B-Side Guys

Yukon-based orchestral folk musician Erica Dee Mah’s latest EP, “Paper Wealth,” is a captivating exploration of Chinese-Canadian cultural identity across generations. Released on May 8, 2024, the five-track collection showcases Mah’s exceptional songwriting and her mastery of the traditional 21-stringed Chinese zither, the guzheng. Drawing inspiration from the centennial of the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act, Mah crafts a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative that speaks to the long journey to citizenship and social acceptance experienced by Chinese-Canadians over the past century.

Throughout the EP, Mah seamlessly weaves together elements of traditional Chinese music and contemporary Canadian folk-roots, creating a unique and enchanting sonic tapestry. Her guzheng playing is both delicate and powerful, evoking a range of emotions that perfectly complement her evocative lyrics and ethereal vocals.

The opening track, “Paper Sons,” sets the tone for the EP with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics. Mah sings of the struggles and sacrifices of early Chinese immigrants, who often had to adopt false identities and “try on the name of a ghost” to gain entry into Canada. The song’s refrain, “All that you have is folded into manila,” serves as a powerful metaphor for the hopes and dreams of these immigrants, carefully tucked away in their official documents.

“Morning Chorus” is a standout track, with Mah’s guzheng playing taking center stage. The song’s lush instrumentation and vivid imagery transport the listener to a moment of quiet reflection, as Mah sings of the simple joys of watching kindling burn and pressing flowers in a book. The lyrics, “Put on your good coat, the one with the pockets,” evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, even as the song grapples with themes of impermanence and change.

The EP’s second single, “Crocuses,” is a serene and ethereal ode to artistry and expression. Inspired by Mah’s time studying the guzheng in Vancouver, the song celebrates personal creativity and freedom, as well as cultural connection. The lyrics, “Follow the sun like a prairie, yellow crocuses in bloom,” paint a vivid picture of hope and renewal, perfectly encapsulating the EP’s overarching themes.

“The Garden” is another highlight, with its lush harmonies and intricate guzheng playing. The song’s lyrics, which reference the “Saltwater City” of Vancouver and the iconic “Madonna” sign that once graced the city’s skyline, are a testament to Mah’s ability to weave together personal and cultural history into a cohesive and compelling narrative.

The EP closes with the hauntingly beautiful “Wild Horse Creek / Horse Racing,” which tells the story of early Chinese laborers who worked on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Mah’s vocals are particularly powerful here, conveying a sense of longing and desperation as she sings of the hardships faced by these workers, who were often separated from their families and faced discrimination and exploitation.

“Paper Wealth” is a stunning achievement, showcasing Erica Dee Mah’s growth as an artist and her deep connection to her cultural heritage. The EP’s themes of identity, belonging, and perseverance are more relevant than ever, and Mah’s ability to explore these issues through the lens of traditional Chinese music and contemporary folk-roots is truly remarkable.

With its lush instrumentation, poetic lyrics, and powerful storytelling, “Paper Wealth” is an EP that demands repeated listens. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Chinese-Canadians, and a reminder of the power of music to bridge cultures and generations. Erica Dee Mah has crafted a work of art that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, and “Paper Wealth” is sure to be remembered as one of the year’s most important and compelling releases.