Listen to a new FADER Mix by OHYUNG

Brooklyn-based musician and composer OHYUNG, also known as Lia Ouyang Rusli, has unveiled a compelling FADER Mix that delves into themes of trans identity and liberation. The mix, titled HRT, an acronym for Hormone Replacement Therapy, frames itself between Christian hymns, a deliberate artistic choice that juxtaposes spiritual motifs with the contentious political landscape surrounding transgender healthcare.

OHYUNG’s choice to begin and conclude the mix with hymns reinterpreted through a trans lens serves as a potent form of sonic reclamation. This gesture challenges prevailing narratives, particularly those propagated by segments of the Christian right aiming to restrict access to hormone therapy. In doing so, the mix echoes OHYUNG’s personal journey, describing the commencement of HRT as an act akin to religious devotion — a surrender to faith and self-realization.

The mix itself is a rich tapestry of sound, exclusively featuring music by trans artists across diverse genres. It navigates through ambient soundscapes, bursts of pop exuberance, noise music, indie rock, and experimental forms, reflecting OHYUNG’s wide-ranging artistic sensibilities. This curated selection not only highlights the breadth of trans creativity but also underscores the mix’s role as a sonic manifesto of empowerment and community.

OHYUNG’s reputation extends beyond DJing; she is recognized for her evocative scores on indie projects such as Julio Torres's film "Problemista" and HBO series "Fantasmas," as well as Eva Victor’s "Sorry, Baby." Her recent solo work further illustrates her versatility, with two albums released in quick succession: "You Are Always On My Mind" (2025), an experimental rock endeavor with ethereal qualities, and "IOWA" (2026), an ambient record inspired by the introspection found in Bruce Springsteen’s "Nebraska."

The FADER Mix was assembled in OHYUNG’s home studio in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, a setting that seems to inform the intimate and reflective nature of the project. The mix incorporates custom remixes and seamless transitions, emphasizing a narrative flow that mirrors the emotional and sonic shifts OHYUNG often explores in her compositions.

In discussing her approach to DJing, OHYUNG treats it as an extension of composition, carefully crafting emotional trajectories through pre-existing recordings. This methodology not only reveals her deep engagement with musical storytelling but also her sensitivity to the histories and contexts embedded in each track.

Her initiation into DJing began with a residency at Lot Radio in 2021, focusing initially on experimental Asian diasporic music. Her first full live set took place in a DIY venue basement in Iowa City, where she hosted a hardcore techno rave, marking the start of her public engagement with DJ culture.

OHYUNG credits the New York City queer and artistic communities as foundational influences, providing both inspiration and opportunities that have shaped her career. Her local scene has been instrumental in fostering her confidence and creative identity, supporting her development as a community-oriented artist.

Among her memorable performances is a recent DJ set in Seoul, South Korea, where she connected with fans familiar with her film scoring work. Yet, she also recalls her earliest sets with a sense of fondness, particularly a hardcore techno event where audience members engaged with the music in raw, physical ways despite unfamiliarity with the genre.

Beyond music, OHYUNG’s interests include basketball, an unexpected facet that adds dimension to her persona. This mix, available on platforms including SoundCloud, YouTube, and Mixcloud, stands as a testament to her commitment to amplifying trans voices and pushing the boundaries of genre through a deeply personal and politically charged lens.