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Billboard China

Billboard China has officially announced the inaugural Billboard Global No. 1s selection for the China region. In a collaboration with TME Chart — part of Tencent Music Entertainment Group — Billboard China has analyzed the annual performance data from TME Chart, which encompasses the UNI Chart and Wave Chart, to curate a shortlist of 50 […]

On Thursday (Oct. 17), Tencent Music Entertainment Group announced a strategic partnership with Galaxy Corporation, the agency representing the influential global musician G-Dragon, for his upcoming regional tour.
The collaboration marks a significant step forward in TME’s ambitions to expand its global presence and further solidify its position in the international music scene. As part of this agreement, TME will act as the proprietary tour partner for G-Dragon’s concerts across various markets, including most of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, TC Pan, group vice president of Tencent Music Entertainment, highlighted the importance of this partnership. “Collaborating with a renowned global musician like G-Dragon aligns perfectly with TME’s vision of connecting international audiences with exceptional music experiences. This partnership not only strengthens our presence in the global market, but also underscores our commitment to empowering music partners and artists to reach their full potential on the world stage.”

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Yongho Choi, CEO of Galaxy Corporation, also shared his enthusiasm. “We are delighted to partner with Tencent Music Entertainment, a global entertainment-tech company listed on NYSE and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Building on this strategic partnership, we plan to integrate AI, AR, mixed reality, and robotics into entertainment to create a new kind of concert experience for global audiences.”

TME has been making efforts to broaden its international footprint through a range of initiatives like its Global Music Outreach program, which seeks to showcase Chinese music artists on international platforms and facilitate cross-border collaborations. It also operates the JOOX streaming service in Southeast Asia.

With this strategic partnership, TME aims to elevate G-Dragon’s overseas tour experience by expanding its reach and providing fans with new opportunities to connect with his music and brand, while reinforcing TME’s growing influence in the global music industry.

The 2024 Tencent Music Entertainment Awards (TMEA) were staged at the Galaxy Arena in Macau, China, from July 19 to 21.
Themed “High Five. Music Drive” and organized by Tencent Music Entertainment Group, the TMEA showcased a three-day music extravaganza, featuring a stellar lineup of international top artists and more than 100 performances, alongside a two-day indoor music festival and music ceremony.

The titles of Best Male Singer of the Year and Best Female Singer of the Year were awarded to Zhou Shen and Zhang Liangying, respectively, while Xue Zhiqian received recognition for Best Concert of the Year.

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Zhou Shen

Courtesy of TME

Wang Yuan was honored as the Most Influential Male Singer in the Chinese Mainland, while Yuan Yawei (TIA RAY) was awarded the title of Most Influential Female Singer in the Chinese Mainland. Additionally, the Most Influential Male and Female Singers from Hong Kong and Taiwan were awarded to Eason Chan and G.E.M., while the honors for Most Influential Singer-Songwriter and Most Influential Mandarin Group went to Jay Chou and Mayday, respectively.

The evening also featured the announcement of the Best of the Year awards: the titles of Best Male and Female Singers in the Chinese Mainland were awarded to Xue Zhiqian and Shan Yichun, while the Best Male and Female Singers from Hong Kong and Taiwan were given to Wilber Pan and Angela Zhang.

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Shan Yichun

Courtesy of TME

International artists were also in the spotlight, with Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift awarded Best International Male Artist and Most Influential International Artist of the Year, respectively.

The TMEA Music Ceremony brought together a lineup of iconic Chinese-language singers. Wang Yuan, Wilber Pan, Zhang Liangying, Tia Ray and Zhou Shen all performed, showcasing their hit songs and diverse musical styles.

Tia Ray

Courtesy of TME

In addition to established artists, the TMEA also highlighted many emerging stars in the Chinese music scene.

As a world-class choreographer, RIKIMARU served as the dance director for the 2024 TMEA and debuted his new song “Can’t Get Enough.” A representative of Chinese electronic music, who was the only Mandarin artist to perform on prestigious international electronic music festival stages such as Tomorrowland, Ultra, ADE and EDC, CORSAK delivered an electrifying DJ SHOW at the gala.

Established in 2019, the Tencent Music Entertainment Awards is an annual music awards ceremony that has captivated millions of music enthusiasts.

