Jing Xia

As an independent artist and scholar, my music has always been a deeply personal exploration—a way to map complex emotions and navigate my transnational identity through the voice of my guzheng. But trying to break traditional boundaries by blending ancient instrumentation with jazz, post-rock, and contemporary textures from St. John’s, Newfoundland, can sometimes feel like an incredibly isolating and financially daunting path.

That is exactly where FACTOR changed the game for me. Their investment was so much more than a grant; it was a meaningful vote of confidence in my artistic vision. FACTOR helped fund my fusion band XIA-3’s debut album, Interworlds, providing the resources we needed to focus fully on artistic excellence, collaboration, and high-quality production. Just as importantly, their support allowed me to connect with audiences and industry professionals beyond Newfoundland and Labrador. Through showcase funding, I was able to travel and perform at key industry events including Le Phoque OFF, Folk Alliance International, Alberta Showcase, and Mundial Montréal, building relationships that continue to shape my career today.

The impact was immediate and profound. In 2026, Interworlds received Global Music Release of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards, following MusicNL wins for both Global Music Artist of the Year and Instrumental Artist of the Year. These recognitions were especially meaningful because they affirmed that there is a place for boundary-crossing work that brings together different cultures, traditions, and musical languages.

As I look ahead to releasing my new solo album, Trance and Awe, later this year, I am deeply grateful for FACTOR’s part in my journey. By investing in globally minded, locally rooted stories like mine, FACTOR plays an invaluable role in expanding the possibilities of what Canadian music can be.

Photo by Katelyn Forward