The 2020s are proving to be a decade of genre-bending, and Canadian pop artist PENG PENG is far from avoiding the trend. However, while many artists stick to the world of music for inspiration, PENG has something different to offer. Before she found her place as a TikTok music sensation, PENG achieved star status as an Olympic gymnast for the Canadian national team! While an ACL injury prevented her from competing in the 2012 London Olympics, her Olympian work ethic and incredible gymnast skills are a feature of her music and performances. These influences make PENG a pop powerhouse and a role model in chasing all of your dreams—even if they take you in different directions.
Showstopper Magazine Online: What made you decide to move from gymnastics to music?
PENG PENG: I’ve always had a love for music, so the switch was a no-brainer. My first love ever since I was little was always singing. I used to try and create songs out of gymnastics floor music when I was younger and was always interested in songwriting. I knew right after I retired from gymnastics, I wanted to pursue music; I just didn’t know how. I didn’t know anyone in that space, so I really felt like I was diving into the deep end with no flotations.
SMO: It seems like you still incorporate plenty of athletics into your live performances and music videos. How does gymnastics influence your performance style?
PENG: Gymnastics has definitely influenced my creativity when it comes to choreography and movement. I like to push the limits and try different things, and since I have that background, it’s fun to experiment. I will say, though, that performing is a lot more fun than competing. I felt so much pressure to compete, whereas performing live has been so freeing.
SMO: As a career gymnast, you achieved incredible feats and even qualified for the Olympics as part of the Canadian national team. How does going after a career in music compare?
PENG: I feel like I incorporate my discipline and drive from gymnastics into my music career. I take a lot of my athlete mentality and apply it to my music. Whether that is resting, strengthening my voice, doing vocal rehab, etc. Also, when I’m in the studio, I definitely feel like I apply a lot of positive thinking when I get frustrated. I learned a lot of tools in gymnastics to overcome obstacles that I feel like I constantly use in the studio today. I try not to compare and get too hard on myself because that biggest pressure for me comes from within. I just want to do a good job, but it’s a lot different with music because if I’m happy with the song, learning something new, or vocally getting a little better, I should be proud. As my coach said, if we get 1% better every day, that’s a win!
SMO: What has been the most surprising thing about your career pivot?
PENG: The biggest surprise has been how hard it can be to always be your own biggest supporter. By that, I mean I feel like, in music, you have to be 100% confident in what you are doing and believe in yourself before anyone. Sometimes, people won’t believe in you, and it feels transactional because you’re working with them. In gymnastics and in sports, it felt more like a team because, for a longer period, you are on a team together. Also, I think it is normal to have mentors (aka coaches) in sports, whereas in music, you definitely can have mentors, but it’s a lot different than a coach taking you under your wing and fully believing in your ability.
SMO: What do you think defines you as a musician?
PENG: My ability to connect in person and my love of performance defines me as a musician. I find that when I’m in the studio I can see how it would be performed on stage. Whenever I’m in the studio singing, I’m always moving while I sing. I like to share a different emotional side, a more inspirational side to my music, and I think that comes from my athletic background.
SMO: You’ve shared on social media that while people might expect you to be upset about no longer competing in gymnastics, you’re actually living your dream as a recording artist. Can you tell us more about those expectations and your own feelings?
PENG: Ever since I was younger, I have been taught to live in the moment. I’ve had some pretty devastating injuries that kept me from living my gymnastics passions; however, I’ve learned not to dwell on the past. Ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamt of being on stage singing. I never got to compete at the Olympics, nor did I initially even know what the Olympics were. I remember when I was 10 years old, my coaches almost made it feel like an amazing and shiny thing that I could accomplish, and I felt like it was an instilled dream of mine. Deep down, I always wanted to do entertainment, but I had so much fun in gymnastics. I always knew once I retired, I wanted to go into singing and acting. When we shot my music video, “Pretty Please,” I was over the moon and felt like all along that was my true “Olympic Dream.” I felt like that was the feeling people had competing at the Olympics and just living a dream come true.
SMO: You debuted your first single last month. How does it feel to be officially sharing your music with your fans?
PENG: Honestly, it feels terrifying and exciting at the same time. It’s so scary to have that big of a switch up and not have all the negative thoughts flow through my head. But I also know they have been so supportive of me in this new journey! I’m so excited to continue to share music and be able to connect with my fans in a whole different way!
SMO: What inspired “Pretty Please”?
PENG: “Pretty Please” was inspired by my younger self. I was a huge people pleaser when I was younger and would get bullied around. I had no idea how to stand up for myself. I would come home crying and I remember my dad trying to give me pre-made comeback lines so I could say something instead of standing there defenseless. I love music because sometimes these aren’t necessarily things I would actually say but the feelings I would want, almost like an alter-ego. I do feel more confident now that I’m older and able to take on confrontations or other things life throws at me with a different attitude. Instead of shying away, I approach it head-on and welcome challenges.
SMO: You also performed “Pretty Please” live at Vidcon ahead of the release. What was that moment like?
PENG: I don’t think I stopped smiling all day. It was my birthday that day as well, and all my friends were dancing with me! My boyfriend was on stage with me as a dancer, and it was such a special moment to perform it live. My aunt had passed away before that performance, and she loved music. I felt like she was with me on stage, and I dedicated that performance to her. I knew she would be up in the crowd, cheering me on. The whole time I was on stage, I felt like the little girl in me was screaming, being able to do that. And hearing the fans say that they loved it made my heart melt so much. It honestly was such a dream come true.
SMO: What would be a “gold medal moment” for you as a singer?
PENG: A Grammy and a world tour. Period.
SMO: Is there anything else you want people to know about you or your work?
PENG: I want to inspire people with my music and make them feel confident. Life is hard, and I hope I can uplift people and make them smile, even for 2 minutes and 16 seconds.
Recently, Peng co-hosted and danced in the Gold Over America Tour. The 32-show pop-concert-style spectacle featured female and male Olympic gymansts including Simone Biles. After the tour, Peng returned to release her new single “Money on Me (Gold Over America Tour Mix).” Two singles down, more GOAT-worthy moments on the way.
