Mengge “Mango” Bao's transition from engineering to music is a testament to talent, passion, and perseverance. From his early performances in China to his transformative education at Berklee College of Music and his professional achievements at Bleeding Fingers Music, Mango’s career exemplifies the relentless pursuit of one's true calling.
Raised in China, Mango Bao was initially steered towards a conventional career path such as medicine or law. However, his musical talent and passion were apparent from a young age. Despite societal and academic expectations, Mango's performances at local venues and school events showcased his musical prowess, convincing both him and his family of the viability of a career in music.
While pursuing a degree in Automation at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Mango founded the "Ideal Youth" recording studio. This venture was a bold testament to his commitment to music. Mango and his team, the "Crasher Group," transformed a neglected space into a dynamic hub of creativity, producing an album and organizing a concert for the university’s 60th anniversary. These achievements redefined his career possibilities. As graduation approached, Mango realized that a traditional engineering career was not for him. His passion for music, nurtured through countless nights with Logic Pro and Cubase, led him to pursue full-time music studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.
At Berklee, Mango majored in Contemporary Writing and Production and Film Scoring. This rigorous education solidified his passion and equipped him with the skills necessary for a successful professional career.
Following his graduation from Berklee, Mango joined Bleeding Fingers Music in Santa Monica. This renowned studio, known for its high-pressure environment, provided Mango with a dream opportunity. Working on iconic projects like "The Simpsons," Mango contributed to musical scores and thrived under tight deadlines, honing his skills and deepening his understanding of large-scale music composition, arrangement, and production.
In addition to his work at Bleeding Fingers Music, Mango took on the role of instructor at Donner Music in Boston, where he taught pop song production. This position allowed him to combine his love for music with his passion for education, inspiring aspiring musicians to harness their creativity through innovative production and composition techniques.
Mango’s diverse portfolio reflects his versatility and expertise in music. Notable projects include:
"All Those Years": As the lead orchestrator, Mango collaborated with the International Chief Philharmonic Orchestra in Beijing to create an evocative score that beautifully complemented the film's narrative.
Honda Inspire 2024 Commercial: Collaborating with Xiyue Diana Lizhao, Mango composed and arranged the theme song, capturing Honda’s spirit of innovation and reliability.
"Remember The Time": As a co-composer, Mango infused the documentary with nostalgic elements reminiscent of 80s and 90s Chinese pop songs, resonating deeply with the audience.
"Johny Keep Walking": As a musician and mixing engineer for this major box-office success, Mango balanced vocals and instrumentals to enhance the comedic tone of the film's theme song.
Each project showcased Mango's technical prowess and his ability to adapt his creative process to different media, whether it be feature films, commercials, or documentaries.
Mango Bao continues to expand his horizons with exciting new projects. He is currently composing music for three reality TV shows set to air on Hulu, each requiring unique musical styles. Additionally, he is orchestrating an album for a metal band, allowing him to explore a different genre and contribute to creating something truly special.
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