Birdy Nio - Film Director and handpan musician

In this episode 17 of Vast Lives, host Steve Shooter sits down with multi-talented Birdy Nio, a film director, handpan musician, and surfer, in vibrant Taipei. Birdy is a free-spirited and introspective individual who draws inspiration from the world around him.
His filmmaking career started in a passion for breakdancing, where he would record himself and create projects for his friends and local artists.

Birdy emphasizes the importance of self-education, particularly through YouTube, where he learned filmmaking. His hard work resulted in a low-budget music video catching the eye of a label, kick-starting his career in entertainment.

Birdy reveals the stresses of success and the anxiety and stress of a busy schedule. He speaks openly about his depression when he felt creatively drained. His love of the ocean and surfing provided solace and inspiration, and he attempted music as an outlet. He discovered the handpan and incorporated it into his art, releasing his album, "Shall We," which takes listeners on a journey through nature and sound.

Birdy stresses the interconnectedness of his passions—surfing, music, and film-making—considering himself an artist outside of one definitive title. He talks about his process, the desire for validation from the audience, and trying to reach the community through his art.

At the conclusion of the episode, Birdy promotes a Netflix documentary about Taiwanese culture and the lives of people who are chasing their dreams abroad. His persistence is infectious, as Steve Shooter is energized by Birdy's enthusiasm.

This episode serves as a reminder to aspiring creatives that there are peaks and valleys along the journey, but with persistence and questioning, a fulfilling journey is possible. Listen as Steve Shooter explores Birdy Nio's story and the vibrant landscape of creativity and self-discovery.

Catch the episode on: Spotify. Apple Podcast. YouTube.