Temple Rat is the alias of Yuxin Mei, a composer, Erhu player, and DJ from China, currently
based in Berlin. Her work seamlessly merges traditional folk instruments with contemporary
electronic music production, skillfully incorporating self-built sound design tools and field
recordings to craft her unique sonic identity.
Her music exists at the intersection of IDM and ambient genres, enriched with Eastern
influences and deep, powerful rhythms. Her performances, which include live acts and DJ
sets, are often centered around extensive field recordings and emotionally charged
storytelling.
In her artistic practice, Mei explores the dynamic interplay between space, environment,
and sound through installations and live performances. She employs creative techniques
such as deep listening, field recordings, and spatial sound design to shape her works. Mei
also hosts a monthly podcast, Ni Chi Le Mei, on Baihui Radio China, where she spotlights
global music. She has performed at iconic venues like Berghain, Art Biesenthal, Zenner, and
Boiler Room Shanghai, among others. Mei focuses on sound design and interactive
installations and organizes events under the collectives “Er Ting Ba Fang” (耳聽八方) and
“Jia La”, promoting cross-cultural interaction and musical collaboration.
Her recent projects include the physical release of The Compositions of Air on Siamese
Twins Records, which has garnered praise in record stores across Asia and Europe.
Additionally, her track The Garden of Earthly Delights was featured on the VA Kāthā
Remixes album, remixed by UK IDM pioneer Higher Intelligence Agency.