Hi everyone! My name is Anna Qiang (CC’25), known professionally as AQ. (IG: @producedbyaq). I’m a music producer and beat maker, and my debut instrumental album, 10027, is officially out now!

Named after Columbia University’s zip code, 10027 represents a culmination of the moments, emotions, and growth I’ve experienced during my college years. Across five tracks—“No Destination,” “Longing,” “Fusion,” “Bittersweet,” and “Vitality”—I explore themes of uncertainty, self-discovery, and celebration.

The Meaning Behind Each Track

No Destination

This track sets the tone for the entire album. College has been a journey of unexpected turns, new experiences, and adjusting to change without always having control. “No Destination” is about leaning into the unknown and finding joy in the unpredictability. A trap beat drives the rhythm, layered with choppy, reverbed vocal samples and a polished electric guitar, all working together to capture the feeling of moving forward with confidence.

Longing

Freshman year was a whirlwind of emotions. Navigating new relationships, learning to live on my own, and adjusting to a hybrid pandemic schedule made it a time of uncertainty, but also deep connection. “Longing” reflects those early days at Columbia and is a shoutout to my class, who experienced it all together. The track features low bass boosts, melancholy vocal samples, and soft synths that bring certain tones gently forward to create a sense of closeness and nostalgia.

Fusion

This track is a tribute to my Chinese heritage, blending traditional Chinese instruments with alternative R&B elements. The pipa (a Chinese lute) and the hulusi (a wind instrument) are weaved with orchestral synths, creating a fusion of different sounds. I was inspired by a class on premodern Chinese music, which deepened my appreciation for traditional instruments and shaped the sonic foundation of this track.

Bittersweet

Throughout college, I often found myself reflecting on the future with uncertainty. The question of what comes next was always there—sometimes quiet, sometimes overwhelming. As the child of an immigrant parent, I carry both personal and familial aspirations. “Bittersweet” captures that mix of excitement and doubt, because even in moments of success, the future can still feel unclear. The reverbed synth pads, drawn-out strings, and A minor key shape a sound that carries a somber undertone, echoing the emotional push and pull behind the track.

Vitality

My final track, “Vitality,” is a celebration of everything senior year has meant to me. I’ve submitted my thesis, I’m spending time with incredible people, and I’m fully appreciating each moment. The song mirrors that energy—part trap-infused party anthem with hard-hitting beats and boosted bass, part chill lo-fi reflection. It’s a fitting soundtrack for the final chapter of my Columbia journey.

🎧 Listen to 10027 now on all streaming platforms.

This EP, 10027, is my way of telling a story through sound. Each track holds a piece of my Columbia experience, but I hope listeners find their own stories within them too. Thank you to all of my future listeners, and thank you to everyone who supported me through this journey. I hope you enjoy listening to my album!

🔗 Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/producedbyaq

10027: A Soundtrack to My Columbia Journey