Yuching Huang: The ‘Alternative’ Mix

In 2020, Huang ventured into a solo endeavour, culminating in her debut album ‘化為人形’ (Huà wéi Rénxíng) in 2022. This introspective project, crafted within the confines of her home studio, revolves around loops, chants, and the nuanced tonal possibilities of the electric guitar.

Her sophomore album, ‘The Crystal Hum,’ and her first on the always excellent Night School sees her embrace “A beguiling dreamscape of crackles, spluttering, love-struck Casios presided over by the the spectral vocal and guitar work of Huang, Yuching sings love songs at the end of this world and the beginning of the next”. Experimenting with looping, sampling and other ways to manipulate her voice and music it’s infused with romance and rock, traversing the realms of ambient, lo-fi, and pop.

Recorded during a hiatus from Aemong, these songs showcase Huang’s mastery of atmospheric soundscapes into a ghostly, otherworldly language.

With all that in mind we had no idea what to necessarily expect from this mix…that’s all part of the fun right?

Listen below.

Who are you and where are you from?

My name is Yuching Huang, I’m from Taiwan and I make music

What does your music sound like, can you draw what you think it sounds like for us…

Who would you say are your biggest influences and what are you hoping to achieve with your music?

The Breeders, Pixies, Sonic Youth, Yo La Tengo. That I can make the music I like forever.

What were your original aspirations as musicians and how do you think you’re shaping up?

Well, originally I wanted to be in a rock band, maybe just as a guitarist. Then I found out I couldn’t play that well, so I started trying many different things to make music. I became a little more confident when I figured out there’s a niche for my music. I really appreciate it because it tells me that no matter how my skills are, my soul is on the right track.

Where are you currently?

Taipei

How does your brain work when making music? How does it work when you aren’t?

More romantic / practical.

Where was the mix recorded?

In an apartment in downtown Taipei where you can see the subway passing by.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

While waiting for a very late friend in a cafe.

What should we be wearing?

Something you would grab the moment you open your closet.

What were the first and last records you bought?

‘Spice’ by Spice Girls / ‘Sound Of Blue’ by White Poppy

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

Sauerkraut flavour jelly beans

If it was an animal what would it be?

Wombat

Buy The Crystal Hum here

Tracklist
Lauten der Seele – Kläranlagengesang
Brannten Schnüre – Brüderlichen und Schwesterchen
Reiko Kudo – My Brother
Young Marble Giants – Choci Loni
Cindy Lee – I Want You To Suffer
Phew – KODOMO
U.S. Girls – The Boy Is Mine
The Space Lady – Domine, Libra Nos / Show Down
Rosa Yemen – Larousse Baron Bic
Delroy Edwards – El Bandito Pt.1
White Poppy – Hardly Alive
YL Hooi – W/O Love
EP-4 – Five To One
Teresa Winter – For Murder
Martin Rev – Mari
Pink Industry – Don’t Let Go
Molly Nilsson – Out Of Blue
Astrid Sonne – Moderato
David Darling & And The Wulu Bunun – Malkakiv Malvanis