Musician 'Teacher A-Jian' reveals past struggles, believes AI can't replace human emotion in music

Taiwanese musician "Teacher A-Jian" (Ajian), a familiar face on popular variety shows like "Mr. Handsome Chef" and "11 o'clock Hot," has revealed the hardships he endured early in his 45-year career. Now 61, A-Jian reflected on his struggles, including sleeping on the streets of Taipei and taking on unconventional jobs to survive.

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They didn't have enough people, so I had to fill the numbers. We didn't even have enough instruments, so I just used a sugarcane to make up the numbers. I was only 16 then, small, following at the back of the procession, just going through the motions, and no one would notice.

His journey into the music industry began at age 13 as an apprentice in a nightclub due to family financial constraints. Before entering television, he performed in various venues in Kaohsiung, including dance halls, nightclubs, and Western restaurants. In a particularly stark example of his early struggles, at 16, A-Jian joined a funeral band, known locally as "xisuomi," where he would pretend to play a sugarcane as a prop to fill out the ranks when the band lacked enough musicians. He described standing at the back of processions, mimicking playing an instrument without actually doing so.

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I am grateful to one person, Teacher Kong Chiang. At that time, Teacher Kong Chiang had a very good relationship with Brother Fei. He often came to the restaurant for coffee during his work breaks. Perhaps he quite admired me, and one day he said to me: 'A-Jian, I am very busy with work now, I have many announcements, would you like to try?' Of course, I said yes!

Upon moving to Taipei in his early twenties to pursue opportunities in Western restaurants, A-Jian faced severe poverty, leading him to sleep on the streets for several nights. A turning point came with the help of a mentor, musician Kong Chiang, who invited him to perform at a Western restaurant owned by host Chang Fei. This connection led to his entry into television, starting with the program "Chain Reaction," and paving the way for his involvement in Taiwan's golden age of variety shows.

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I don't dare to say I mentored them; I should say that many keyboard teachers, because I also, for a period, like Teacher Kong Chiang, had too much work to finish, I also needed someone to help. So I brought some friends along, and people say they are my students, but I never thought so.

Despite being a respected senior figure in the industry, A-Jian humbly refrains from calling the younger musicians he has helped his "students." Instead, he refers to them as "friends," believing this distinction elevates their status and allows them greater respect and broader opportunities within the industry. He emphasizes that these individuals were helping him when he was overwhelmed with work, similar to how Kong Chiang had assisted him. Looking ahead, A-Jian remains passionate about music, confident that AI, despite its advancements, cannot replicate the genuine emotion and human touch of a live musical performance. He continues to be active, participating in church events and hospital visits, and has no plans to retire, believing his work continues as long as he is needed.

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No matter how strong AI gets, as far as I can see now, it is still something without emotion.