Shaochen Jesse Cai’s music journey is a captivating blend of classical roots, film scoring, and musical theatre. As the composer for the award-winning short film Free and the audio engineer behind the successful musical No Longer Human, Cai has become a versatile force in the audio world. His work in various genres has brought him recognition not only in Asia but across the globe. In this interview, we dive into his creative process, the state of musical theatre in Asia, and his thoughts on the rise of digital platforms.
The Creative Process Behind Free
Q: What does your composing approach look like for a short film like Free?
Cai: Free is a short film that focuses on relationships and the difficult choices that come with them. My goal was to reflect the protagonist’s inner conflict—how her outward calm contrasts with the emotional weight she carries. Instead of relying on dialogue, I used repetitive melodies and ambient sounds to convey her struggle. The score also reflects the tension between the protagonist and Tom, whose conservative nature makes their love feel restrictive. It’s about using music to guide the emotional flow of the film, especially in those moments where words aren’t enough.
Musical Theatre’s Growing Presence in Asia
Q: No Longer Human sold more than $1 million during its first Asian tour. Did you expect that level of success?
Cai: The production company worked hard on local marketing and promotions, but from the music team’s perspective, none of us anticipated such massive sales. Musical theatre is relatively new to Asian audiences, but it’s gaining popularity, much like the rise of rock music post-COVID. People crave the live, organic experience that theatre offers, especially after spending so much time in front of screens. This hunger for real-life interaction is fueling musical theatre’s success in the region.
A Journey Through Music
Q: Tell us about your journey in music so far.
Cai: I started with classical music training and eventually picked up the guitar. I had fun playing in bands before transitioning into film and commercial scoring. Over time, I realized I thrive in the studio more than on stage. That’s where I can explore sound’s intricacies, which led me to projects like Free and No Longer Human. I’ve learned that many musicians take a similar path, but what keeps me going is the constant evolution of the work itself—no two projects are ever the same.
The Role of Digital Platforms
Q: What are your thoughts on digital platforms, and how do they affect your work?
Cai: Digital platforms have given artists a great space to showcase their work, but they’ve also made the industry more competitive. Both artists and clients are becoming more aware of trends, so you must stay on your toes. For me, this has meant expanding my work into different mediums—film, theatre, and various music projects. By exploring a wide range of genres and styles, I’ve been able to keep my work fresh and stay creative in a constantly shifting landscape.
The Future of Cai’s Musical Vision
Cai’s journey is a testament to the versatility required in today’s music industry. His ability to seamlessly transition between composing for film, working on musical theatre, and producing for artists keeps him ahead of the curve. As musical theatre grows in Asia and digital platforms push creative boundaries, Cai’s commitment to exploring new sounds ensures that his music remains relevant and impactful.
Stay tuned to your favorite news platforms for more on Shaochen Jesse Cai’s upcoming projects and his work in the music industry.