One of the greatest honors and privileges I get to do as a music photographer and author/writer for S.L.R. MAGAZINE is that I sometimes get to do an exclusive interview with some talented and amazing artists/musicians.
This is one of those times. I would like to introduce to everyone, NiNi, also known as NiNi Music.
Written by Don Marcelo
NiNi is a talented multi-instrumentalist from Taiwan who specializes in playing Ancient Chinese Instruments such as The Ruan, Liugin, and Sanxian. NiNi Music incorporates these Traditional Ancient Chinese Instruments and blends them along with her Modern Rock Band aptly named as NiNi Music and NiNi Metal. NiNi is a master of her craft in that she seamlessly integrates traditional melodies of her Chinese instruments into hard and heavy metal compositions and riffs that make her music stand out from the rest of the world. A true artist if you ask me.
NiNi the Artist/Musician rose to the spotlight and became a household name in the music industry right after her epic performance on Season 19 of America’s Got Talent (aka AGT) in the summer of 2024. Judges of AGT and the audience were surprised, astounded, and delighted by her great musicianship and stage presence and unique style of playing. After she showcased her stuff, NiNi was immediately hailed by AGT Judge, Howie Mandel, as “NiNi Van Halen” and “NiNi Hendrix.” Everyone fell in love with her charisma and her artistic brilliance on AGT on this night where she combined ancient traditional instruments with modern music.
NiNi Music will embark on a 9 stop U.S. Tour in April 2026 starting in Phoenix, AZ on April 10 and will finish the tour on April 21 in Denver, CO.
I had the greatest chance to have a one on one conversation with this super talented musician whom I have seen and covered her LIVE Performance 3 times now from her first showcase at The Mint in 2024, to Folkfest of the North at The Regent DTLA in 2025, to recently at NAMM 2026.
Let’s begin…
QUERY #1 – SOME HISTORY AND MEMORIES FROM PAST
Hi NiNi!
Once again we meet and talk. Congratulations on your continued success and growth as a musician. The growth and the glow I keep seeing from you has been so inspiring. Your hard work is truly paying off. So for those people who don’t know much about you, please give us a little background about you and your journey in music from your childhood days to being a contestant on AGT and now continuing that journey every musician loves to do and that is playing on stage for their fans:
Q1: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – What were some of your favorite memories growing up as a child in Taiwan and learning to play music and different types of instruments?
A1: NiNi – One of my favorite memories growing up in Taiwan was performing with other traditional Chinese instrumentalists. That energy was something special. I started doing street performances and paid shows when I was just 9 years old. Imagine being that young and already feeling the pulse of a live crowd.
It was never just about the music. It was about community, culture, and connection. We were carrying thousands of years of history through strings and sound. There was a deep sense of pride in representing our heritage together. That foundation shaped everything I am as an artist today.
Q2: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – Do you have a particular instrument that you truly love?
A2: NiNi – Absolutely. My Ruan is my soul instrument. It is the one I studied the longest, the one I sacrificed for, practiced endlessly, and built my voice around.
Not many people play the ruan or even know what it is (even in Taiwan), and that makes it powerful. It has a deep, warm, almost haunting tone. It can sound ancient and futuristic at the same time. When I bring it onto a massive stage and push it through modern amplification, it transforms into something explosive. It becomes a weapon of sound.
Q3: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – Who were some of your major influences in music?
A3: NiNi – When I was studying in Harbin, China, I trained under Mantian Feng and his son Shao Xian Feng. They completely shaped my technical foundation and musical discipline.
They did not just teach me how to play. They taught me how to command the instrument. They pushed me beyond comfort and beyond limits. The precision, control, and emotional phrasing I bring to the stage today comes directly from those years of intense classical training.
Q4: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – Who are your current favorite musicians these days?
A4: NiNi – I love Ronnie Radke from Falling in Reverse. He is unfiltered, explosive, unpredictable, a true modern rockstar.
In a time where many artists play it safe, he does not. He is chaotic in the best way. That kind of fearless energy inspires me. Rock needs people who are willing to be bold, controversial, and larger than life, and he absolutely embodies that.
I also love Bloodywood. They are an Indian folk metal band blending traditional instruments with crushing metal energy, and I respect what they are doing so much. They represent culture and heaviness at the same time. I truly believe they deserve more global recognition.
And UUHAI from Mongolia is incredible. Their Mongolian folk metal, throat singing, and traditional textures create a powerful atmosphere. I think they are underrated and underappreciated. Bands like that are pushing heavy music forward by honoring their roots while breaking boundaries. That is the future of rock to me. Fearless, cultural, loud, and unapologetic.
Q5: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – What was your fondest memory/memories when you were a contestant on season 19 of AGT?
A5: NiNi – Being on Season 19 of America’s Got Talent was surreal. But my favorite part was actually backstage.
Meeting artists from all over the world who were all chasing their dreams was incredibly powerful. We came from different cultures and different art forms, but we shared the same fire. I still stay in touch with many of them, and watching their growth and success feels like watching family win.
Q6: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – And from your past tours in 2024 and 2025, did you have a special or funny moment or exciting moment or “AHA!” moment/s that you would like to share with your fans?
A6: NiNi – The most powerful moments have been meeting the fans face to face. Seeing the people behind the usernames and comment sections standing right in front of me is something I cannot describe. That level of love and support from around the world is overwhelming in the best way.
One of the funniest moments was when a fan did not have anything for me to sign, so he handed me his actual passport. A valid one. Not only did I sign it, my entire band signed it too. We basically turned his passport into a collectible and made it invalid at the same time. That is rock and roll.
