Nestled amidst the electric heartbeat of Shanghai, Yin Lin’s tryst with the ivory keys of a piano commenced when she was a mere toddler of three. Born and nurtured in the rich cultural milieu of this dynamic city, she embraced her passion with open arms, setting the stage for a musical journey that many can only dream of.

By the age of 15, she had already graced the prestigious corridors of Shanghai Normal University School of Music. Under the nurturing wings of renowned figures like Shuxing Zheng, Lan’er Hu, and Zhebang Xie, Yin Lin didn’t just evolve; she soared, etching her name into the annals of music history. Her prodigious talents didn’t go unnoticed; she clinched distinguished honors such as the Pearl River Piano Cup National Pentathlon Competition and the much-coveted MAP-IMC award in 2021.

Yin’s thirst for knowledge was insatiable. Adding more feathers to her cap, she pursued multiple degrees, with her academic journey reaching an apex when she secured the Artist Certificate from Azusa Pacific University School of Music. As we speak, a scholarship awaits her at La Sierra University, all under the esteemed Dr. Elvin Rodriguez’s tutelage. And come this fall, another chapter awaits as she embarks on a DMA degree program at the renowned University of Southern Mississippi.

The timeline between 1999 and 2022 isn’t just years on a calendar for Yin; it’s a collage of her multifaceted engagements. Be it mesmerizing audiences with soulful solo recitals or rubbing shoulders in masterclasses with industry giants such as Dr. Allan Smith and the Grammy Award-winning Opera Singer, Victoria Livengood, Yin has done it all. A shining feather in her cap was her collaboration with the celebrated cellist, Yi-Bin Chu, in 2022.

Beyond performing, Yin Lin has left indelible marks in administrative roles, helming positions as the Artistic Director at the MARKER AND PIONEER International Culture Exchange Center. She also showcased her versatile talents as a piano accompanist and a music worship leader at revered institutions like Claremont Chorale INC and the Mountain View Mennonite Church.

Yin Lin’s musical odyssey, spanning from institutions like the Shanghai YAMAHA Music School to the Los Angeles Chinese Musicians Ensemble Chorus, echoes her relentless passion and dedication. Her story isn’t just about mastering the keys of a piano but resonates with a deep love for the symphony of life.

Follow her inspiring journey on Instagram @yinlinthepianist and on Facebook @Apple Lin.

Alison Richardson, better known as Barbii Banks, is a rising star with a multifaceted presence in entertainment. Emerging as the younger sibling of Danii Banks, the two recently reconnected after years apart. 

Barbii Banks took her first steps into the music scene in May 2017, driven by a curiosity about how her unique talents would be received. Her roots in the Industry stretch back years. At just 18, a chance meeting with Oklahoma City rapper Starr Lyfe sparked a transformative journey. From coast to coast, she ventured alongside him, promoting shows and delving into the intricacies of the music business, ultimately developing her rapping skills. 

Barbii Banks’ music resonates with a broad audience driven by her desire to create tracks everyone can enjoy and relate to. Also drawing inspiration from figures like Chanel West Coast and Gucci Mane, she crafts a signature style that blends various musical influences.

Her debut music video, “Barbii World,” stormed onto the scene with over 250,000 Facebook views in days. This success led to international recognition, as she embarked on a journey to film “Barbii Girl” in Paris and Amsterdam, solidifying her status as a global artist. 

Beyond music, Barbii Banks is a woman of many talents. A certified, licensed esthetician, abstract acrylic artist, and fashion designer, she envisions a future encompassing multiple creative ventures. From her own art gallery to a beauty salon and reality television, her ambitions know no bounds. With an unapologetic authenticity and a relentless drive to explore uncharted territories, Barbii Banks is poised to etch her name in the annals of the entertainment industry. Watch out for her soaring music career, entrepreneurial pursuits, and the upcoming reality show alongside her sister, Danii Banks.

Check out Barbii Banks latest release on YouTube below:

Hello there, welcome to Honk Magazine. To kick things off, Can you tell our readers about what really inspired you to write music? 

Barbii Banks – I’ve been a fan of music forever, especially rap music & my home state isn’t really known in the Industry for rap music, so I thought about trying it & it worked! 

 

Tell us what is so unique about you and your music?

Barbii Banks – It’s authentic & comes from the experience. Either what I’ve been through or what I’ve seen so far. 

 

Can you share a story about your funniest mistake when first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that? 

Barbii Banks – OMG! My 1st performance was so scary! I was so nervous I performed with my back turned to the crowd the whole time. I definitely learned not to do that again, lol.

 

Tell us about your latest releases and what inspired you to create them?

Barbii Banks – My latest releases were with some female artists. Kelsey Lynn, Nayborhood Barbie & Kay Kay. I wanted to start collaborating with more female artists to show our talents, especially since we’re so dominated by men in this Industry.

 

Please give us a brief insight into your upcoming projects.

Barbii Banks – I have a new single, “Push It,” coming soon. The world is definitely gonna love this one.

 

 What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?

Barbii Banks – Never stop! I wish I didn’t take that long break, but it’s okay. I’m back now! Keep going because the sky’s not the limit! You can never get enough done with so many goals to accomplish.

 

 Any last piece of advice for those artists who just started making music?

Barbii Banks – Promote, promote, PROMOTE! .. awareness is everything about music!

 

For more, stay connected with Barbii Banks on all social media platforms below:

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube