Music Observer

Inside the Audio Engineering of No Longer Human Musical

Inside the Audio Engineering of No Longer Human Musical
Photo: Unsplash.com

By: Maria Williams

The Asian musical theater scene has a new sensation—No Longer Human. This groundbreaking production captured the hearts of audiences across multiple cities and gained widespread acclaim during its first tour, showcasing its impact on the musical theater scene. A key factor to this success is Shaochen Jesse Cai’s music programming and engineering. His ability to transform a small pit band into the sound of a full orchestra has turned heads and set new standards in the industry.

The Challenges of Musical Production in Asia

Creating a full-scale production like No Longer Human comes with challenges in a region where musical theater is still carving its niche. Traditional Asian theater companies often struggle with limited resources, and Shaochen’s team faced similar constraints—no brass or woodwind players and only three string musicians. How do you create an immersive musical experience without a full band?

The Solution: Shaochen’s Expert Programming

Enter Shaochen Jesse Cai, the music producer and recording engineer who stepped in to reimagine the musical landscape. Leveraging his classical music background and expertise, he made 40 tracks of synths and percussions to back the players. His team designed and programmed a vast array of sounds—70 unique sample banks, to be exact—and assigned them to three keyboard players. The result was a rich, layered sound that gave audiences the impression of a full orchestra, proving that creativity and technical know-how can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.

From Studio to Stage: Shaochen’s Dedication

Shaochen’s journey in the music industry didn’t start on the grand stages of musical theater; it began with a love for music. From playing piano and guitar in his youth to programming complete tracks for productions like No Longer Human, he’s always been driven by a passion to elevate artists’ visions. Collaborating remotely with prominent figures like Kim Scharnberg, Shaochen perfectly fine-tuned every production detail.

His work extends beyond theater—his short film “Free” recently won “Best LGBTQ Short” at the Independent Shorts Awards, and he also earned the title of “Asian Filmmaker” at the IndieFest Film Awards in 2024. Yet, it’s his role in No Longer Human that stands out. He transformed a challenging production into a commercial and critical success, winning the 2023 Performing Arts World Awards.

Cultural Context: Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Musical theater is still an emerging art form in Asia, often influenced by Western productions and traditional Asian storytelling methods. Shaochen Jesse Cai’s work on No Longer Human uniquely blends these influences, creating a soundscape that honors classical traditions while embracing modern technology. By using advanced programming techniques and synthesizers, he brings the grandeur of Western orchestral arrangements to an Asian audience, bridging cultural gaps and introducing a new wave of musical theater experiences in the region. This approach captivates audiences and helps to pave the way for the genre’s continued growth in Asia.

What’s Next for Shaochen Jesse Cai?

Shaochen and his team are not resting on their laurels. With a vision to expand musical theater’s reach, they are developing a new show set to tour the Pacific Asia market in 2025. By continuing to innovate in music programming and engineering, Shaochen aims to bring fresh experiences to audiences and elevate the musical landscape further.

Shaochen Jesse Cai’s story is a testament to the power of dedication and expertise in creating memorable and impactful experiences for audiences. If you’re passionate about musical theater, keep an eye out for Shaochen’s upcoming productions.

 

Published By: Aize Perez

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This article features branded content from a third party. Opinions in this article do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Music Observer.