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Key Information
Joanne Tang Yu-chi (born November 20, 1990), better known by her stage name 9m88, is a Taiwanese singer, songwriter, and actress.
Biography
[edit]9m88 was born in 1990. She majored in fashion design at Shih Chien University.[1] At age 25, she went to The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.[2][3] 9m88 released her debut album “Beyond Mediocrity” [4] independently in August 2019.[5] In October 2021, 9m88 performed with the Cloud Gate Dance Theater.[6]
Music style
[edit]After arriving in New York as a Jazz voice major, she has broadened her interest in various genres of music, including Jazz, R&B, Pop, and Free Improvisation.[7] Baba is also known for infusing her music with vivid and retro visuals. Her lyrics usually deal with personal bitter-sweet stories[8] on a daily basis. The release of her 7-inch vinyl “Nine Head Hinano”,[9] including a cover of City Pop classic “Plastic Love”,[10] has helped her increase followers over the world.[citation needed]
Activism
[edit]9m88 recorded a track for the album T-POP: No Fear In Love, a compilation album celebrating the one-year anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Taiwan, with others including Enno Cheng.[11]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Track No. | Track name | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intro - She Is | 0:36 |
| 2 | Beyond Mediocrity (平庸之上) | 3:47 |
| 3 | Airplane Mode (feat. Leo Wang) (最高品質靜悄悄) | 3:23 |
| 4 | Aim High | 3:44 |
| 5 | Waste of Time (浪費時間) | 4:14 |
| 6 | Leftlovers (廚餘戀人) | 3:49 |
| 7 | Love Rain (愛情雨) | 3:08 |
| 8 | Nine Head Hinano (九頭身日奈) | 3:54 |
| 9 | Inner | 1:44 |
| 10 | If I Could ( 如果可以) | 4:24 |
Singles/Collaborative Singles
[edit]- Weekends With You - Leo Wang (ft. 9m88) (2016)
- Air Doll (2017)
- Walking Towards Me (feat. 馬念先) (2019)[12]
- B.O. - ØZI (ft. 9m88) (2018)
- Everybody Woohoo - Wu Tsing-fong (ft. 9m88) (2018)
- 為i篩檢 (2019)
- Aim High (2019)
- Hello Bye Bye (2020)
- Strange Weather - 9m88 & YELLOW (2020)
- Stay a While - TOSHIKI HAYASHI(%C) (ft. 9m88) (2020)
- Shadow - Elephant Gym (feat. 9m88) (2022)
- Kitchen - Penthouse (feat. 9m88) (2024)
Film
[edit]- I Missed You (2021)
- Tales of Taipei (2024)
- A Foggy Tale (2025)
- Girl (2025)
Television
[edit]- Light the Night (2021)
Awards
[edit]2018 ELLE Taiwan Elle Style Awards - ‘The Most Stylish Future Star’ [13]
Tour
[edit]29 February 2020 - New Taipei City[14]
8 April 2020 - Santa Cruz, California[15]
References
[edit]- ^ "9m88的韌性音樂之旅：尋找自己的過程很長，你需要的不過是耐心｜天下雜誌". 天下雜誌. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
- ^ "9m88：有时候自嘲一下，什么事都难不倒你". 简书. Archived from the original on 2020-09-16. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- ^ "9m88的韌性音樂之旅：尋找自己的過程很長，你需要的不過是耐心 - 迷誠品". meet.eslite.com (in Chinese). Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- ^ "9m88 Interview on Beyond Mediocrity, Her Style, and Musical Influences". Taiwan Beats (in Chinese (Taiwan)). 2019-11-26. Archived from the original on 2020-09-16. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- ^ "9m88 - Official Website". 9m88.co. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
- ^ Chao, Ching-yu; Liu, Kay (30 October 2021). "Cloud Gate Dance Theatre performs '13 Tongues' in Taitung rice field". Central News Agency. Archived from the original on 1 November 2021. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
- ^ Han, Sarah (9 December 2018). "Meet The Women Changing The Asian Music Scene For The Better". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on 2020-03-10. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- ^ "「不做自己，我到底要做什麼。」── 專訪 9m88". The Femin. 2020-02-28. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- ^ 宋燁文, 熊文浩 (2018-10-26). "【九頭身日奈】同 9m88 半小時Skype：沒想過成為vaporwave代名詞". 香港01 (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Archived from the original on 2020-08-11. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- ^ "令人沈醉的台灣靈魂女伶 9m88 翻唱作《Plastic Love》MV 釋出". POPBEE (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Archived from the original on 2020-09-16. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- ^ Hsiao, Sherry (May 25, 2020). "Equality campaign marks same-sex law anniversary". Taipei Times. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ "馬念先&9m88〈你朝我的方向走來〉，無厘頭MV 拍了12小時才搞定". VOGUE TAIWAN (in Chinese (Taiwan)). 18 February 2019. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- ^ Chou, Inna (2018-10-18). "【ELLE風格大賞】9m88 迷幻歌聲下的另一面：我的個性有點像金凱瑞，有時會有點憤怒、過分認真". ELLE (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Archived from the original on 2020-08-28. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- ^ "Chill Out music festival brings top acts to G..." Taiwan News. 21 October 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-10-21. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- ^ "9m88". Songkick. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
