Vincy Chan, Photography by Stephanie Teng
Vincy Chan is a trans singer-songwriter and artist born in Hong Kong, currently based in Kaurna Yerta. They graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Music) from Macalester College, Minnesota focussing on jazz vocal performance. They’re a multi-instrumentalist trained in piano, voice, cello, and Ghanaian drumming.
Given that you have many years of arts experience, have you found value in taking part in the Interplay program in 2024? Please explain.
Spaces tailored for global majority musicians are few and far in between, so for me there is a real sense of camaraderie within the Interplay program. It has been affirming knowing that we all face similar pain points, regardless of where we are at in our career.
Interplay has been such a nourishing environment for me not only to connect with others, and to share our knowledge and learnings with each other; but also a safe space to explore and to be intentional about inviting a sense of play back into my practice.
As a multi-instrumentalist and interdisciplinary artist, what can people expect from your live show in November?
If people have seen my Adelaide Fringe debut, they are in for something different in my November show. The showcase has a similar through line of grappling with themes of grief, but it will be a mix of instrumental compositions, improvisation alongside illustrations on top of the regular program of original songs.
You’ve done some exciting gigs throughout 2024 while taking part in the program, can you reflect on some highlights.
This year’s Adelaide Fringe is the first time I have performed publicly in so-called “Australia” since moving here in 2022. Having been a performer for almost half of my life, it is revitalizing to know that I can and will continue to pick up new skills, like presenting a show, or learning how to work the decks. Being able to connect with a different audience, especially members of various diaspora communities, has been heartwarming.
An older Irish man coming up to me after my COMA gig to tell me “what’s not to love about a slice of funky bitchiness” has single-handedly crushed any of my earlier doubts that my music might not be well received here.
What kind of music will you be creating using what you’ve learned in the program? And, is it much different to your previous sound?
It has always been a challenge defining my sound as a singer-songwriter. I used to say that my music is inspired by Jazz, R&B, Soul and Pop. Writing a new set for the showcase was the stretch goal that I had set for myself at the beginning of the program.
Being able to incorporate a sense of play and experimentation back to my practice during the program has given me the courage to dip my toes into composing instrumental music. I would like to think of what I’m working on as an extension to my previous sound, and an amalgamation of the influences that made me.
Who has been your favourite presenter/speaker you have met and learned from during the Interplay program?
Tough choice! I think Keith Kugo and Joel Ma are a tie. It’s been incredibly insightful hearing from other artists that work across multiple mediums and disciplines, and learning what their anchors are that allow them to navigate their practice.