Vivian Fang Liu Speaks Out About the Pandemics
& Discrimination in Album, Shape of Crowns
With ongoing praise for the recent release of Vivian Fang
Liu’s children’s album, Shape of Crowns, diving deeper
into the lessons within her music – many of which are
educational – is a crucial element of her art.
Liu Uses “Music as a Media to Teach”
Liu’s first children’s album, Shape of Crowns, combines
playful and upbeat melodies with lyrics that Grammy
Award winning recording engineer, Denise Barbarita,
has joyfully applauded. However, Liu doesn’t only create
children’s music pleasant to the ear, she also presents
educational messages in her lyrics both children and
adults will admire.
“I’d wanted to make children’s music for a while because
I find we can use music as a media to teach and guide,”
explains Liu of where her inspiration to create a children’s
album was rooted. “Not just to teach how to sing or play
music, but also self-discipline, critical thinking, problem
solving. It’s a way to communicate – sometimes it might
be easier to learn these things through music.”
Making Music to Help End Asian Hate
Denise Barbarita also says that Liu’s album emphasizes
strong messaging that while all kids are different, with
different strengths and weaknesses, this uniqueness isn’t
a problem to be solved but a gift to all of us. Liu hopes
adult listeners – and older children – can connect with
the deeper messages resonating in her lyrics. Between
topics involving Asian discrimination, stereotypes, and
the Coronavirus pandemic, Liu cleverly meshed important
connections to modern-day reality within her music.
“I started to make the album in March of this year when
Asians were being abused and discriminated due to
COVID- 19,” Liu admits regarding this devastating
truth. “Thousands of Asian elderlies and women were
targeted with violence. Asian parents were afraid to bring
their children to school. I want to remind people of the
contributions we’ve done in the United States. I want kids
to have something they can relate to and be proud of.
They should be proud to be Asian American.”
“Don’t Let Stereotypes Limit Your Mind”
Spreading awareness of major topics such as these play
an intricate role in the making of Liu’s music. Her love for
music making, youth education, and speaking up about
important topics are passions sure to be recognized in
future albums and at music events.
“I don’t want to bring hatred forward and make children
sad and scared. I try to discuss these topics with examples
in my songs in a positive way,” says Liu of her unique
ability to mix real-life scenarios into the lyrics of her music.
“I can’t control what people do, but I will keep positive
energy going. Don’t let stereotypes limit your mind. You
don’t need to live up to society’s expectations.”
Shape of Crown was released on Sep 26th 2021, and
can be found on Spotify, itunes and many music platforms.
Schneps Media September 30, 2021 9