External links
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from Grokipedia
Early life and education
Upbringing and family background
Joanne Tang Yu-chi, known professionally as 9m88, was born on November 20, 1990, in Taipei, Taiwan.[12] [13] Little public information exists regarding her immediate family, though her relatives reportedly encouraged a career in the fashion industry following her university studies, reflecting expectations aligned with her initial academic path.[5] From a young age, Tang displayed an interest in performance, which later influenced her artistic pursuits.[13] She grew up in Taipei, where she pursued higher education in fashion design at Shih Chien University, graduating before pivoting to music studies abroad. [13] This early environment in Taiwan's capital shaped her foundational experiences, though she has not extensively detailed familial dynamics or socioeconomic context in available interviews.[3]Academic pursuits and career pivot
9m88, born Tang Yi-chin in Taipei, initially pursued studies in fashion design at Shih Chien University in Taiwan, graduating in 2014 with a degree in the field.[14] [15] Following her graduation, she relocated to New York City for a fashion internship at the atelier of Taiwanese-American designer Jason Wu, reflecting her early professional orientation toward the creative arts sector, particularly design and apparel.[14] [16] Despite this trajectory, 9m88 experienced a career pivot toward music, enrolling at The New School's School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York to formally train as a vocalist.[5] [4] [3] This shift stemmed from her longstanding interest in singing, which she described as her "true calling," prompting her to immerse herself in jazz and contemporary performance studies rather than continuing in fashion.[5] [17] While managing independent music gigs alongside her education, she balanced trans-Pacific commitments, including return trips to Taiwan for performances, which honed her self-managed artistic development.[16] This academic and professional redirection laid the groundwork for her emergence as a neo-soul and jazz-influenced singer-songwriter.[3]Musical career
Debut collaborations and early releases
9m88's entry into the music scene began with her feature on Taiwanese rapper Leo Wang's single "Weekends With You" (Chinese: 陪妳過假日), released in November 2016, marking her first notable collaboration and breakout exposure.[10][18] The track blended hip-hop and R&B elements, showcasing 9m88's smooth vocals and contributing to her growing recognition on social media platforms.[19] In early 2017, 9m88 released her first independent single, "Air Doll" (Chinese: 九頭身日奈), distributed via online channels, which further amplified her visibility through viral sharing and fan engagement.[18] This self-produced work highlighted her neo-soul influences, drawing from her studies at The New School in New York, and established her as an emerging vocalist capable of genre fusion.[20] Subsequent early collaborations included a feature on ØZI's 2018 track "B.O.," which expanded her reach within Taiwan's hip-hop and indie circles by incorporating experimental beats and her signature melodic style.[4] These pre-album efforts, totaling a handful of singles and features between 2016 and 2018, laid the groundwork for her full-length debut without formal label backing, relying instead on digital platforms and peer networks for distribution and promotion.[21]Solo albums and artistic evolution
9m88 released her debut solo album, Beyond Mediocrity (平庸之上), on August 8, 2019, marking her transition from collaborative singles to full-length independent production.[22] The album, produced under Jazz Baby Co., Ltd., blends neo-soul with jazz elements, featuring tracks like "Aim High" and a collaboration with Leo Wang on "Airplane Mode (最高品質靜悄悄)."[22] It received critical acclaim for its retro-inspired sound and lyrical introspection, establishing her as a rising figure in Taiwanese indie music.[23] Her sophomore effort, 9m88 Radio, followed on August 8, 2022, shifting toward a more collaborative and thematic exploration of personal psyche.