TMEA

Courtesy of TME

On June 13, the Chinese video platform Bilibili officially launched the “New Generation Musicians Program – Original Season.” This program features a large-scale music creation and musician selection contest for singer/songwriters. It will also provide a 5 million RMB (renminbi) fund, along with diverse exposure opportunities for participants. The initiative aims to empower musicians to […]

On the eve of their Billboard China cover interview, the Sir Deer team decided to hold three impromptu campus performances in Henan province. Bei Bei, the lead vocalist of Sir Deer, described these fleeting moments at the campus concerts as always thrilling to him. In the past two years, Sir Deer has toured nearly 20 campuses.

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In Bei Bei’s view, every minor incident holds the potential to alter one’s life trajectory. The experiences of participating in the music club and organizing performances during their university days set the wheels of fate in motion, sowing the seeds that would eventually flourish into the band’s formation. On this campus tour, Sir Deer also encountered many young individuals who shared their passion for music, just as they had in the past. Bei Bei believes this performance will plant a seed of inspiration in these students’ hearts as well.

Akin to their performances in theaters and live houses, Sir Deer’s campus concerts employ a full-scale touring production. For many students, this concert may not only mark their first live performance, but also their inaugural encounter with Sir Deer live. “The pressure of performing on campus is truly immense, as it could impact a student’s life. So we also feel a burgeoning sense of responsibility within.”

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Bei Bei hopes that Sir Deer’s campus tour can present students with “another possibility”: “The college entrance exam is like a mountain, and postgraduate studies are exceedingly difficult… but what vistas await on the other side of that peak? Let music become a process to help everyone resolve their troubles. Perhaps the anxieties they currently grapple with will gradually dissipate after a night’s performance. At least in the realm of music, we wish to reveal to students the greater potentialities of life.”

Transcending Adversity, Uncovering the Self

Over the past tumultuous two years of the pandemic, not only Sir Deer, but all of humanity has endured trying times. In Bei Bei’s perspective, this arduous period represented a form of “spiritual cultivation” unfolding both internally and externally.

At the year’s outset, bassist Li Si penned a heartfelt message on Weibo: “During this stage where both our bodies and souls require restoration, we must all march forth hand-in-hand.” For Li Si, the “team spirit” of Sir Deer is the most paramount facet in his life: “These bonds of friendship have aided me in traversing an enormously difficult time and have imbued me with the impetus to progress and look ahead.”

Sir Deer’s rhythm guitarist Yang Songlin is a quintessential “science and engineering type.” Within this ensemble, where artistic and emotional sensibilities form the principal creative axis, Yang candidly admits that his rationality serves as a tool to safeguard everyone’s childlike spirit: “I comprehend my role in the team is to ensure the stability of the rhythm.”

In the digital era, a band can no longer simply perform songs, they must also actively explore social media attempts. As Sir Deer’s lead guitarist, Dong Bin has contributed countless “firsts” for the band. Dong Bin’s primary vocation is architectural design. “I brim with excitement before the performances, and when I revert to my work post, my heart settles. I cannot control the duration of my life, but I can seize the breadth of my life.”

Keyboardist Bing Bing completed the female vocal overdubbing for a new Sir Deer composition alongside her mother, which she deems a career highlight. “Being able to collaborate with my closest family member to imbue emotion into the band’s work, this emotional connection within the musical context is an unforgettable lifetime experience.”

After drummer PP’s maternity leave this year, several different drummers have successively joined Sir Deer’s roster of guest musicians. As for Sir Deer’s in-depth cooperation with Tencent Music Entertainment Group, it has imbued each band member with a renewed creative drive. These new partnership ventures have imbued Sir Deer’s future with an abundance of novel, undiscovered possibilities.

Sir Deer on Billboard China cover

Sanke Ren/Billboard China

The Tides of Time Flow Onward, Embracing a “Wilder” 10th Anniversary

The sands of time are ever-shifting, and Sir Deer’s evolution has mirrored this restless progression. Mastering the art of embracing change is a lesson Bei Bei has imparted to himself and the band: “The crux is that when you make certain decisions, you must also accept the other facets that come with it. If you possess the courage to transform, there will be no issues.”

Founded on Aug. 31, 2015, Sir Deer will soon commemorate its 10th anniversary next year. Traversing these 10 years, there have been myriad triumphs and tribulations. How will the bandmembers celebrate Sir Deer’s decadelong journey? Dong Bin states there will undoubtedly be a commemorative performance: “I hope this retrospective concert can present our evolution and some reflections, providing a proper account for the 10th anniversary.”

