Third in our series of short interviews with some
of the magic acts listed in the March 5th
Canada's Got Talent media release is Bao Hoang!
You may already know that Bao:
- has over 21k followers on Instagram, 170k on TikTok, and 170k on YouTube,
- was named "Creator on the Rise" by YouTube Canada, and
- is the founder of the BaoBao Restaurant Playing Cards brand.
We're delighted that Bao made time to answer our questions!
Who inspires you that is not a magician?
Eric Decker, aka Airrack, is another inspiration from the YouTube space (yes, I get inspired a lot by YouTubers). I saw Eric grow from a small channel to reach his goal of getting 1 million YouTube subscribers within only a year. His determination to reach his goals, whacky, out-of-the-box ideas, and skill in keeping viewers hooked have deeply influenced my approach to video making and magic. His influence significantly shaped how I designed my act for "Canada's Got Talent." It was crucial for me to ensure that the act wasn't just impressive in its magic but also tailored for success on YouTube. I aimed to create moments within the act that could be captured in a captivating thumbnail and crafted a premise that was clear and engaging, with the potential to go viral. Airrack’s blend of entertainment, storytelling, and audience engagement has reshaped how I view content creation and performance, teaching me the importance of creativity, perseverance, and strategic presentation in achieving success.
Eric Decker, aka Airrack, is another inspiration from the YouTube space (yes, I get inspired a lot by YouTubers). I saw Eric grow from a small channel to reach his goal of getting 1 million YouTube subscribers within only a year. His determination to reach his goals, whacky, out-of-the-box ideas, and skill in keeping viewers hooked have deeply influenced my approach to video making and magic. His influence significantly shaped how I designed my act for "Canada's Got Talent." It was crucial for me to ensure that the act wasn't just impressive in its magic but also tailored for success on YouTube. I aimed to create moments within the act that could be captured in a captivating thumbnail and crafted a premise that was clear and engaging, with the potential to go viral. Airrack’s blend of entertainment, storytelling, and audience engagement has reshaped how I view content creation and performance, teaching me the importance of creativity, perseverance, and strategic presentation in achieving success.
What is your first memory of magic?
I was 4 years old when my classmate’s father performed a magic show for my kindergarten group. I remember him making a toy dinosaur appear from an empty box, then making candies appear from that same box.
Who from the magic community inspires you?
As a YouTuber myself, Chris Ramsay has been an enormous inspiration. He makes magic and puzzle-solving videos that go insanely viral on YouTube all the time. Even Tom Holland watches his videos. Chris has inspired me because he showed me that it was possible to make a living performing magic on the internet. If I hadn’t started making YouTube videos and seeing the positive feedback from my online community, I’m not sure when I would have found the confidence to leave my day job and make a career out of magic.
Was there anyone or anything instrumental to you becoming a magician?
During my teenage years, my mom would drive me every Saturday to visit the Spectram magic shop in Montreal (which unfortunately had to close down because of the pandemic). But the real magic happened downstairs in their basement where they had this magic school, MagieStrale. That’s where I met Yannick Lacroix, my magic teacher. He was the one who taught me all the fundamentals of magic and it was his guidance that steered me into exploring coin magic, which can be technically very difficult. He told me that mastery in coin magic could enhance my proficiency in all other magic manipulation techniques... and he was right!
📸 : CGT
Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting
magic?
I never completely dropped magic, but there was a time when it sort of took a backseat. That happened when I dove headfirst into my "real job" in marketing, thinking that was going to be my lifelong career. But, you know, I think it's totally fine to wander off, try out different hobbies, and pick up new skills. Then, you bring all that experience and inspiration back into your magic. I’m a firm believer that to really grow as an artist, you need to soak up life beyond the magic scene.
I never completely dropped magic, but there was a time when it sort of took a backseat. That happened when I dove headfirst into my "real job" in marketing, thinking that was going to be my lifelong career. But, you know, I think it's totally fine to wander off, try out different hobbies, and pick up new skills. Then, you bring all that experience and inspiration back into your magic. I’m a firm believer that to really grow as an artist, you need to soak up life beyond the magic scene.
Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share
with our readers?
It’s not really a ritual, but I always stay hydrated and do finger-stretching exercises before performing them. I also have to make sure to eat ahead of time because I have absolutely zero appetite within hours leading up to the performance!
I just quit my day job in marketing to go all-in and pursue magic. Canada’s Got Talent is an opportunity to prove myself that I made the right decision. While it’s scary, you only grow if you step out of your comfort zone!
I’ve always been an introvert, and magic has played a big role in helping me get out of my comfort zone.I hope that my journey can inspire introverts to put themselves out there and take risks. It won’t be easy, but it’s 1000% worth it!
Thank you Bao, for making the time to answer our questions!
Break a leg on CGT!
Learn more about Bao at his website BaoMagic.com and follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