[24] Described by the artist as "a journey of tidying up my bedroom, healing my inner shadows, and returning to one’s own-being," the album delves into the experiences of a 30-something woman navigating modern relationships, career doubts, and self-expectations.[24] It incorporates features from female producers such as Rainbow Chan on "Whatchu Gonna...?" and SUMIN on "Sleepwalking," emphasizing female-led creativity and cross-genre experimentation in R&B and alt-pop.[24] This release highlighted her willingness to take artistic risks beyond mainstream replication.[10] In 2023, 9m88 issued Sent on October 6, further solidifying her neo-soul foundation with eight tracks that continue her genre-blending approach.[25] The album reflects ongoing maturation, drawing from her New York-based experiences after studying jazz voice, where she expanded from initial retro-jazz associations to a broader palette incorporating soul, pop, and oriental-exotic R&B influences.[26] Critics note this evolution as a departure from early jazz singer labels, prioritizing personal voice and breakthroughs in eclectic expression over rigid categorization.[5][11] By her third album, her work demonstrates causal progression from introspective debut themes to collaborative healing narratives, underscoring a commitment to genre fluidity and self-directed artistic growth.[4]Musical style and influences
9m88's musical style encompasses a fusion of R&B, neo-soul, jazz, hip-hop, pop, and free improvisation, characterized by soulful vocal improvisation that shifts between lazy, mysterious tones and firm, clear expressions drawn from personal life and human experiences.[27][20] Her compositions often resist strict genre classification, incorporating experimental elements and oriental-exotic R&B sensibilities that reflect cross-cultural fluidity.[4][28] Key influences stem from jazz and R&B traditions unbound by nationality, with 9m88 expressing admiration for Japanese musicians' works and broader neo-soul figures like Erykah Badu and D'Angelo, whose soulful approaches inform her crooning delivery.[16][29] This bi-cultural lens—shaped by her New York upbringing and Taipei base—manifests in harmonious blending of Mandarin and English lyrics, enhancing thematic depth in tracks that explore self-mockery and emotional introspection from a female perspective.[7][30] Her evolution includes city-pop and improvisational experiments, prioritizing authentic expression over conventional boundaries.[20][31]Other professional endeavors
Acting roles
9m88 entered acting in 2021 with a guest role as Joanne in the Netflix Taiwanese series Light the Night, where she also contributed original music tracks.[32] That year, she appeared as Huang Hsiao Miao, a supporting character, in the romantic comedy film I Missed You, marking her feature film debut.[1] She followed this with her first leading role as the female protagonist in the 2021 television drama The Producer's Challenge (接招吧！製作人), a variety-style production focused on music and entertainment industry challenges.[27] In 2023, 9m88 played Yi Qi in the anthology film Tales of Taipei, taking a main role in the segment "Hold My Beer."[33] She expanded to television again in 2024, portraying Una in the series Imperfect Us.[34] Upcoming projects include the 2025 film Girl, directed by Shu Qi, in which 9m88 stars as Ajuan, a resilient woman navigating complex relationships; the film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in competition for the Golden Lion.[35] She is also credited in the 2025 mystery film A Foggy Tale.[32] These roles demonstrate her transition from music to multifaceted screen performances, often blending her vocal talents with dramatic portrayals.[33]Fashion, collaborations, and multimedia projects
9m88, whose real name is Joanne Tang Yu-chi, initially pursued a career in fashion, graduating from the Department of Fashion Design at Shih Chien University in Taipei in 2014.[5] [15] Following her degree, she interned at the New York-based fashion house Jason Wu, gaining practical experience in the industry before shifting focus to music studies at The New School's School of Jazz and Contemporary Music.[36] [14] This foundation in fashion design has persistently shaped her aesthetic approach, emphasizing visually striking and eclectic elements in her public persona and creative outputs.[16] Her personal style blends streetwear, outdoor influences, and luxury labels, drawing from 1980s-inspired bold prints, vibrant colors, and voluminous silhouettes, with Solange Knowles cited as a key influence for balancing elegance and edge.