This 10-year milestone will render Li Si unable to resist reminiscing about the year Sir Deer was first formed, in 2015. At that time, all the members convened at Bing Bing’s residence for a meeting, discussing the title of their inaugural song, the overarching creative direction, recording plans, rehearsal schedules. In Li Si’s recollection, they have held countless such work sessions over the past 10 years, but in each one, everyone participated earnestly and diligently, never absent.

Regarding this year’s plans, Bei Bei shared that they intend to release a collection that is “a bit wilder” than the original Sir Deer: “We still harbor many unrealized artistic ambitions, hoping to soar even faster and higher. Participating in the 31st College Student Film Festival made me cognizant of the importance of visual elements for music. I feel immensely honored that these 10 years with everyone have not been in vain, and I hope the next decade of Sir Deer can be even wilder.”

Sir Deer on Billboard China cover

Sanke Ren/Billboard China

–This article was written by Jifan Wang for Billboard China

On May 16, Chinese singer Tia Ray announced her 2024 concert tour, featuring an innovative blend of creative projections and large-scale set installations, promising an immersive experience for the audience.
The first concert will take place on July 6 at the Universiade Center in Shenzhen. Additional dates and locations for the tour will be released gradually.

Also on May 16, Tia was nominated for best Mandarin female singer at the 35th Golden Melody Awards for her latest solo album ALLURE, released last year. This is Tia’s second time being nominated for this award. The album also earned her nominations in five categories at the 2nd Wave Music Awards, including best female singer and best pop album, as well as a nomination for best female singer at the 17th Fresh Music Awards in Singapore.

In March, Tia Ray was honored with the Global Force Award at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music event, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the music industry. She is also set to release a full English album this year, collaborating with international musicians.

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The talented Chinese singer/songwriter, renowned for her captivating vocals and heartfelt lyrics, has released six albums since her debut in 2012, including T.I.A., Once upon a Moon and ALLURE, in addition to contributing to numerous film and TV soundtracks.

In 2017, Ray’s “Be Apart,” the theme song for the popular movie The Ex-file: The Return of the Exes, sold 10.9 million copies and ranked seventh in the IFPI global top 10 singles chart, and has more than 1.8 billion views online to date. In 2018, she won the most popular female singer award at the 26th Chinese Top 10 Music Awards for her album TIARA and was entitled honorary Berklee ambassador to China. In 2019, she released her third album 1212 and won the most popular female singer award again at the 27th Chinese Top 10 Music Awards.

In 2021, Tia participated in the performance of the theme song “Together for a Shared Future” for the Beijing Winter Olympics with other singers. In the same year, she released her fourth album Once Upon a Moon. For the album, she was nominated for the best Mandarin female singer award and won best vocal album recording at the 33rd Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan.

In 2022, Tia Ray won best female singer at the 15th Singapore Fresh Music Awards and Weibo annual outstanding singer.

Tia Ray participated in the KBS Asia Song Festival in South Korea in 2023 as the only singer from the Chinese mainland, stunning the audience overseas with her distinctive vocal. Tia Ray also won several awards that year, including year’s quality singer at the Tencent Music Entertainment Awards, thirty-year quality singer at the Chinese Top 10 Music Awards, and Weibo annual outstanding singer organized by weibo.com.

Tia Ray’s upcoming concert tour is set to redefine the concert experience, setting new standards in terms of visual and auditory delight. Her passion for music shines through her performances, creating an enchanting atmosphere that mesmerizes all who attend her concerts. With this new concert tour, Tia Ray continues to push boundaries and showcase her artistry on a grand scale, leaving a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of experiencing her live performances.

On June 12, 1998, Jeff Chang captivated audiences with his inaugural major concert on the Chinese mainland at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium, appropriately titled “Dream Comes True.” Little could he have foreseen that 26 years later, in 2024, he would triumphantly bring the “Continuum” ultimate edition to a crowd of 80,000 at the Shanghai Stadium.
The recent April showcase in Shanghai marked the debut of the “Continuum” ultimate edition. Despite the acclaim garnered by the six-year “Continuum” tour, transitioning from versions 1.0 to 2.0 and now the ultimate edition, Jeff Chang confesses to occasionally experiencing a vague, inexplicable “sense of powerlessness.” “Last year’s tour was a resounding success, yet some critics implied that our performance might not suit our generation of singers.”

