An Interview With The Remarkable Albert Liu By Chiraag Matthew

  "The time I spend with my work will always be a remarkable moment in my life."

                                                                                                    - Albert Liu, 2021

    The words spoken by Albert Liu regarding his art is inspiring and motivating for artists and lovers of the arts alike. To truly be changed, affected, and directed on a new path every time he engages with his art is fascinating to say the least. An excellent choice of words by one of Simon Fraser University's esteemed composers. Although a resident of Richmond, BC, Canada, Mr. Liu was born in Taipei, Taiwan and came to Canada in 2013. His passion began in 2015 as a beginner pianist, and now he composes intricate pieces like the one below. When I spoke with Mr. Liu, we dove into the realities of being an artist in the world today, and how the definitions of an artist shift amidst the balance of the art and the personal. It was truly an honour to chat with, and understand the mind of an artist like Mr. Liu and learn the realities of navigating life as a student artist during the Covid-19 pandemic. Albert Liu uses the word "remarkable" to describe each interaction he has with his art, and I would say Albert Liu himself is truly "remarkable."

Q. Why is music your art?

A. Music would be my art not only because I have listened to so many different kinds of music since I was young, but also because music has expressed emotions to me and on my behalf. That relationship can only be described as art. Music is like a language, where you don't need spoken words to convey your feelings. In regards to the more technical relationship between myself and music as my art, I use Sibelius, to compose and edit music and from there I can write my vibraphones, pianos, and violins. I use these instruments instead of others, because of the texture and my familiarity with their instrumentation. For me, no matter what I use, and what I prefer, my art is never finished. As I grow and improve, so does my art. Whenever I am asked this question, I think people just want me to say its music, and that I compose pop, or classical, or a mix of both, but my art is more than definitions and genres, it is a relationship and a tool of communication that I cannot live without.

Q. Would you still define yourself as an "Artist" even your perceptions stretch beyond conventional definitions? 

A. Well, "Artists" by definition are people who paint or draw as their hobby or profession right? However, the world of arts now expands far beyond just painting and drawing. It's unlimited. I believe that the progress towards becoming an artist is also what makes someone an artist. Anyone who is creating or developing something that did not exist until they had done so, is an artist. However,  outside of the world of arts, people view artists only as those who have profited from their art. If I conformed to their understanding, I would only be an artist when I am at school, showcasing my work and acquiring a grade, and when I am at home, I am not an artist. Regardless of however the community I am in defines an artist, for me, the deciding factor will be how satisfied I personally am with my work. I could compose something I hate and never tell anyone I am an artist, or I can create a piece that I love, and want everyone to see me as an artist. 

Q. Being a student, do you find it difficult to balance your art and your personal life and how has the Covid-19 pandemic further affected it?

A. Being a student will always shift the way in which I must compose and create new pieces. I don't live alone, so I have to find time to sit down and quietly do my musical work. When I do find the time, it will be the middle of the night and it wont be easy to just play any instrument I want. This is where online software benefits the modern composer, as most instruments are readily available to play online. Everything related to the current state of the world has complicated my creative process. The benefit of being able to go to school and discover and test out new equipment and instruments is a hinderance on the development of my compositions. Going to a studio to develop or organize a new idea is a great hardship as the availability of these spaces is miniscule.

Q. In 10 years, when this pandemic and all of its byproducts are behind us, do you see yourself still composing and making your art?

A. I would like to say yes, but I am not sure. Maybe my work in the future will solely be out of my own personal interest and as a hobby. Regardless, I know that I will still be passionate about music. That will never change. Music is a part of life. To be honest, I don't know what other field I would be in, but as long as I can compose music, I will be happy. 

Q. Would you say that's what you want most out of life? To be able to keep composing music?

A. I think it is more than that. I want to be able to have something that, when someone hears it, I can confidently say "This is my work." I have been composing music throughout my time at SFU, and I am yet to compose a piece that allows me to say that. It is entirely for self-satisfaction as my work means a lot to me and what I have been through in life. The finished product will be a representation of the work and hardship and progress over time. Each moment I spend on a piece holds weight and will be crucial to the final composition. Whether I add or remove something, that interaction with my art has meaning, and changes me as an artist. The time I spend with my work will always be a remarkable moment in my life. In the long run, I believe my art will give me a deeper understanding of myself. This is why I love music, and composing music: It makes me a better person.

Q. Wow, that's so powerful. Is there a particular composition that has gotten you through life's difficulties and has greatly affected you in the manner you've described? 

A. Since I was little, listening to certain music awoke the thought in me that one day I will compose a piece that will get others through tough times, as so many pieces have done for myself. That is why I have never thought about giving up. "Gymnopedie" by Erik Satie is one I often listen to, in order to remind myself of this thought and motivate my next idea or composition.

    One suggestion I'd make to anyone reading this interview with Albert Liu, is to play this beautiful piece that contributes to his excellent understanding of music's effect on life, and read our fascinating chat once again. Mr. Liu is truly remarkable.