In 2013, Justin was the first ever candidate of Chinese descent to appear on the UK X Factor, receiving high praise from the judges. In 2020, Justin gained major popularity after winning a Chinese National Competition: Bravo Youngsters; subsequently leading him to be named a 'Rising Newcomers by Vogue China.
Inspired by multicultural pop artists such as BTS and Rina Sawayama, Justin is determined to embrace his cultural identity and weave them into music - helping to bring underrepresented East Asian talent to the forefront. Justin developed passion for music and performing from a young age. Justin started learning traditional Chinese instruments (Hulusi and bamboo flute) at the age of seven. Not only were they the introduction to his musical world, but also gave him the opportunities and confidence to perform in front of crowds. Justin recently released his debut single, 'Narcissistic Valentine', check it out for a smooth combination of RnB and soul with a pop twist.
Ethnicity: British-Chinese
Location: London, UK
Instagram: @justinpengmusic
Website: www.justinpengmusic.com
GET TO KNOW - completed May 2022
3 words to describe you:
Fun, supportive and passionate
3 words to describe your music:
Relatable, heartfelt and story-telling
If it does, how does your heritage impact your art?
I started learning traditional Chinese instruments (Hulusi and bamboo flute) at the age of seven. Not only they were my introduction to the musical world, it also gave me plenty opportunities and confidence to perform in front of crowds since a young age. Moreover, growing up in China and the UK, the cultural mixture and clashes have inspired me to write songs that reflect on myself. I grew up listening to Mandopop and Britpop, and I love writing songs in both languages, and what’s cool is that my writing style changes depending on the language the song’s in. I have a bilingual song coming up early next year, stay tuned!
If you could collaborate with anyone, who and why?
I would love to collaborate with Rina Sawayama. I’ve been listening to her music since her debut album Sawayama and I fell in love with her badass personality. I can only imagine working with her would be super fun. Not to mention that she is a true inspiration, breaking people’s perceptions and representing the East-Asian talent in today’s music industry!
Your next career/music goal:
Release an EP album and have my headline show!
Top 3 go to songs/artists:
Love On Top - Beyonce
Lay Me Down - Sam Smith
I Just Called To Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder
Words you live by:
I aim to be kind, openminded and authentic.
Anything else you'd like to share?
My debut single: Narcissistic Valentine came out on 30th September on all streaming platforms. It is a feel-good break-up anthem, about calling out lies and ending toxic relationships. The song is written in an assertive and confident tone, hoping to empower others to move on from bad lovers: “So I threw all the pictures I kept in my wallet, screw all the books that you recommended”.
