Jade Ashtangini is a musical yogini, modern classical pianist, composer, cellist, yoga mantra chanter/singer, yoga teacher, and photographer based in Dallas, the U.S., and Taiwan who loves music extremely. She has been classically trained since her childhood, the music composed by her is so soothing and graceful, some are even quite lively rhythms. Her music genres are modern classical, minimalist, new age, classical crossover, ambient, yoga mantra, and she sings for her own songs occasionally. This is another version of Jade Ashtangini's new song, "Dance Like a Kitty (Cello and Piano)." This is by far the cutest piano and cello duet she has ever written, and it's a joy to listen to because it incorporates a lot of playing techniques: staccato, pralltriller, beautiful cello pizzicato, etc.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Jade Ashtangini, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
I've been classically trained since my childhood.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
I can freely control my time in my daily life, except that I have to teach Yoga class for charity.
Your latest song is 'Dance Like a Kitty (Cello and Piano)'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
When I wrote this song, I was inspired by the music of Joe Hisaish, originally the song was just a piano solo piece, but since I've been practicing cello every day, I decided to put the cello element in it and make it Livelier and richer.
How do you find yourself in the music business? When you started out in music, did you know it would be like this?
I actually didn’t think about it that much, I just love music all the time, and then I want to publish the music I created, of course I’m very happy that more and more people are listening to my music now.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I still just practice piano and cello, compose music, practice yoga every day, and take pictures of my favorite art photography, then have more free time to go travel I think.
How do you know when a work is finished?
I set myself to release at least one new song a month for my fans, so just do what I have to do during that time.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Ah a lot. But it's all about art and aesthetics, they're photography, yoga.
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
Rich and surging string orchestra.
Who is your favourite musician?
Johann Sebastian Bach, Robert Schumann, Yo-Yo Ma, Ludovico Einaudi, Alexis Ffrench, and of course myself -Jade Ashtangini.
What are your plans for the future?
Keep passionate, keep creating and composing, practice yoga, photography, travel. Just do what I like! People are living in the way they like most, life will be more interesting and healthier. :)