So to pick up where I last left off…

Tad has asked me about my interest and knowledge of Asian music–namely, China, as our next issue will center on Chinese music, to celebrate the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

I did some research on Chinese artists, with the help of a friend who lives and breathes Asian arts and entertainment, and came up with a good list of artists to check out– some well-known, others more esoteric.

Tad was initially interested in Zhang Li Yin– a new Chinese r&b artist whose voice is amazing– but the idea of featuring her was soon scratched because it turned out she isn’t going to perform at the opening ceremony of the games.

And here comes the development: I’m going to do my first Buzz piece! If all things go smoothly, I will be interviewing Chinese-Mongolian artist Sa Ding Ding for the next issue! I’m extremely excited (and apprehensive) about this; it’s a huge deal for me and I hope I get things right.

Sa Ding Ding sings in Tibetan, Mandarin, and even her own invented language. She plays every strange instrument imaginable. And her voice is unmatched in its ethereal quality.

The interview will most likely be conducted via the phone. I know Cantonese and very limited Mandarin, so hopefully she’ll know English and we can communicate fluently. I’ve got to come up with questions to ask her now.

Wish me luck!