From Chinese Rock Star to Cross-Cultural Storyteller: Henry Kong on Music, Identity, and Cultural Exchange
What does it mean to grow up with music, and then grow into it?
In this episode of Liminal Space, we speak with Henry Kong—festival organizer, music promoter, and 75th descendant of Confucius—about his journey from teenage rock star to cultural bridge-builder.
Henry reflects on his first bands, the vibrant indie scene in Beijing, and the challenges of staying authentic as commercialization reshapes China’s music industry. He also opens up about cultural adaptation as an international student in the U.S. (from Beijing to Bloomington, Indiana), the tension between identity and opportunity, and why storytelling is the key to meaningful cultural exchange.
From the chaos of touring to the quiet lessons of miscommunication, Henry shares the risks and rewards of carving out a career in music. For aspiring creatives, his advice is simple but vital: don’t be afraid to try anything.
Takeaways:
- Henry Kong is the 75th descendant of Confucius. (we don't know for sure lol!)
- His journey in music began with a middle school band.
- He took over a music festival in high school.
- Henry's experiences shaped his focus and confidence.
- The indie music scene in Beijing was vibrant and supportive.
- Commercialization has impacted the authenticity of music.
- Cultural adaptation is crucial for international students.
- Maintaining authenticity is important in cultural exchange.
- Henry's college experience was influenced by his music background.
- His unique story helped him stand out in college applications. Henry Kong transitioned from tech to music promotion.
- He emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passion.
- Cultural exchange is vital in the music industry.
- The Chinese music scene is rapidly evolving.
- Henry's first promotion experience was with the band Escape Plan.
- He enjoys being a tour guide for artists.
- Miscommunication can lead to challenges on tour.
- Henry aims to be a key player in the Chinese music industry.
- He believes in starting small and scaling up.
- Storytelling is essential in bridging cultural gaps.
Chapters:
00:00 Exploring Liminal Spaces in Identity and Culture
01:11 Henry Kong: A Unique Journey in Music and Festivals
04:26 From Rock Star to Music Promoter: Henry's Background
08:54 The Evolution of a Music Career: From School Bands to Touring
15:21 Navigating Cultural Differences: Experiences in America
23:41 The Changing Landscape of the Indie Music Scene
28:14 College Life and Music: Balancing Passion and Education
39:21 Entrepreneurial Ventures: Lessons from Startups
40:46 The Journey into Music and Entrepreneurship
42:24 Building a Network in the Music Industry
44:06 Navigating Challenges in Touring
44:57 The Dual Role of Cultural Exchange
46:02 The Human Side of Touring
52:05 Miscommunication and Crisis Management
52:31 Balancing Education and Career
54:23 Adapting to Changes in the Industry
56:04 Consulting and Creative Collaborations
57:13 Opportunities for Cultural Exchange
58:46 Reviving the Live Entertainment Scene
01:03:43 Future Plans and Aspirations
01:05:58 The Dream of Cultural Storytelling
01:08:18 Advice for Aspiring Creatives
01:13:51 Recommendations for Films and Inspiration
Henry Kong's Email: hkong@neosoul.live
