Today, I’m speaking with Feng E, the Taiwanese ukulele virtuoso who first gained fame at just ten years old. Since then, he has evolved from a young internet sensation into one of the most exciting and technically inventive ukulele players in the world, performing internationally and demonstrating just how versatile the ukulele can be. Feng E doesn’t just play the ukulele; he is expanding what people expect from the instrument. His playing combines rhythm, melody, and soloing in a way that makes the ukulele feel larger, more dynamic, and akin to a full band. He is also venturing into new territory with his upcoming album, *Grand Tour*, which draws inspiration from classical music, bluegrass, cinematic scoring, and his own original compositions. In this first part of our conversation, we delve into the craft behind the music: how Feng E transitioned from ukulele to guitar, his approach to rhythm and solos in live performances, and what lies ahead with his U.S. solo tour and *Grand Tour*. We also discuss balancing his solo career with his band, Resonance Effect, as well as the various influences, from classical to Japanese pop, that have shaped his playing style. Teenage Taiwanese phenomenon Feng E first stunned the world at just ten years old when his breathtaking ukulele performance of Tommy Emmanuel’s version of Classical Gas went viral. Seemingly overnight, the prodigy found himself on The Ellen DeGeneres Show—twice—then captivating audiences on both Asia’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent. Since then, Feng E has transformed from a viral sensation into one of the most exciting young artists in the global ukulele scene. His dazzling performances have taken him to stages across Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, China, and Hawaii, where he’s racked up international awards and headline slots. His groundbreaking 2024 West Coast tour of the United States turned heads with show-stopping sets at the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival, plus a string of high-profile TV and radio appearances. Now with nearly a million YouTube subscribers and climbing, Feng E continues to set records and push boundaries. In 2025 alone, he headlined the Denver International Ukulele Festival and saw his band Resonance Effect take home the top prize in the Taoyuan Iron Rose Hot Sound Award in Taiwan (their version of shows like Idol). From October, he embarks on a highly anticipated U.S. Eastern tour, including a marquee performance in New York City. Feng E is proudly sponsored by leading global instrument maker Enya Music—a fitting partner for an artist reshaping what’s possible with four strings and boundless imagination. Resonance Effect is a rising star band that burst onto the scene in 2025. With an average age of just 17.5, they are a “rare, endangered species” of a power trio, led by band leader Feng Yi. Within just one month of formation, they swept the Kun-Tai Cup, winning the championship and individual “Best Musician” awards for every member. Despite a major lineup change the following year, they continued their streak, securing runner-up at the South Music Awards and becoming finalists at the Ho-Hai-Yan Rock Festival. They were the youngest band selected for the show The Band Festival, eventually clinching championships at both the Wind of September Music Festival and the Taoyuan Iron Rose Music Awards (Social Category), officially reaching the pinnacle of national band competitions. Their sound seamlessly blends math rock, punk, metal, and electronics. For them, genre classification takes a backseat to the raw energy they pour into every second on stage. Resonance Effect believes that true music is born from the direct collision of a live performance—fueled by their sheer technical prowess and uncompromising chemistry as a trio. Barely a year old, this band is still evolving and pushing their own limits. They refuse to be stereotyped, and they certainly have no intention of slowing down.....
