Ginger Beef is the sizzling new instrumental pop project from husband-and-wife duo Jiajia Li — a virtuosic flutist — and Warren Tse (aka MSG), a seasoned producer and multi-instrumentalist. Together, they cook up a bold blend of dazzling musicianship, irresistible hooks, and deep, danceable grooves. Li’s mastery of both Chinese and Western flutes meets MSG’s lush synths, keys, and guitar work, backed by some of Calgary’s finest R&B and jazz musicians from the city’s vibrant Gospel scene.
Their self-released debut album (October 2023) made an explosive impact, reaching #1 on campus radio charts (CJSW, CFRU, CJRU) and earning a JUNO Award nomination, along with three YYC Music Award nods. Known for their electrifying live shows — from Sled Island and JazzYYC’s International Jazz Days Festival to the Calgary Folk Music Festival and performances at major sports events — Ginger Beef has quickly become one of Calgary’s most exciting musical exports.
Name:
Ginger Beef
Genre:
Instrumental Pop
Founded:
2021
# of Albums:
1
Latest Album:
Ginger Beef
Latest Single:
Takeout
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Jiajia: Bach, Sheena Ringo, Faye Wong
MSG: Weird Al Yankovic (seriously). He inspired me as a kid to record my own slavishly accurate versions of my favourite songs. He also somehow turned MacArthur Park into a much better song
Favourite musician now:
MSG: Jacob Mann – Jazz that’s both catchy and hilarious.
Guilty pleasure song:
Jiajia: Mitski – Francis Forever
MSG: ‘Waiting For a Star to Fall’ by Boy Meets Girl (Bonus fact: The couple who wrote this song previously wrote I Wanna Dance With Somebody for Whitney Houston. They pitched this one to her, and she passed on it.)
Live show ritual:
Jiajia: Pick the outfit the day before and go to bed early; Try to make the show day more chill; Not to eat too much; drink more water
MSG: My pre-show ritual is hauling way too much gear and somehow not leaving nearly enough time for a proper sound check.
Favourite local musician:
Jiajia: Nate Waters
MSG: Chris Maric – He’s a scary good musician and the mastermind behind the One Big Jam events. It’s a big jam featuring a phenomenally diverse community (instrumentalists, singers, rappers…). He calls it “curated chaos,” and seeing Chris leading these jams like the Sorcerer’s Apprentice managing enchanted mops is awesome and inspiring, and it’s amazing that such a thing exists in Calgary.
EP or LP?
LP – MOAR SONGS
Early bird or night owl?
Jiajia: Definitely NOT early bird. Started night owl but transitioning to not so late owl. Not an early bird yet!
MSG: Whenever I read about the habits of successful people, they’re all these freaks who get up at 4:30 am to work out and read their e-mails before even starting their day. Well, if I ever become successful, I will make a point in my own autobiography to attribute it all to going to bed after 2 am and getting up sometime before noon.
Road or studio?
Jiajia: I’ll have to let you know later! (We’re heading out on our first tour now! Exciting!)
MSG: Studio. I enjoy the energy of playing live, but I have worked from the shadows for most of my career.
Any shows or albums coming up?
Visit our website for more info!
Where can we follow you?
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Jiajia: Ryuko
MSG: Pho Hoai in that gnarly old mall in Chinatown. Dangerously savoury broth.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Jiajia: Chinatown. It’s full of bubble tea!
MSG: 67 St. NE
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Sue Higgins. It’s full of dogs!
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Loophole! Love the size of the room. Love the coffee there. Love Jack!
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Jiajia: Sloth! But you can also support musicians by buying their music on Bandcamp Fridays!
MSG: Long & McQuade.