Some view classic concepts as relics of the past, valuable only for evoking nostalgia. This perspective was one of the driving forces behind Jeff Chang’s decision to embark on the “Continuum” concerts: “I aim to guide audiences towards a more mature appreciation of music, challenging established perceptions along the way.”

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Physically, the Shanghai Stadium is a mere 100 meters from the Shanghai Indoor Stadium. Yet, for Jeff Chang, this distance represents a 26-year odyssey. Reflecting on this journey at the “Continuum,” Jeff Chang remarked, “I’ve traversed this 100-meter distance over 26 years!” This metaphor succinctly encapsulates his unwavering dedication to music, with music serving as the cornerstone of his endeavors over his 35-year career.

Embarking on the Future Together with the Audience

Kicking off the “Continuum” ultimate edition concert is Jeff Chang’s 2000 smash hit “Faith.” His unwavering passion for music embodies a spirit of “warm and courageous” faith. Perhaps it is this steadfast belief in music that brings Jeff Chang and his fans together at the “Continuum” concerts, where they experience the soul-stirring power in Jeff Chang’s voice that resonates with the vitality of life itself.

“As a singer with a certain degree of seniority, my audience is already deeply familiar with my songs; we have grown and supported each other mutually,” Jeff Chang reflects. “I aspire for my musical journey and growth to keep pace with the progress of my fans, rather than remaining stagnant. The ‘Continuum’ concerts were conceived with the intention of demonstrating to fans that my music will not dwell solely in memories and nostalgia, but will embark a new future alongside everyone.”

“Each segment of the ‘Continuum’ concert has a message we wish to convey to the audience. We have carefully selected songs that hold significant meaning in my music career, even if they are not the most popular hits. In each of my albums, I aim to impart insights, concepts, and musical knowledge. Through the concert’s overall arrangement, I hope to convey the concept of ’embarking on the future together with the audience.’”

Ending One Chapter, Beginning Another

The term “ultimate” in Jeff Chang’s “Continuum” concert signifies that this six-year “Continuum” tour is finally approaching a perfect conclusion. “The ‘Continuum’ has been a prolonged journey, and it’s time for a stage-wise ending. There are other musical endeavors that are equally essential for me.”

The conclusion of one stage signifies the commencement of a new chapter. The “Continuum” ultimate edition serves as a gentle reminder from Jeff Chang, urging us to seize every opportunity to gather offline and experience the music before the final show arrives.

As the first Chinese singer to perform in Dubai, the Dubai stop of the “Continuum” ultimate edition in June holds significant importance for Jeff Chang. “We’re committed to making it happen in Dubai. Sometimes, overseas organizers prefer a simplified concert where the singer merely performs, and everything else is automated. But that’s not enough for me; I want to fully recreate the ‘Continuum’ experience in overseas shows.”

If he could dream big, where would Jeff Chang choose to host the final “Continuum” concert? Surprisingly, his answer is Easter Island, situated in the South Pacific: “It’s like the ‘navel of the world,’ equidistant from all continents. Holding a concert on Easter Island would truly be the ‘ultimate’ experience, like singing at the edge of the world for everyone to hear.”

Embrace the Future

After completing all the performances of the “Continuum” ultimate edition, Jeff Chang will focus on the creation of a new album. It has been three years since the release of his last album See the Light, and Jeff Chang, along with his devoted fans, eagerly anticipates the arrival of this new work. “Currently, the songs for the new album are nearly finalized, with around 80% of the track list already set.”

For him, the greatest challenge of this new album lies in the significantly increased proportion of “non-love songs.” “In the new album, I may relatively reduce the love songs and express more of my perspectives and sentiments regarding the world. I feel that my past classic love songs have already encompassed most of the emotional states. Therefore, I believe it is time to start singing about matters beyond love, using the album to convey broader ideas.”

Jeff Chang describes the new album as an adventurous state of “taking a step forward” out of his comfort zone. Compared to his previous love songs, the new album will be more critical, and a more quintessential expression of his Aries personality. “In the past, my love songs stood at the observational standpoint, simply singing the feelings of the protagonist. But this time, I will stand on a clearer ‘Jeff Chang’ perspective, to openly express my own attitude, and be more subjective.”