This podcast is brought to you by C^2 Collective, a multicultural nonprofit community empowering young people across China and beyond to think curiously, connect across cultures, and create positive change. We host events, run a social innovation network, and publish the Curation^2 newsletter @ https://csquared-collective.com/
Music by Megan Tan
Art by Cindy Zhang
《摇滚之后，他选择讲述文化的故事——Henry Kong 的音乐与身份之旅》
成长于音乐，又在音乐中成长，这意味着什么？
00:00 Exploring Liminal Spaces in Identity and Culture
01:11 Henry Kong: A Unique Journey in Music and Festivals
04:26 From Rock Star to Music Promoter: Henry's Background
08:54 The Evolution of a Music Career: From School Bands to Touring
15:21 Navigating Cultural Differences: Experiences in America
23:41 The Changing Landscape of the Indie Music Scene
28:14 College Life and Music: Balancing Passion and Education
39:21 Entrepreneurial Ventures: Lessons from Startups
40:46 The Journey into Music and Entrepreneurship
42:24 Building a Network in the Music Industry
44:06 Navigating Challenges in Touring
44:57 The Dual Role of Cultural Exchange
46:02 The Human Side of Touring
52:05 Miscommunication and Crisis Management
52:31 Balancing Education and Career
54:23 Adapting to Changes in the Industry
56:04 Consulting and Creative Collaborations
57:13 Opportunities for Cultural Exchange
58:46 Reviving the Live Entertainment Scene
01:03:43 Future Plans and Aspirations
01:05:58 The Dream of Cultural Storytelling
01:08:18 Advice for Aspiring Creatives
01:13:51 Recommendations for Films and Inspiration
Henry Kong's Email: hkong@neosoul.live
This podcast is brought to you by C^2 Collective, a multicultural nonprofit community empowering young people across China and beyond to think curiously, connect across cultures, and create positive change. We host events, run a social innovation network, and publish the Curation^2 newsletter @ https://csquared-collective.com/
Music by Megan Tan
Art by Cindy Zhang
《摇滚之后，他选择讲述文化的故事——Henry Kong 的音乐与身份之旅》
成长于音乐，又在音乐中成长，这意味着什么？
在本期 Liminal Space 中，我们对话 Henry Kong——音乐节主理人、演出推广人，同时也是孔子的第75代后人（未经考证）。Henry 分享了他从少年摇滚乐手到文化桥梁建设者的独特旅程。
他回顾了自己最初的乐队经历、北京独立音乐场景的蓬勃与支持氛围，以及在商业化浪潮下坚持真实与独立的挑战。他也谈到自己作为国际学生在美国（从北京到印第安纳州布鲁明顿）的适应过程，如何在身份与机遇之间寻找平衡，以及为什么 “讲故事”是有意义的文化交流的关键。
从巡演的混乱到沟通失误中的安静教训，Henry 分享了在音乐行业中冒险与收获的双重体验。对于年轻的创意者，他的建议简单却重要：不要害怕尝试一切。
节目要点:
- Henry Kong 是孔子第75代后裔（未经证实haha）
- 中学时期就开始组乐队
- 高中时接手并运营音乐节
- 这些经历塑造了他的专注与自信
- 北京的独立音乐场景曾经充满活力与支持
- 商业化影响了音乐的真实性
- 文化适应对国际学生至关重要
- 在文化交流中保持真实尤为重要
- Henry 的大学经历深受音乐背景影响
- 独特的故事让他在大学申请中脱颖而出
- 从科技领域转型进入音乐推广
- 他强调追随热情的重要性
- 文化交流在音乐行业中举足轻重
- 中国音乐场景正在迅速发展
- 他第一次推广的乐队是 Escape Plan
- 喜欢当艺术家的“导游”
- 巡演中沟通不畅会带来挑战
- 目标是成为中国音乐行业的重要力量
- 相信要从小做起、逐步扩大
- 讲故事是弥合文化差距的核心
节目章节:
00:00 探索身份与文化的“边界地带” 01:11 Henry Kong：音乐与音乐节的独特旅程 04:26 从摇滚乐手到音乐推广人 08:54 音乐生涯的演变：从校乐队到巡演 15:21 跨文化经历：在美国的适应 23:41 独立音乐场景的变化 28:14 大学与音乐：如何平衡热情与教育 39:21 创业经历与启示 40:46 音乐与创业之路 42:24 建立音乐行业人脉 44:06 巡演中的挑战 44:57 文化交流的双重角色 46:02 巡演的人性面 52:05 沟通失误与危机管理 52:31 教育与职业的平衡 54:23 适应行业变化 56:04 咨询与创意合作 57:13 文化交流的机会 58:46 复兴现场娱乐 01:03:43 未来计划与抱负 01:05:58 文化故事叙述的梦想 01:08:18 给年轻创意者的建议 01:13:51 电影与灵感推荐
Henry Kong邮箱: hkong@neosoul.live
出品方:
本播客由 C² Collective 出品。
我们是一个多元文化非营利社群，致力于帮助中国及全球的年轻人保持好奇心、跨文化交流，并推动积极的社会改变。我们组织活动、运营社会创新网络，并每周发布双语通讯 《Curation²》。
我们是一个多元文化非营利社群，致力于帮助中国及全球的年轻人保持好奇心、跨文化交流，并推动积极的社会改变。我们组织活动、运营社会创新网络，并每周发布双语通讯 《Curation²》。
音乐：Megan Tan
视觉：Cindy Zhang
视觉：Cindy Zhang
