20 for 20: Musician Jess Meider
In celebration of our 20th anniversary, we're profiling 20 movers and shakers who, much like The Beijinger, have called the capital home for 20 years or more.
American musician Jess Meider has spent 24 years in Beijing. Over this time, she's become a jazz vocalist, an experienced songwriter, a yoga teacher at Yoga Yard, and a vocal coach to many aspiring singers. She also owns The Green Room, a skincare products company. She’s performed at countless venues throughout her decades in the capital and can still be found performing at venues such as Blue Note on a regular basis.
What brought you to Beijing, and when?
1997, I followed someone from New York City who had been employed by [now defunct English magazine] Beijing Scene. He moved to Beijing and this prompted me to come over for a visit – mind blown.
What were some of your first impressions of the city?
A plethora of smells and constant noise, the grandiosity of the city block, the bustling population, bicycles, traffic, dirt, the markets, the “modern grocery stores,” ancient things everywhere, the sound of the language, the amazing variety of food, the abundance of music venues, the insane quality that all expats had to have to live here, the incredible friendliness of the people, how safe it was at all hours, the handful of bars and clubs, the exuberance of sudden freedom after being such a closed-off society... the city was expanding with such speed.
Did you imagine at that time that you’d still be here more than 20 years later?
Not at all.
Are you still doing what you came here to do, 20 years ago?
For the most part, yes. I am still meeting and enjoying the company of incredibly interesting people who tend to be attracted by the adventure of a big city.
Tell us about one of your quintessential first experiences in the city.
My arrival at Beijing Airport Terminal One: Communist green everywhere, soldiers everywhere, the fragrance of jasmine tea, the fine, dry Beijing dust... the toilets.
What’s changed the most since you first arrived?
Me. Everything. The vibe. The hutongs. The restaurants.
How you do think Beijing has changed you as a person?
I've grown up for half my life here. This place forced me to face myself, to cultivate awareness in my being, something that I think commonly takes longer in the West because you are not constantly being bombarded by the environment (which challenges you to question everything you think you are). Beijing was expanding... so if you were in Beijing in the late '90s, you were expanding too. It was such a palpable vibe. Incredible change.
What are your main reasons why Beijing continues to be a draw for you to this day?
Family, friends, and my TCM doctor.
Name your three favorite places in the city.
Any old-school market (Zuojiazhuang, Hongqiao); Ditan Park; the hutongs that still retain that old Beijing feel.
What’s one piece of advice you have for relatively recent arrivals?
Open up, turn the volume down on comparing/judgment and have a good look/listen. Breathe deeply, learn the language, share your experiences. Break down the differences by understanding each other at a deeper level.
You can follow Jess Meider via her website at jessmeider.com or catch her at her next gig Saturday, Nov 20 at 7:15pm at Tango By Ala House (2/F, 18 Liangmahe Nanlu, Chaoyang District, 8532 2418)
READ: 20 for 20: Capital Restaurateur David Connolly
Images courtesy of Jess Meider