The backstage machinery of the “Continuum” concert is intricate, with over 20 lifts waiting for the performer to step onstage. Rising and falling on the lifts, it’s like facing the peaks and valleys of life – this is the norm for a singer. From the beginning to the present and into the future, Jeff Chang and the audience have always been there; the performance never stops.

Billboard China

–Written by Jifan Wang for Billboard China

Chinese star power took the stage by storm at Coachella.
During the 88rising Futures segment of this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 14, Chinese artists Jackson Wang and Liu Yuxin captivated the audience with their unique music and style.

Jackson Wang, dressed in black, surprised everyone by joining South Korean singer and rapper BIBI to debut an unreleased track titled “Feeling Lucky.” He also performed with the Japanese hip-hop trio Number_i, consisting of Yuta Jinguji, Yuta Kishi and Sho Hirano, showcasing their hit single “Goat.”

Bibi and Jackson Wang perform during the 88rising Futures showcase at the Mojave Tent during the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 14, 2024 in Indio, Calif.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Coachella

Adding to the lineup of 88rising Futures, Chinese singer Liu Yuxin, also known as Xin Liu, made her debut at this year’s Coachella festival. She delivered a 12-minute performance, including the live debut of her first all-English single “Reality.” Adorned in a glistening gold ensemble, Liu illuminated the Mojave stage with her dynamic vocals and passionate choreography. Her performance featured the enchanting Miao ethnic group style in “Hurricane,” combining Miao folk music with Chinese street dance, establishing her as the first Mandarin-speaking female singer to captivate the Coachella audience.

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Liu Yuxin

Courtesy of 88rising/Coachella

Jackson Wang’s performance at the 2024 Coachella festival solidified him as the first Chinese singer to perform three times at the prestigious event. In 2022, Wang made his debut at Coachella, as the first Chinese solo artist to take the stage at the festival. He also took a moment to remind the audience why it mattered that he was there: “This is the moment of history, this is Magic Man, this is Jackson Wang from China,” he said. During his set, the Chinese rapper sang “100 Ways” and “Blow” from his album Magic Man, as well as “Cruel.”

In 2023, Jackson Wang delivered an iconic 50-minute solo set at Coachella for the second consecutive year, showcasing songs from his album Magic Man. He awed music fans when he brought out Grammy-winning artist Ciara to perform their new single “Slow,” which was co-written by Wang himself. They also collaborated on a remix of XG’s “Left Right.”

Wang’s success extends to social media, with over 1 billion views on TikTok and 30 million Instagram followers. His album Magic Man in 2022 achieved significant success on the Billboard 200 chart, reaching an impressive No. 15. The same year, he embarked on his first world tour, performing in 24 cities across 12 countries, attracting fans and audiences worldwide and setting numerous records for Chinese singers performing internationally.

The Coachella festival is a prominent music event that takes place in the Coachella Valley of California. This festival annually features renowned singers and bands, setting trends in the global pop music scene. Being selected to perform at Coachella has emerged as a pivotal factor in assessing the power and impact of music idols. The growing presence of Chinese musicians on the Coachella stage offers music enthusiasts a taste of the rich and varied musical landscape from the Eastern part of the world.

When referencing the “Migration” tour that has endured for numerous years, in Chen Li’s memories, the prelude to each performance holds unforgettable moments. “I will stand behind two large screens awaiting the opening, and then I will witness red and green lights flashing before me. Despite the mere presence of cold iron frames surrounding the stage, for some inexplicable reason, being in that environment makes me feel remarkably familiar and secure.”
In ancient times, the entrances on both sides of the stage were known as the Tiger Gate. Once the performer steps through the Tiger Gate, regardless of what unfolds on or off the stage, The Show Must Go On. The flickering lights witnessed before the commencement of the concert evoke in Chen Li memories of “the first thing I saw when I was born.” Through the screen, she can even discern the cheers and encouragement from the front row audience, meters away. Every upcoming performance is like a newborn baby coming into the world, everything is like an unknown “migration.” Therefore, every time Chen Li steps through the Tiger Gate, the feeling is both nervous and brand new.

In relation to the “Migration” concert, Chen Li once expressed: “I hope those blue nights can provide enduring tenderness for us in the future.” She likes to use different colors to commemorate the emotions evoked in every moment, and the “Migration” associated with fish, naturally, is blue. As the various stages in the life cycle of fish progress, migration is the consequence of the fish’s adaptation to changes in the external environment. From 2019 to 2024, Chen Li has held 17 “Migration” tours. For her, “Migration” is not just a simple concert; it records the process of her growth as a singer.