QUERY #2 – THE NAMM 2026 EXTRAVAGANZA
Wow! Thanks for sharing all of that. So this year. 2026, I got to see you again in January when you performed LIVE on the big stage at NAMM.
Q7: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – So tell us, when you received the news that you were going to play at NAMM 2026, what ran through your head and your entire body. Do you remember where you were and what you were doing?
A7: NiNi – I remember exactly where I was. I was at my friend’s house in Taiwan petting her rabbit when I got the message. One second I was calm, the next second I was screaming. I probably scared the rabbit.
Playing NAMM is a ton of fun. It is where the global music industry gathers. Innovators, icons, builders, dreamers, everyone is there. Being invited to perform in 2026 felt great.
Q8: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – Tell us about your performances inside with the sponsors and booths you did your demos, how was that for you?
A8: NiNi – I love doing those performances. I am incredibly grateful for my sponsors who believe in me and give me those platforms. NAMM is not just about performing. It is about relationships. I have built partnerships with amazing companies from all over the world who support my vision of blending traditional instruments with modern rock energy. When I demo gear, I want people to see what these instruments are capable of becoming.
Q9: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – Overall what are your thoughts on NAMM 2026?
A9: NiNi – NAMM is a very special place for musicians. It is pure inspiration everywhere you turn. This year was especially meaningful because I met so many friends and artists I had only known online. Finally connecting in real life, sharing stories, talking music face to face, that is priceless. If I can attend every year, I absolutely will.
QUERY #3 – NiNi MUSIC U.S. TOUR 2026, THE HEADLINER
Thanks NiNi! Those are all great things you shared with me/us. But wait, that’s just January 2026. Now comes to the actual up and coming U.S. Tour in April. HOW EXCITING IS THIS! I’m excited for you since like I said, I’ve seen tremendous growth from you since 2024. Truly inspiring. You even get to play at one of my favorite music venues in Seattle, The Funhouse/El Corazon.
Q10: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – So for this tour, what are you most excited about?
A10: NiNi – This is my first U.S. tour as a headliner, and that alone gives me chills.
I am most excited to meet the NiNi Army in person and build something powerful in every city. Every night is going to be an experience. I am also excited to tour with my support artist BOTCASH from Thailand. He is a DJ who incorporates traditional Thai instruments into his performance, and I love that cultural fusion energy.
Q11 – DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – Will the fans hear some new music from you?
A11: NiNi – Yes. I cannot wait to share my new music live. It pushes everything further. It is heavier, more cinematic, more emotional. The fans who come to these shows will get to experience it first, and that is something special.
Q12: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – Will you be playing any new instruments?
A12: NiNi – Yes, I will be bringing out instruments that I have never played on tour before. If you want to know which ones, you will have to come to a show. 😉
Q13: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – One of the things I love about your style is that you wear traditional Chinese regalia/outfits while rocking out. Will you have a new outfit that your fans have never seen before?
A13: NiNi – Of course. I always honor traditional Chinese regalia in my stage outfits, but for this tour we are elevating everything. New designs, new elements, still rooted in culture but amplified for a rock stage. When I step out, I want it to feel legendary.
Q14: DON MARCELO/S.L.R. MAGAZINE – Care to share with us whatever you have in your mind in regards to this upcoming tour, a place to eat that you’ve been wanting to try, an excursion, a fun place you really want to see.
A14: NiNi – My focus is delivering an unforgettable show every single night. If there is time to explore or try great food in each city, that is a bonus. But my mission is the music and giving the fans everything I have.
QUERY #4 – FINAL THOUGHTS BY NiNi
Q15: DON MARCELO S.L.R. MAGAZINE – AMAZING! I’M EXCITED. This is going to be a great tour. Any final words or advice or message you want to tell your fans, NiNi?
A15: NiNi –
To the NiNi Army,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support, your messages, your energy, that is what fuels me. Every stream, every comment, every ticket, every share, you are part of this movement.
To everyone coming to the tour, get ready. We are going to create unforgettable memories together.
And to everyone who cannot make it this time, keep supporting, keep listening, keep believing. I will do everything I can to bring this show to your city next.
We are just getting started. I love you all. Let’s make history together.
Thank you so much NiNi for taking the time to talk to me/us here at S.L.R. MAGAZINE. Truly honored and grateful to you NiNi. I hope I get to see you and your band once again and your photographer too, Briana. Words can’t even begin to express the excitement I have for you and your musical journey. Thank you once again and WE WILL see each other again, you on a stage somewhere here in America or Taiwan or maybe even in Europe and me in the photo pit. Anything is possible.
– DON MARCELO
https://ninimusic.me/
https://www.facebook.com/NiniMusicofficial
https://www.instagram.com/ninimusicofficial/#
https://www.tiktok.com/@ninimusic.me
https://www.twitch.tv/ninimusic1001
https://www.youtube.com/ninimusic
2026 U.S. Tour Dates & Venues
Apr. 10 — Phoenix, AZ — Rosetta Room
Apr. 11 — Las Vegas, NV — Grey Witch
Apr. 12 — Anaheim, CA — Parish Room (House of Blues Anaheim)
Apr. 13 — San Diego, CA — Voodoo Room (House of Blues San Diego)
Apr. 14 — Sacramento, CA — Harlow’s
Apr. 15 — San Jose, CA — The Ritz
Apr. 17 — Portland, OR — High Limit
Apr. 18 — Seattle, WA — Funhouse (El Corazon)
Apr. 21 — Denver, CO — HQ
Photo Gallery of the performance by © Don Marcelo Photography 2026
Leave a Reply