From a young age, Jianan (Canaan) Wang developed a profound affinity for music, starting with the Erhu at four years old and quickly moving into dancing. A significant chapter in Jianan’s life that profoundly influenced his musical journey was his tenure as the Lead Dancer of the Jinfan Dance Troupe in Beijing under the direction of Meng, who was the Taiji part director of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
From June 2010 to June 2014, Jianan led the troupe to a report-back performance for Mr. Zemin Jiang, the former president of China, at the prestigious National Center for the Performing Arts. He also directed the dance team’s involvement in prestigious international dance competitions, fostering collaboration and cultural exchange with esteemed dance teams from South Korea, Singapore, and the University of Edinburgh in the UK.
Becoming a dancer helped Jianan “see” music differently, understanding the intrinsic relationship between body movement and music. This early start and continuous development of his musical skills allowed him to express his creative visions uniquely and effectively, leading to the formation of an indie band and performances in prestigious venues.
Transcontinental Melodies and Cinematic Visions
Jianan arrived in the United States ten years ago and fell in love with jazz, blues, and symphonic music. This newfound passion led him to study these musical genres, immersing himself in their rich histories and complex sounds. These experiences shaped him into a person of deep and complex emotions, often contradictory, enhancing his ability to observe people and empathize with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The cultural blending of his experiences in Beijing, a city rich in history, with his time in the United States has influenced his approach to music. This led him to form an indie band when he was 15, which continues to perform today. This band experience has been instrumental in shaping his musical style, allowing him to blend various genres and emotional tones in his compositions, creating a unique and compelling soundscape that resonates with diverse audiences.
His narrative filmmaking studies in college further enriched his understanding of the relationship between pictures and music, enhancing his ability to create evocative film scores.
Jianan (Canaan) Wang Roots
Born in Beijing, a city blending ancient and modern elements, Jianan cherishes the memories of its streets and smells. The sound of opera singing from his grandfather’s radio is a vivid childhood memory. As a child, he was lively and energetic but struggled with self-expression. Together with his younger brother, they would act out different roles and storylines, which he believes laid the foundation for his future in film music writing.
Jianan initially hesitated when his mother encouraged him to learn a musical instrument. However, upon discovering the confidence to express himself through composition, he fell in love with music. For him, music manifests vitality, a flow that can be inhaled and embraced. While he experiences both love and hate for music, he acknowledges its essential role in his life.
His parents run a jade jewelry business, but his father is also an artist and a fan of Michael Jackson. They have been open-minded and supportive of Jianan, even during challenging times. Their encouragement and support have been crucial in helping him pursue his goals and dreams. Jianan’s hero is his father, who sacrificed to send him and his younger brother to study in the United States. He hopes to one day reciprocate his support. While he admires many individuals in different fields, the recent passing of Ryuichi Sakamoto has deepened his appreciation for his music.
Academic Pursuits and Artistic Collaborations
Jianan graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree and Columbia College of Chicago with a Master’s degree in Music Theory and Composition, the latter ranked as the number one school by the Hollywood Reporter. After completing his studies, he embarked on an exciting journey in Hollywood, Los Angeles, where he currently works as an assistant to Jackson Greenberg and Matt Wong.
He collaborated with designer Gao on the project “Unquestioning Acquiescence,” which focused on sexual violence, sexual assault, women’s safety, and men’s awareness, inspired by a friend’s experience. Jianan admired his friend’s courage and contributed his musical talents to the project.
Another project involved recording his thesis piece at the 20th Century Fox Newman Stage, where he met talented musicians and producers from Hollywood, expanding his knowledge of live symphonic recording and post-production mixing.
Accolades and Future Aspirations
He has received awards for his work, including first prize at international dance competitions in Singapore and Best Original Music at the Beijing Young Adult Film Festival. You can check his IMDb profile here.
Currently, Jianan and his friends are developing AI music software for composers and producers, with plans to expand to the general public. They focus on creating a time-saving tool that enhances creativity and caters to musical preferences. They aim to launch the software next November. Jianan hopes his EP album will soon be available for everyone to enjoy.
Jianan’s name, meaning ‘the land of milk and honey,’ symbolizes abundance and enjoyment. He hopes his music can bring joy to others and foster communication through the language of music. He enjoys traveling, fishing, camping, sports, and video games in his free time.
His philosophy is to be himself, stay flexible, maintain creativity, and enjoy the present moment. He recognizes that while some aspects of life are within his control, others are not, and he embraces this flow. Jianan remains curious and continues to chase his dreams, even if they may not materialize. His love for music is unwavering, and he anticipates meeting exciting people, exploring the world, and gaining deeper self-understanding throughout his journey.