Resident Alien (2018-19)

Resident Alien is a sound recording that explores Chinese folk music in New York City. The recording begins with the voices inquiring people on the streets, gathering their memories of Chinese street musicians amidst the city's ambient sounds, roaring engines of arts in streets near and afar. It then transitions with footsteps and a fragmented tune from an erhu to interviews at Columbus Park, where groups of middle-aged Chinese immigrants congregate to perform. Melting in the tone from instruments and lo-fi mono speakers, the narratives unfold through diverse accents, expressing affection with folk songs and concerns about real-life challenges.