How it all began...
ABOUT KIKI
Kiki Wong, born on April 15, 1989, is an American guitarist renowned for her dynamic presence in the rock and metal music scenes. She began her musical journey at the age of six with classical piano lessons and transitioned to guitar at thirteen, inspired by her father’s musical background. Entirely self-taught, Wong honed her skills through online resources during the pre-YouTube era.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in Biological Science/Pre-Medicine from the University of California, Irvine, Wong chose to pursue music full-time. She became the guitarist and later the lead vocalist for the all-Asian-American girl band Nylon Pink, blending metal and electronic elements with K-pop influences. Her versatility led to performances with prominent artists such as Taylor Swift at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards and Usher at CBS’s Fashion Rocks in the same year. She also featured alongside Bret Michaels in a Nissan commercial.
Wong’s innovative guitar covers and engaging content have garnered her a substantial following on social media platforms, including over 1.3 million followers on TikTok. Her journey reflects a blend of musical prowess, adaptability, and a commitment to breaking barriers within the industry.
In 2015, Wong joined She Demons, an all-female punk band formed by Jerry Only of the Misfits, serving as their lead guitarist during international tours. She later collaborated with bassist Alicia Vigil in the Los Angeles-based rock band Vigil of War.
Beyond performing, Wong co-founded a travel blog with Kaila Yu, her former bandmate from Nylon Pink. Their platform gained significant traction, amassing over 100,000 monthly views within six months. Together, they co-authored the best-selling book “30-Day Travel Challenge: How to Make Your Travel Dreams a Reality” and have been featured as travel experts on networks including KTLA, CBS, NBC, and Fox News.
In 2024, Wong was selected from over 10,000 applicants to join The Smashing Pumpkins as their touring guitarist, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. Frontman Billy Corgan expressed his admiration, stating, “I was a fan of Kiki’s before she submitted her name to be considered – and it’s great that someone of her acumen will be part of our touring family.”