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Unique Creation Styles to “Prevent Addiction”

One of Chen Li’s album was named “Fang Chen Mi,” which means “Prevent Addiction” in Chinese. In fact, this highly smooth conceptual record makes it very easy for listeners to become addicted to it. Rather than fostering an addiction to the online realm, the album aims to immerse its audience in the offline world. To promote this vision, Chen Li’s team organized a physical album photo event, encouraging recipients of the CD to unleash their creativity and share imaginative photos with one another.

The absence of an official introduction for “Fang Chen Mi” stands out in the Chinese music industry, where extensive album introductions are the norm. This departure may carry a deeper, more creative significance. Despite receiving over ten versions of album introductions, Chen Li still believes that the most fitting introduction for “Fang Chen Mi” is no introduction at all. “Just listen to the songs, there’s no need for anything fancy. If you like it, sing along a few lines. If everyone has similar experiences as those in the songs, feel free to interpret them.”

The promotion methods for “Fang Chen Mi” are also unconventional. In the current era of digital music, “Fang Chen Mi” instead chose to release the physical CD version first, with the online platform release following after a period of time (partly due to copyright reasons). If listeners want to hear the entire album as soon as possible, they must purchase the physical album, evoking a nostalgic sensation reminiscent of using a Discman to listen to music in the 1990s, and thus achieving a substantial physical sales volume.

This year, Chen Li will unveil her ninth album. The new project has already recorded three songs, with all lyrics penned by a good friend with whom she has never previously collaborated in music. Chen Li describes the lyrical style as “a bit more serious,” while the melodies continue to reflect her personal taste.

Chen Li on Billboard China

Yaxin Liu

Finding the Balance in Leisure

Currently, Chen Li lives in Hangzhou for the majority of time, occasionally returning to Beijing for brief stays. Unlike the bustling work environment in Beijing, in Hangzhou, Chen Li wholly embraces a “slowed down” way of life: “It is merely because the strolling environment in Hangzhou is somewhat superior. In Beijing, I have a group of old friends who care for each other like family. I simply desire to venture out independently, to a place with fewer friends, and seek tranquility, to ascertain if I can acclimate.”

On Chen Li’s Weibo account, her life in Hangzhou is vivid: the coffee shops she adores, the handicrafts she enjoys creating, the line drawings she loves to produce… Chen Li genuinely relishes this leisurely and refined lifestyle. “Many of my small hobbies can be fully realized in Hangzhou. The pace of life here is slower, and I have ample time and space to engage in numerous ‘unproductive’ activities, thus I live quite comfortably. You cannot contrive a specific life for the purpose of creation; life itself is the purpose.”

The simple sketches that appear in the physical album of “Prevent Addiction” are an authentic reflection of Chen Li’s life in Hangzhou: “Drawing is a ‘little corner’ that I particularly cherish. Drawing makes me lost in time, continuously observe and contemplate, including the precious lines and colors conjured from blank.”

“Every day, people have different desires, and I think the key is finding a balance. Sometimes you like this, sometimes like that, eat when hungry, take a nap when sleepy, get up and play when awake, these are all very simple truths.” Everything should just go with the flow. As long as one approaches life with a “playful” attitude, one can find their own balance.

–This article was written by Jifan Wang for Billboard China

Chen Li on Billboard China

Yaxin Liu

Liu Lian’s debut solo EP, Don’t Speak, Just Kiss, unveils her exploration of love through three self-penned and composed songs. Departing momentarily from the familiar jazz stylings of the band Mr. Miss, Liu Lian ventures into the realm of self-expression as a solo artist, unveiling a profound understanding of self-love through forays into new musical genres like dream pop.

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As a maiden voyage into solo artistry, Don’t Speak, Just Kiss encapsulates Liu Lian’s current authentic essence. Having become accustomed to the vocal intricacies and creative trajectory as the frontwoman of Mr. Miss, Liu Lian’s transition from the security of the band into the uncharted waters of her solo career has been a transformative journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

Symbolized by the “Love Airline” motif in Don’t Speak, Just Kiss, she encourages listeners to embark on a proactive journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment. The EP cover’s re-creation of the iconic “victory kiss” scene within an airplane cabin symbolizes the transformative power of decisive action over passive waiting.