[14] This manifests in red carpet appearances, such as wearing a velvet embroidered dress inspired by vinyl records from Chanel's 2023/24 Métiers d'Art collection at the Golden Melody Awards.[37] In 2020, she became the first Asia-Pacific artist endorsed by Loewe, featured in their Loewe En Casa campaign and embodying the spirit of the Paula's Ibiza 2020 collection, which highlighted relaxed, summery vibes amid global lockdowns.[14] These engagements underscore her role as a style ambassador rather than a designer, leveraging her fashion acumen for brand alignments without documented independent design lines post-education.[36] Beyond endorsements, 9m88 has engaged in multimedia collaborations that extend her visual storytelling. In 2025, she participated in "Fat Dance," a whimsical short film directed by Thai filmmaker Paphawee Jenny Saisorn (known as Rosepop Half), portraying a daydream-like Italian summer narrative that blends performance art with her artistic identity.[38] Her broader creative direction often involves honing "aesthetically creative visuals" to articulate concepts, as seen in retro-infused video productions and stage designs that complement her music without venturing into standalone multimedia ventures like independent films or installations.[16] These efforts reflect a deliberate integration of fashion sensibilities into interdisciplinary projects, prioritizing personal expression over commercial fashion output.[39]Public engagement
Social causes and activism
9m88 has expressed support for women's rights through her music and professional choices, including an initial intent to collaborate exclusively with female producers on her 2019 album 9m88 Radio to promote "girl power," though she later broadened her collaborations.[10] She views the Taiwanese music industry as relatively gender-friendly within her professional circles, stating there is "no discrimination happening in my comfort zone," but acknowledges opportunities for further improvement.[10] Her advocacy extends to LGBTQ issues via her public image and performances, positioning her as a representative figure for the community despite not identifying as an activist.[10] On October 26, 2019, she performed at Taiwan's Pride Parade on Ketagalan Boulevard following the march, which drew over 200,000 participants and celebrated Taiwan's status as the first Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage earlier that year.[40] 9m88 incorporates themes related to these causes into her songwriting, drawing from personal emotional experiences, societal observations, and encounters with injustice, as seen in tracks like "Airplane Mode," which explores self-restraint among Asian women.[5] During her time studying jazz in New York, 9m88 witnessed racial inequalities, which influenced collaborations such as the 2019 track "ORIENTATION" with Bohan Phoenix and slodown, aimed at challenging Asian stereotypes in music.[10] Her approach emphasizes authenticity and individuality in addressing social topics, using lyrics to reflect personal development rather than explicit political statements.[5]Political stances and Taiwan identity
9m88 has publicly supported women's rights and LGBTQ causes through her music and public image, though she has described herself as non-activist in orientation. In 2020, she was characterized as drawing lyrical inspiration from personal and societal experiences related to these issues, including themes of emotional autonomy and self-development.[5] Her contributions extend to the 2020 compilation album T-POP: No Fear In Love, which commemorated the first anniversary of Taiwan's legalization of same-sex marriage on May 17, 2019, featuring independent Taiwanese artists to highlight the island's queer community and progressive legal milestones.[41] Despite this alignment, observers note that her persona has positioned her as a symbolic figure for female empowerment and LGBTQ representation in Taiwan's music industry, where gender dynamics are perceived as relatively equitable within her professional circles.[10] Regarding broader political engagement, 9m88 has expressed skepticism toward rigid adherence to political correctness, stating in a 2019 interview that "a completely politically correct life is too boring."[42] This reflects a preference for artistic freedom over strict ideological conformity, allowing occasional playful engagement with stereotypes in her work. However, she has not articulated detailed positions on partisan politics, electoral matters, or cross-strait relations in verifiable public statements. On Taiwan identity, 9m88 consistently identifies as Taiwanese and actively promotes the island's independent music scene on international platforms, such as through participation in events like Taiwanese Waves in New York, which aim to globalize Taiwanese sounds without major label constraints.