Born in the land of the dragon and thriving in the home of the brave, Tiger He, a talented producer and singer-songwriter, ushers in a novel wave of music booming from the harmonious blend of two diverse cultures.
A classically trained pianist from his youth, Tiger found an outlet in music, albeit reluctantly. Tears were shed on the classroom floor, but in defiance against the rigorous and painful classes, Tiger conquered the keys, achieving the highest grade license for piano. Despite this achievement, his relationship with the instrument waned, yearning for something novel and thrilling outside the strictures of classical music.
His quest for a new sound adventured him to the United States, where he joined a military school – Culver Academies. Music continued to weave its path in his life as he developed his drumming skills and gradually evolved into the drum major, leading the marching band with fervor. It was during his high school days that his affinity for the bass guitar and guitar blossomed, fueling him to explore the rock and jazz genres.
Tiger’s journey led him to UW Madison where he studied computer science, a predictable choice for an international Chinese student. Yet, the predictable took an unexpected shift when his passion for music flourished alongside his academic pursuits. A ‘dorm-room shower singer’ transformed into a band leader, captivating nearly 200 students with their performance—a tribute to his persistence, hard work, and insatiable love for music.
The growth of his musical prowess did not stop there; he ventured into songwriting and producing. With a newfound relationship with music inspired by Mr. Hoover and Charlie Chen who introduced him to “Logic Pro”, a window to creative freedom opened. Lionizing his love for music, Tiger launched his debut album on his 25th birthday.
In his latest offering, Tiger treats his listeners to a unique blend of tradition and innovation. His track “月牙五更” (Crescent at 5 AM) infuses a traditional northeastern Chinese opera into an RnB beat—a testament to his creativity and sensitivity to his personal and cultural journey. This trailblazing song shows Tiger’s determination to break stereotypes associated with young Asian Americans.
Like a phoenix, Tiger He rose from a crucible of conflicting cultural experiences, feeling out of place yet forging his identity amidst the discord. He voices out the struggles and triumphs, representing not just a demographic but a generation reaching out to redefine their narrative.
Today, Tiger He stands proud as an AI consultant by day, an enthralling performer by night. His multifaceted life personifies his mantra, “Don’t let anyone tell you how to live your life.” You’re invited to join him at his upcoming shows with 1214 entertainment this January in Austin, Texas, to experience his vibrant blend of music first hand.
Tiger He—an exemplar of defying norms, embracing authenticity, and empowering others to do the same through the universal language of music.