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In Liu Lian’s vision, each seat within the cabin represents a microcosm of life’s diverse experiences. From solitary travelers finding solace to lovers entwined in intimate whispers, each vignette reflects facets of human existence. Notably, the blurred figure embraced by Liu Lian on the EP cover hints at a symbolic embrace of her own multifaceted identity within this tableau.

Lian Liu for Billboard China

Yaxin Liu

Love Others, Speak Less, Kiss More

In the EP’s standout title track, Liu Lian beautifully captures the essence of love and longing: using our bodies to embrace, kiss and love passionately. Embracing the idea that love may not last forever, why not enjoy the present, live fully, speak less, and kiss deeply – this is what life is about. In Liu Lian’s touching lyrics: “The most profound expression of humanity is found in kissing.”

In China, talking about desires can be uncomfortable. Some fans hesitated to share a song titled “Don’t Speak, Just Kiss” on social media. The reactions not only surprised Liu Lian, but also highlighted the EP’s importance. It helps people overcome their inhibitions from a new perspective. Liu Lian said, “It’s a great achievement. There’s no shame in desires; love is what matters most.”

In Chinese, the word “we” sounds the best. Love is about moving from “I” to “we,” from being alone to being together. Liu Lian believes that to love others, you must first love yourself. Courage isn’t always needed to love. When you truly care for someone, courage comes naturally when showing that love. If you struggle with courage, it might be because you don’t love yourself enough or feel unworthy, which can make it hard to give or accept the love you deserve.

The upcoming romantic movie You Whom I Lost, set to premiere in March, will feature Liu Lian in her big-screen debut as the female lead’s best friend. Having released an EP centered around love and starring in a romantic film, Liu Lian, acclaimed as an intellectual in love relationships, reflects on the word “love” feeling somewhat distant from her: ” It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve thought about love. I admire people who do crazy things for love; they seem really happy. Love can make you feel obsessed and act impulsively, unlike how you normally would. But it seems like I can’t act like that anymore.”

Lian Liu for Billboard China

Yaxin Liu

Loving Music Takes Action

Since 2017, on each anniversary of her birth, Liu Lian has unveiled a solitary opus that leans more toward personal introspection. Don’t Speak, Just Kiss signifies Liu Lian’s inaugural venture into complete artistic autonomy as a soloist.

“When I start creating music on my own, some traces of the group’s style may still be present,” Liu Lian says of her time in Mr. Miss. “While working alone, I focus on crafting melodies with precision, similar to performing surgery. My creative process is not just about reflecting on myself; it also involves exploring imagination and fiction to express my thoughts and observations from that time.”

Transitioning from nostalgic ’90s vibes to contemporary atmospheres prevalent in today’s musical landscape, when discussing the trajectory of her forthcoming debut full-length album, Liu Lian candidly concedes that she is still in the process of exploration: “Truthfully, I am most intrigued to discern the musical path preferred by my audience after this EP. I aspire for the album’s thematic essence to be more defined than that of the EP. This year, my aim is to compose and release additional compositions to delineate a distinctive musical signature for ‘Liu Lian.’”

To promote this EP, Liu Lian orchestrated an online collaborative initiative titled ” Don’t Speak, Embrace Creation,” where enthusiasts collectively contributed to a single document that has garnered thousands of submissions thus far. “Numerous young individuals expound upon facets intimately entwined with their existence—be it parental wake-up calls at dawn or anecdotes pertaining to exam preparations—rendering their narratives relatable and vivacious in both prose style and lyrical cadence.”

Liu Lian had perennially navigated the musical landscape under the guise of an autonomous ensemble, seldom venturing into other facets of the recording industry. This occasion marked her deep-seated partnership with Tencent Music Entertainment Group, embracing a more industrialized production approach to unveil a personal EP, affording Liu Lian an immersive involvement in every facet of the album: from inception to production to dissemination… Truly an invigorating firsthand encounter for Liu Lian.

“I tried to handle everything on my own, from making music to working with producers. This helped me learn a lot about making albums, the Chinese music industry, and solve many mysteries. Working with TME has been great; they help me choose songs and remind me of what to do next in the production process. Brainstorming about music with someone who thinks like me is really valuable.”

–Written by Jifan Wang for Billboard China

Lian Liu for Billboard China

Yaxin Liu