Draft:Jolynn J Chin

Jolynn J Chin

Jolynn Joelle Chin (born December 25, 1995), known professionally as Jolynn J Chin, is a Malaysian-born crossover pianist, composer, and producer. She is recognized for her unique fusion of classical piano with modern genres such as jazz, trap, and experimental music. Her debut EP, Beyond Classical (2019), garnered significant attention and was considered for the 62nd Grammy Awards. Jolynn's participation in America’s Got Talent Season 16 and her viral track Shifted solidified her as a prominent figure in the crossover music scene. Her most recent album, Off Time (2024), features innovative tracks, each in off-beat time signatures, pushing the boundaries of classical crossover music.

Early Life

Jolynn J Chin was born and raised in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. From a young age, she showed a natural affinity for the piano, beginning lessons at the age of five. By 14, she had completed her ABRSM graded piano exams with distinction and later passed her ATCL Recital Diploma Exam. Jolynn honed her skills under the mentorship of Dr. Nicholas Ong, the first Malaysian to earn a doctorate in piano performance from Juilliard. She also studied with acclaimed concert pianists like Andrew Brownell and Li Ming Qiang, further expanding her technical prowess and musical versatility.

Career

Early Performances and Breakthrough

Jolynn first gained attention in 2016 when she performed at the Sarawak Entertainers Night, leading to more appearances on Malaysian national television and performances at prestigious events like the Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival (2017 and 2018). She also performed at the Blue Note Lounge, a jazz concert organized by REDfm English RTM Sarawak, alongside Dato Mokhzani. This performance showcased her talent and contributed to her growing recognition in the Malaysian music scene.

Grammy Consideration

Her 2019 debut EP, Beyond Classical, introduced her crossover style to a global audience by blending classical piano with contemporary genres such as jazz and electronic music. The EP was notably considered for the 62nd Grammy Awards in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category, a rare achievement for a Malaysian artist.

2021: America’s Got Talent

Jolynn gained widespread attention in 2021 when she appeared on Season 16 of America’s Got Talent. Her performances, which combined classical piano with modern elements, captivated both the judges and the audience. This appearance further solidified her reputation on the international stage and was widely covered by Malaysian media outlets, including New Straits Times and The Borneo Post.

2024: Abbey Road Studios and Off Time Album

In 2024, Jolynn’s career reached another milestone with the release of her album Off Time. The first track from the album, also titled Off Time, was mastered at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio[^9]. This cutting-edge format enhances the listening experience by creating an immersive three-dimensional sound. Roger Montejano, a member of the Recording Academy, served as the Dolby Atmos mixing engineer, while Oli Morgan, a renowned mastering engineer with credits including FKJ and Sam Smith, handled the Dolby Atmos mastering for the track[^6][^12]. This collaboration has been praised by industry insiders for its high-level production quality and innovative use of technology, further cementing Jolynn’s reputation as a trailblazing artist[^13].

Collaborations

Jolynn has worked with several influential figures in the music industry. In addition to Roger Montejano and Oli Morgan, she has collaborated with a range of top-tier professionals to refine her sound and enhance her productions[^6][^12]. These collaborations have played a pivotal role in shaping Jolynn’s artistic vision, as she continues to push the boundaries of classical crossover music.

Teaching and Mentorship

In addition to her music career, Jolynn runs the JJC Academy, an online platform where she offers piano lessons and artist development services.

Discography

• Beyond Classical (EP, 2019)
• Shifted (Single, 2023)
• Changes (Single, 2024)
• Off Time (Album, 2024)
• 2021, Pt. 1 (EP, 2021)
• 2021, Pt. 2 (EP, 2022)

Recognition

Jolynn J Chin has earned multiple accolades throughout her career. Her debut EP was considered for a Grammy Award[^1], and her appearances on America’s Got Talent brought her international recognition[^12]. She continues to push the boundaries of classical crossover music with each new release, attracting a growing global audience.