Behind The Lens: Eric HZ

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How would you describe your music to a first-time listener?

I’m a singer-songwriter and music producer from China. My music is rooted in Chinese culture, shaped by fatherhood and faith, and connected through music and love. My work explores the emotions and experiences that unite us across languages, cultures, and generations. At its heart is a belief that has grown stronger throughout my life: To love and to be loved is at the heart of what gives our lives meaning.

For someone discovering my music for the first time, I would recommend two original songs. Child is a song about fatherhood and unconditional love, for anyone who has ever stumbled and still been held by love. Encounter is a song about faith, love, and finding purpose through an encounter with God. Although these songs explore life from different perspectives, they share the same artistic purpose: to create music that remains true to my cultural roots while connecting with something universally human.

You’re celebrating a major career milestone with a trip to the ice cream shop. What’s your go-to flavor and why?

Since becoming a father of twins, celebrations have taken on a different meaning for me. I’d probably take my children out for ice cream and share whatever flavors they choose. Watching their excitement would be the best part. Music has brought me opportunities to perform on some memorable stages, but my children have taught me to cherish the everyday moments that don’t require an audience or applause. And with two young children, even a simple trip for ice cream can turn into an adventure!

What do you want fans to take away from your music?

I hope my music brings people comfort, courage, and hope. A song may not change our circumstances, but it can change how we face them. Sometimes simply knowing that someone understands what we’re going through can bring a sense of comfort. My faith has taught me to practice gratitude—not because life is always easy, but because even difficult experiences can help us recognize what truly matters.

As I often say, "The more grateful we are, the more fortunate and fulfilled we become. If my music encourages someone to approach life with greater kindness, courage, and gratitude, then it has fulfilled a purpose I deeply value.

What about making music makes it fun for you?

What I enjoy most is watching something intangible—a feeling, a memory, or an idea—gradually become music. I’ve been drawn to music since childhood, and years of professional training have taught me to appreciate both the freedom of creativity and the discipline that meaningful artistic expression requires. Whether I’m discovering an unexpected melody or gaining a fresh perspective from a collaborator, I find joy in the creative process. Music continually challenges me to listen more deeply, create more thoughtfully, and keep growing as an artist.

How do you know an idea is worth developing into a song?

A song usually begins with something genuine: an emotion, an experience, or a question that stays with me. I first ask myself what I truly want to express, then explore how melody, lyrics, and arrangement can communicate that idea most effectively. The process requires experimentation, revision, and patience. I believe sincerity is the foundation of a song, while craftsmanship gives it shape. When every musical element serves the same emotional purpose, I know the idea is worth developing.

When do you decide to shelve an idea that isn’t going to work?

Knowing when to pause is an important part of the creative process. If the melody, lyrics, and emotion haven’t found their natural connection, I’d rather step away than force a result. Time and experience often bring a fresh perspective. I’m also careful about predicting which songs might become classics. Artists can pursue excellence, but lasting significance is ultimately determined by time, listeners, and history. My responsibility is to create music I can stand behind with honesty and integrity, regardless of its immediate reception.

Did you think a song was going to be less successful than it actually became?

"Child" has been an especially meaningful experience for me. The song grew out of my experience of becoming a father, and the recording opens with the real laughter of my twin children—a moment no production technique could ever replace. When I first created it, I simply wanted to express something deeply personal. I had no idea where the song might eventually lead.

Since then, "Child" has accompanied several important moments in my artistic journey, including my performance at the Chinese American Film Festival in 2025 and its submission for consideration in the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category at the 69th GRAMMY Awards. Those experiences have been deeply encouraging. What means the most to me, however, is that a song inspired by my family has become part of a broader artistic conversation. It reminds me that sincere, personal stories can sometimes open unexpected doors.

What’s one lyric you find fans repeating back to you?

There’s a passage from my song "Child" that holds particular meaning for me. A poetic English translation of the original Chinese lyrics would be: Through your eyes, I begin to see the world.Driven by curiosity, I remainthe imperfect child in your eyes.I stumble, regret, and stubbornly try again,yet your love is where my story finds its ending. These words reflect both my experience as a father and my Christian faith.

Fatherhood has taught me that love isn’t something a child has to earn by being perfect. My faith has taught me that through God’s love, we can see the beauty and truth of His creation while acknowledging our own imperfections. We may stumble, make mistakes, and carry regrets, but none of these changes our identity as children who are deeply loved by Him. The final line expresses a belief at the heart of my life and music: Love is where every story ultimately finds its meaning. We may spend our lives searching, striving, and learning, but I believe we eventually return to a simple truth: to love and to be loved is one of the deepest purposes of our existence.

You’re creating a song for an Olympian. What would you call it and what would it sound like?

I would call it Beyond The Finish Line. It would begin with a quiet piano melody, reflecting the unseen years of an athlete’s dedication, then gradually build into a powerful arrangement blending orchestral music, contemporary pop, and voices from different cultures. The song would celebrate courage, discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence—but its message would extend beyond winning. A medal recognizes achievement, yet it cannot fully measure a person’s character, sacrifice, or worth. What inspires me most about the Olympic spirit is the possibility of pursuing greatness while respecting our shared humanity. The finish line may determine the result of a race, but it doesn’t define the worth of the person who crosses it.

If there was a museum dedicated to your life and career, what would fans find in the gift shop? Where can fans connect with you?

I would imagine a place filled not merely with achievements, but with stories, memories, and meaningful connections. Visitors might discover handwritten lyrics, early recordings, photographs from memorable performances, a music box playing Child, or a children’s picture book celebrating kindness and the beauty of being oneself. There might also be postcards featuring a saying close to my heart: The more grateful we are, the more fortunate and fulfilled we become.

Beyond my music, I would hope visitors could learn about the Chinese-American Federation of Arts and Culture, the Chinese-American Music Festival, and our efforts to create opportunities for emerging artists. One belief guides this work: Asian Pop should be a door, not a wall. I believe music can help us honor our cultural roots while building bridges between people, encouraging mutual understanding, and opening doors to meaningful collaboration.

The museum I imagine would therefore be more than a reflection of my personal journey. It would be an open space where visitors could discover different cultures, exchange ideas, and carry that understanding into the wider world. To learn more about my music and cultural initiatives, please visit www.cafacofficial.org and follow my official social media channels for updates on performances, projects, and the creative process behind my work. I look forward to connecting with you and continuing to explore how art can bring us closer together.