Mengge “Mango” Bao’s journey from engineering to the pinnacle of the music industry is a compelling narrative of talent, passion, and relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. From his early performances in China to his transformative education at Berklee College of Music, and his professional success at Bleeding Fingers Music, Mango’s career is a testament to following one’s true calling.
Early Beginnings and Education
Raised in China, Mango Bao was initially expected to pursue a traditional career path, such as medicine or law. However, his extraordinary musical talent and passion became evident early on. Despite societal and academic pressures, Mango’s performances at local venues and school events showcased his musical prowess, gradually convincing both himself and his family of the viability of a career in music.
While studying Automation at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Mango established the "Ideal Youth" recording studio. This initiative was a bold declaration of his commitment to music. Alongside his team, the "Crasher Group," Mango transformed a neglected space into a vibrant creative hub. They produced an album and organized a concert for the university’s 60th anniversary, redefining the scope of his ambitions. As graduation approached, Mango realized that a conventional engineering career was not his path. His deepening passion for music, fueled by countless nights working with Logic Pro and Cubase, led him to pursue full-time music studies at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Professional Development at Berklee
At Berklee, Mango majored in Contemporary Writing and Production and Film Scoring. This rigorous academic environment not only solidified his passion for music but also equipped him with the skills necessary for a successful professional career.
Career at Bleeding Fingers Music
Upon graduating from Berklee, Mango joined Bleeding Fingers Music in Santa Monica, a studio renowned for its high-pressure environment and prestigious projects. This opportunity was a dream come true for Mango. Working on iconic projects like "The Simpsons," he contributed significantly to musical scores, thriving under tight deadlines and further honing his skills in large-scale music composition, arrangement, and production.
Teaching and Mentorship
In addition to his work at Bleeding Fingers Music, Mango took on the role of instructor for Donner Music in Boston, specializing in pop song production. This position allowed him to merge his love for music with his passion for education, inspiring aspiring musicians to harness their creativity through innovative production and composition techniques.
Diverse Portfolio and Notable Projects
Mango's diverse portfolio is a testament to his versatility and expertise in music. Some of his notable projects include:
"All Those Years": As the lead orchestrator, Mango collaborated with the International Chief Philharmonic Orchestra in Beijing, creating an evocative score that beautifully complemented the film's narrative.
Honda Inspire 2024 Commercial: In collaboration with Xiyue Diana Lizhao, Mango composed and arranged the theme song, capturing Honda’s spirit of innovation and reliability.
"Remember The Time": As a co-composer, Mango infused the documentary with nostalgic elements reminiscent of 80s and 90s Chinese pop songs, resonating deeply with the audience.
"Johny Keep Walking": As a musician and mixing engineer for this major box-office success, he skillfully balanced vocals and instrumentals to enhance the comedic tone of the film's theme song.
Each project underscores Mango's technical prowess and his ability to adapt his creative process to various media, including feature films, commercials, and documentaries.
Future Endeavors
Mango Bao continues to expand his horizons with exciting new projects. He is currently composing music for three reality TV shows set to air on Hulu, each requiring distinct musical styles. Additionally, he is orchestrating an album for a metal band, allowing him to explore a different genre and contribute to something truly unique.
Mengge “Mango” Bao’s journey from engineering to music is a remarkable narrative of dedication and passion. His diverse body of work and continuous pursuit of excellence serve as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and a testament to the transformative power of following one’s true calling.
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