This A-Profiler we bring you Cynthia Lin, a singer/songwriter who started to learn guitar in college while studying at Princeton University for an Economics degree. Find out about Lin's "living room concerts," about her acting aspirations, and how for her recent EP release Doppleganger she actually used blank recycled cardboard cases and hand letter pressed them herself.

Your site URL:
www.cynthialin.com

What is your ethnicity?
I'm half Chinese, half Taiwanese.

Your latest EP release, Doppelganger, is your second EP. What direction does this new album take compared to the first EP? What lessons did you learn from your first EP release that you applied to this release?
My first album was just vocals and guitar, and I worked with a very experienced producer who taught me a lot about the recording process and guided me heavily. On the new album, I wanted to give myself time to understand the nuances of recording, and I definitely wanted to add instruments and experiment with different arrangements. Mostly, I wanted to figure out for myself how to turn what I heard in my head into a real recording.

I'm definitely still learning my lessons. One important lesson that I'm still learning is how to let go of expectations, and focus on whether it feels right or not. I've learned that the unexpected note or warble or mistake can become the highlight of the record.

How did you get started as a singer/songwriter? Have your parents been supportive?
I started writing songs in college as an emotional outlet and as a motivation to learn guitar. After college, I worked in the corporate world for a few years, then quit to start acting professionally. I came back to the guitar and songwriting during my backstage time while I was doing a show, and when the show was over, I took my original music to the coffeehouses. I got a good response, and decided to focus on music because I could create and perform independently. I still love acting, but music is definitely my first love.

My parents were skeptical when I first quit my job, but they could tell that my decision was made. Besides, we all knew that I could go back to a corporate job if I ever needed to (not planning on it though!). Now my parents are proud and happy that I am following my dream - but they definitely still worry!

You've been touring quite often, do you enjoy touring? You even offer "living room" performances. Have you've done a lot of the living room performances?
Well, all my touring has been great so far, but I have yet to do a long, grueling tour. I only go out for short stretches, five to ten days, and I often stay with friends who totally make me feel at home. I find I develop more focus on tour - being away from home helps to keep the day's energy dedicated to giving a good show. I enjoy all the new experiences on tour, new venues, new fans, different landscapes. It refreshes my mindset.

I love living room concerts, I love the comfort of playing in somebody's home. Some of my best shows have been living room concerts, because I can make it more conversational. It's more about sharing than performing. I try to play a living room concert in every city when i tour.

How personal is the song I'm Shy from your first EP? Are you actually a shy person? If so, has music provided an outlet to express yourself and overcome some of your shyness?
Actually, many people who know me and meet me will say that I'm not shy. I'm a pretty straightforward person, and there are times when I'm social and a ham, but there are plenty of times when I'm just tongue-tied and want to hide. It's one of my favorite songs to sing, because it's really easy for me to slip into that "character." It's a side of me that I don't really show.

You've also done some acting in the past. Is this also an area where you are looking expand?
I do still act when interesting work comes my way, but I'm focusing my energies into music for the most part. I love the craft of acting, and I still dream that I will do Shakespeare and hollywood movies one day. But roles are pretty limited for asian american actors, and I find a lot more creative freedom in the music and songwriting.

You graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Economics. Have you completely given up the 9-to-5 to pursue music and acting?
Yeah, I can't really imagine myself at a desk job again. A 9-to-5 is okay if you're not sure what you want to do. But once you figure it out, you need to follow your passion. It's the only way to be happy.

When not performing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love cooking and yoga, and I enjoy trying anything creative. For my new album, I found blank recycled cardboard cases, and I designed and hand letter pressed them myself. It was a great mental break. Doing artsy stuff stirs my creative juices, which feeds back into my songwriting.

What advice do you have for other aspiring artists who are looking at bucking the 9-to-5 and pursuing a career in music?
If you hate the 9-to-5, you owe it to yourself to figure out something else that you will passionately work for. Save up 3-6 months living expenses while you make a game plan for your new path. And when you quit to follow that new path, work your butt off. It helps to be financially savvy and make some investments while you have a regular income, but it's also important to learn to live as frugally as you can. If you are fulfilled by your artistic pursuit, you will not need material things. The advice that made me leave my job: at the very least, you can go back. Which means you're already at the very LEAST point! So why be scared? There's nowhere to go but up. :)

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Nelson Wong.
Special thanks to Cynthia Lin.

Photos used with permission.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder(s).