Cross-Cultural Collaboration Yields Haunting New Single, “Steady as You”
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A groundbreaking musical project, born from shared heritage and a desire to honor ancestral legacies, has culminated in the release of “Steady as You,” a multi-lingual single blending English, Taiwanese, Hakka, and Hokkien. The song, launched on YouTube December 13, 2025, is the result of a seven-month collaboration between four award-winning musicians from Canada and Taiwan.
The project unites Qiu Shuchan, recognized by Canada’s Juno Awards; Jacq Teh Zheng Baoxin, an American Interstate Music Award winner; HoNi Good Day, a multidisciplinary artist based in Vancouver; and From Lefan 乐凡. Their combined talents weave a tapestry of sound and meaning, exploring themes of female empowerment and intergenerational connection.
From Rice Workshops to Global Release
The seeds of “Steady as You” were sown at the Canadian Chinese Music Festival’s Jade Music Fest, where the four musicians first connected during a cultural experience event in Daxi, Taoyuan. The shared act of making traditional red turtle cakes and rice dumplings in a Sanheyuan – a traditional Taiwanese courtyard residence – sparked a profound realization. Despite growing up in different locales, “rice and kitchen” became a powerful common ground.
“This exchange became the inspiration for the song and made them realize that they were the first generation of women in their family to have the freedom to choose their own lives,” according to a release from Jade Music Fest. The song serves as a tribute to ancestors and a reminder to contemporary women to cherish their autonomy.
A Transnational Creative Process
The creative process itself mirrored the song’s cross-cultural spirit. Musicians collaborated almost entirely through online meetings, navigating three time zones and a vibrant “language party” of constant translation and shared understanding. The lyrics seamlessly blend languages, moving from Taiwanese phrases like “Because of you, I won’t be surprised at anything” to English reflections such as “If you could do it all again / Would you wish for something better?”
The musicians officially shot the music video in Vancouver in November, braving temperatures as low as -18°C. Remarkably, they were treated to a stunning display of the Aurora Borealis during the shoot, creating an unforgettable experience. “It was the first time I heard each other’s voices combined, and I was really touched,” one musician shared. Another remarked, with a laugh, “It’s only the second time we’ve met, but we feel as comfortable as if we’ve known each other for a long time.”
Toronto Roots and a Generational Legacy
The collaboration holds particular resonance for Jacq Teh Zheng Baoxin, who was born in Toronto. Her cross-cultural background and unique jazz-infused tone contribute significantly to the song’s sonic landscape. For Toronto’s local communities, “Steady as You” is more than just a musical work; it’s a “cross-generational love letter to women.”
You can watch the official music video for “Steady as You” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
Connecting with the Artists
For more information and updates, follow the artists on social media:
Qiu Shuchan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shuchanchiu_music/
HoNi Good Day Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honiband/
From Lefan 乐凡 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/van_lefan/
Jacq Teh Zheng Baoxin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqteh/
Further details about the Jade Music Festival can be found on their official website: https://jmfa.ca/
“Steady as You” represents a powerful testament to the unifying force of music and the enduring strength of female voices across cultures and generations.
