Tian Fu 天 夫

Tian Fu (天夫), born in Hohhot, is a systematically trained composer as well as a self-taught rapper and producer. He studied composition and computer music at the Central Conservatory of Music, Mozarteum University Salzburg, and the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. Currently, he resides in Salzburg and is pursuing a doctoral degree in artistic research at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.

Tian Fu’s creative practice spans a diverse range of styles, including instrumental and electronic music, multimedia performance, and improvisation. His works have been showcased in various settings, including concert halls, museums, galleries, open-air festivals, nightclubs, live-streamed performances, and academic conferences. He has collaborated with renowned ensembles and institutions, including the Tianjin Symphony Orchestra, China National Ballet, China Youth Symphony Orchestra, Austria’s NAMES Ensemble, OENM Ensemble, Germany’s E-Max Ensemble, and the Yuanyang Ensemble.

As a practitioner of Chinese rap, Tian Fu was an active member of Hohhot’s underground hip-hop scene during his teenage years. In recent years, he has been performing as part of AUUF, an improvisational duo with sound artist Antuum (UA, AT), focusing on Chinese freestyle rap and experimental electronic music. Additionally, he co-founded Youquzhi (有趣志), an artistic collective with the Chinese rap duo Treasure Hill (宝藏山), pushing the boundaries of experimental rap by exploring text, language, vocal performance, music, and sound design. 

In the field of artistic research, Tian Fu focuses on breaking down barriers and fostering “mutual permeation” between Chinese rap and contemporary art music. He has participated in academic events, premiered new works, and delivered lectures in Vienna, Graz, Trondheim, Tallinn, Rome, Freiburg, Zurich, Belfast, and Linz.