances at the LunarFest Concert and Launch Event will invite audiences to sing along, creating a vibrant and memorable atmosphere. These shared experiences foster a sense of community and joy, leaving lasting impressions for everyone to share with their friends and family.
What message do you want to send to Canadians and the global audience about the importance of celebrating cultural traditions through music?
Charlie: As Canada grows increasingly diverse—with 44% of the population being first- or second-generation immigrants and 34% identifying as visible minorities—more global traditions are becoming part of our national identity. Music captures the essence of these evolving cultures and creates a shared sense of pride and belonging. It’s a powerful way to celebrate our collective heritage while embracing our diversity.
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