[43] Born in Taipei in 1990 and operating as an indie artist since her 2016 breakout collaboration, her career emphasizes cultural autonomy, aligning with Taiwan's vibrant post-2010s indie ecosystem that prioritizes local creativity over mainland-dominated commercial structures.[44] Collaborations with artists from China, such as Fishdoll on tracks addressing diaspora experiences, suggest a pragmatic approach to regional ties rather than exclusionary nationalism.[44] This focus underscores a professional identity rooted in Taiwanese indie ethos, fostering global visibility for the island's musical output amid evolving geopolitical sensitivities.Works
Discography
9m88 has released three studio albums, with her discography emphasizing neo-soul, R&B, and jazz-infused compositions often featuring introspective lyrics and collaborations.[45] Her releases are distributed primarily through independent labels and digital platforms, reflecting her evolution from debut explorations of personal mediocrity to more experimental vocal-focused works.[26]Studio albums
- ''平庸之上 (Beyond Mediocrity)'', released August 8, 2019, marking her debut full-length with 11 tracks including collaborations like "Airplane Mode" featuring Leo Wang.[22][46][47]
- ''9m88 Radio'', released August 8, 2022, her second album comprising 10 tracks such as "Sleepwalking" featuring SUMIN, expanding on radio-themed narratives and genre blends.[24][8][48]
- ''Sent'', released October 6, 2023, a vocal-centric third album with 8 tracks focusing on emotional dispatch and minimalism.[49][25][50]
Singles and EPs
9m88's singles often precede or promote albums, with notable releases including "Nine Head Hinano" from 2019, tied to her debut era.[51] "Aim High" and "Airplane Mode" (featuring Leo Wang) also emerged around the same period, garnering attention for their urban-jazz fusion.[52] More recent standalone singles encompass "Somnium Chamber" in 2025 and "Floating Free" (with Solar) in 2025, alongside covers like "The Moon Represents My Heart" in 2022.[53][54][55] EPs include ''This Temporary Ensemble'' in 2021, a collaborative project, and ''This Temporary Ensemble, Vol. 2'' in 2025, extending experimental ensemble formats.[56][53] Additional EPs and singles like "What If?" (2023) and "Friend Zone (Acoustic Live in Brussels)" (2022) highlight her live and acoustic versatility.[54]Studio albums
9m88's debut studio album, 平庸之上 (Beyond Mediocrity), was released on August 8, 2019, featuring 10 tracks blending neo-soul, jazz, and urban elements with collaborations such as Leo Wang on "最高品質靜悄悄 (Airplane Mode)."[22][47] The album includes singles like "Nine Head Hinano" and emphasizes personal lyrics over retro visuals, marking her transition from fashion studies to music.[46] Her second studio album, 9m88 Radio, followed on August 8, 2022, with 12 tracks incorporating international guests like Oddisee and SUMIN, expanding on soul/R&B foundations with global influences.[24][57] The third studio album, Sent, arrived digitally on October 6, 2023, comprising 8 tracks in neo-soul style, later issued physically on November 2, 2023, via P-Vine Records.[25][58][50]| Title | Release date | Label | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 平庸之上 (Beyond Mediocrity) | August 8, 2019 | Independent/Bandcamp | 10[22] |
| 9m88 Radio | August 8, 2022 | Independent/Bandcamp | 12[24] |
| Sent | October 6, 2023 (digital); November 2, 2023 (CD) | P-Vine Records | 8[50] |
Singles and EPs
9m88's singles often feature her neo-soul vocals in collaborations or solo formats, while her EPs emphasize experimental improvisations and city pop influences.[2] Her releases include features on tracks like "Weekends with You" by Leo Wang in 2016, marking an early collaborative entry into the Taiwanese music scene.[59] Subsequent solo singles encompass "Strange Weather" released in 2020, noted for its introspective lyrics and R&B production.[2] More recent outputs include "Somnium Chamber" on October 16, 2025, and "失眠航班 (Sleepless on the Plane)" in 2025, both showcasing her evolving blend of jazz and alt-pop.[53] [2]| Title | Type | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| This Temporary Ensemble | EP | November 25, 2021 | 4 tracks: "Eyes", "Beyond Mediocrity", "Nine Head Hinano", "Waste of Time"[60] |
| This Temporary Ensemble, Vol. 2 | EP | September 18, 2025 | 5 tracks including "Love Is So Cruel" and "Look at My Way (feat. 陳嫺靜)"[61] |