Billboard China’s HER VOICE: Liu Lian

“You will still be there at the end of the ball.”

This opening line from Liu Lian’s 2021 birthday song, “Be Present,” beautifully captures her journey. At 27, Liu Lian began writing birthday songs as a way to affirm her existence and address her anxieties about self-worth and presence.

At that time, she wished for a ‘you’ who would still be around when the party was over. As time went on, Liu Lian, who once longed for forever because of ‘you,’ grew and developed her own perspective, eventually becoming an observer at the party.

When asked which soundbite she would choose to represent herself, Liu Lian responded immediately: “I have a lyric that says, ‘you will still be there at the end of the ball.’ But now, I’d like to change ‘you’ to ‘I.’”

Billboard China’s exclusive series, HER VOICE, invites female musicians to share their views on the world and how they express their inner thoughts through music.

Have there been moments in your life when you thought, “It’s really wonderful to be a woman”? If so, which moment stands out?

I feel that way most of the time. It’s difficult to pinpoint a specific moment because it feels like a continuous feeling.

If you could talk to any female musician from history, who would you choose? What would you want to discuss with her?

Shiina Ringo. Honestly, though, I’m not sure what I’d say—meeting someone you deeply admire can leave you speechless. When I interviewed Linkin Park, I felt the same way; without prepared questions, I might have struggled to find the right words.

I’m really interested in her creative process, even though I understand that some aspects can’t be fully conveyed through conversation. I’d also love to learn about the challenges she’s encountered, how she’s tackled creative blocks, and how she’s kept her artistic energy alive over the years.

Additionally, I’d love to get a glimpse into her everyday life—what she does in her free time, what topics she enjoys discussing with friends—so I can see her as an ordinary person.

Recommend a song or short film from your new album to your fans. Why do you like that one the most?

There are so many choices, but if I had to pick one, I’d recommend the song and short film Split. It tells a touching story about a blind woman who, years later, confronts the man who trafficked her—her own father. The narrative is complete and deeply moving. This song is rooted in personal experience, illustrating how someone familiar with self-doubt and failure can rise again, blooming even in adversity. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a dose of motivation and strength.