"CONNECT WITH SOUND"
The interdisciplinary nature of music fuels my passion. As an audio engineer, I have been engaged in a variety of recording projects in recent years, from popular music variety shows to large-scale orchestra concerts, as well as intimate sessions with solo artists and bands. Currently, as I pursue a PhD degree in Musicology at Arizona State University, I am also a member of the Acoustic Ecology Lab. By conducting research on critical sound studies, I strive to develop impactful work that discusses social influence of music technologies and create music propelled by technology. I hold both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Johns Hopkins University, where I majored in Music for New Media and Computer Music (Research Track).
Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I express my creativity as an independent singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. My original music has garnered millions of streams online. In my spare time, I also enjoy scoring indie film projects and collaborating with my filmmaker friends to bring their visions to life through music.
Jolene Shao
Intermedia Artist, Audio Engineer & Researcher
Areas of Research:
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Sound Studies
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Audiovisual interactions in commercial media
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Social Influence of Music Technologies
RECENT RELEASES
Sundown (2023)
Very recently premiered at the 2023 Maryland Film Festival, "Sundown," directed by Ciera Gladden, is a coming-of-age thriller about Mikey, a young boy from Baltimore, and the lifelong consequences of his psychic trauma. My role involved composing and producing the soundtrack, creating a soundscape that reflects Mikey's emotional journey.
Return 0 (2022)
Directed by Brian Song, "Return 0" is an independent sci-fi film in which I served as the audio engineer (both on-set and during the ADR phase) and film composer. The story explores the mysterious death of a woman, potentially linked to an AI robot. My score was crafted to create a dynamic soundscape that accentuated the film's suspense and futuristic themes.
Tide (2022)
Written and arranged in a cabin in Cape Nordkinn, "Tide" has emerged as my latest single. This Disney-style orchestral pop song, co-produced with David Rosenthal, Billy Joel's longstanding keyboardist and music director, features all instruments recorded live at Peabody Studios.
