Jianbo has established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in the UK; a Chinese-Vietnamese-British artist whose music merges elements of rap, jazz, post-punk, and visual narrative. His debut mixtape, ‘Everything For The Family’, released through Eastern Margins, represents his most personal work thus far. It honors themes of community, loss, and the support of those who help you stay grounded in difficult times. This project was influenced by a personal tragedy, which Jianbo describes as “like therapy.”
“It was a challenging experience,” he recalls. “It truly reflected the time in which it was created. A significant portion was produced while I was touring, and I believe the entire project symbolizes a period in my life that encompassed almost all of last year.” Jianbo penned the mixtape following the sudden death of his childhood friend, Dominic Morgan. While the loss was heart-wrenching, it ignited a deeply personal response. “I felt incredibly emotionally charged. Creating music became strangely effortless. It was therapeutic.”
This emotional essence permeates a project that seamlessly integrates various genres, characterized by precise vocals and a cinematic touch, weaving heritage and personal history into each line. However, it goes beyond just the sound. Collaborators like India Blue, Namani, and Skydaddy were selected based on personal connections. “This particular project centered on comfort,” he clarifies. “I’ve known India Blue since I was ten; we’ve been friends since childhood, so it naturally aligned with the idea of chosen family.”
Even more recent collaborators, such as Tokyo-based artist Metric, felt immediately familiar. “Sometimes you encounter someone and just instinctively know you'll be friends. It was crucial for me to have people around who made me feel safe. This time, it wasn’t about crafting a sound; it was about conveying emotions and simply coping.”
So, how does Jianbo determine when a song is complete, especially when mixing genres and styles? “Man, how long is a piece of string?” he laughs. “Nothing is ever perfect. But eventually, you have to set a boundary. For me, it comes down to whether the track feels complete; it needs a clear beginning, middle, and end.” Throughout the project, Jianbo worked closely with VVilhelm, a member of the jazz group Ebi Soda. “He served as my engineer throughout the process. He’s excellent at structuring the project and knowing when something is finished. Having someone present to bounce ideas off is invaluable.”
Beyond the music, Jianbo's visuals have become a hallmark of his artistic identity. His music videos resemble short films, rich with texture, nostalgia, and nods to Hong Kong cinema and South London culture. “In my earlier projects, there were times when I had the concept for the video before the song was even complete,” he shares. “For instance, during ‘Chinatown Trouble’, I filmed most of the video before finalizing the track. I only had the instrumental and the vibes.”
For ‘Everything For The Family’, most of the visuals for the new project were created after the music was finished, and they evolved into something more than mere artistic expressions. “It's akin to hosting a birthday party. You experience all this stress inviting people, hoping everything goes smoothly, but once it happens, you’re enveloped in love. You’ll spot my sister, cousins, even my mum, in the videos. It truly becomes a celebration.” The visual for ‘Exhale (Point Hill)’ held particular significance for him. “I gathered some of my oldest friends—musicians, actors, just people I cherish. We pretended to be a jazz band and brought it to life. It felt like a milestone.”
Jianbo’s sense of community extends to his label, Eastern Margins, which is known for promoting East and Southeast Asian artists, making it a fitting home for this project. “I always felt a part of Eastern Margins, even before releasing anything,” he states. “They included me in events and festivals from the start. Now it feels official. Even if I don’t release music with them in the future, I’ll always be connected to what they’re creating.”
Up next for Jianbo are a series of live performances, including a stripped-down set at the V&A. “I’ll be performing with just a piano and violin, creating an intimate experience. I’m excited to play the album in its entirety.” As we conclude our conversation, Jianbo reflects on transforming pain into something meaningful. “I probably created 40 or 50 songs last year. I was simply making music to cope on a daily basis. Looking back, I realized, this is the project; this is the story.”
And what a story it is. Genuine, cinematic, and steeped in authentic emotion, Jianbo is not merely creating music; he is establishing a legacy.
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Jianbo has risen as one of the most unique voices in the UK; a Chinese-Vietnamese-British artist whose sound merges the boundaries of rap, jazz, and post-punk.