Billboard China
When Cai Xukun — the 26-year-old Chinese singer-songwriter better known as KUN — began working on his smash single “Afterglow,” he wanted to capture fleeting moments of change by connecting time and space with art and fashion. “I pondered for a long time about what kind of word could represent this imagery and mood,” he says. “Finally, the word ‘afterglow’ came to mind. We often see this scenery during various travel moments — including while driving; it represents our feelings in that instant. I chose this theme and combined it with some of the images in my mind: models on the runway, flashing lights, shifting time and space and changing people.”
“Afterglow” immediately connected with audiences. On its release day in early June, the song achieved a score of over 95 on the Tencent Music Uni Chart, which aggregates data from nine major platforms and over 100 radio stations. The song remained on the chart for 10 weeks and became the fastest song to receive gold certification on the Tencent chart; it also made the June edition of the Tencent Music Wave Chart, which is voted on by over 200 Chinese music industry professionals. That success has informed his selection as China’s representative for Billboard’s Global No. 1s, as chosen jointly by Tencent Music Chart and Billboard China.
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KUN created “Afterglow” with soul and rock sounds, and his integration of modern and classic production influences helped to give the song a timeless feel. And the song’s success marks the beginning of a new musical phase for KUN. “In my upcoming works, I will include some classic or modern elements,” he says. “I hope everyone can gradually sense a recognizable style in my music.”
In fact, several new singles KUN released in 2024 represent his fresh musical explorations. For instance, “Remedy” features clean piano sounds paired with a vintage vocal style, revealing his more minimalist side. It also reflects his listening habits: “I often enjoy classic songs, especially in quiet moments alone, listening to music and savoring that dialogue with myself,” he says.
While his previous works were warmer, KUN’s 2024 release “RIDE OR DIE” introduces a sound that’s new for him. “This song serves as a signal I’m conveying, heralding a transformation in my future musical style,” he says. “I believe it is essential to present something distinct to my audience, which has always been my aspiration. Consequently, the production process for ‘RIDE OR DIE’ extended over a considerable period and traversed numerous iterations, aiming to express the ‘stormy night’ concept that has long resided in my heart.”
KUN photographed for the Billboard China Global No. 1s Issue.
Tianyao Wang/Billboard China
Looking ahead, KUN plans to continue to expand his online live concept Art Lab, chronicling his growth and reflecting his changes from year to year — while strengthening his connections with audiences. “I can feel their enthusiasm, and they can feel my energy,” he says of his live performances. As time progresses, KUN is learning to “enjoy the process,” he adds. “Whether you genuinely enjoy the experience or merely fulfill a task can yield entirely different results. I believe that embracing this journey is paramount.”
Now, KUN is relishing a journey of “accumulation.” He’s preparing for a long journey ahead and accumulating new musical energy that he plans to direct toward producing more great songs. “This year, through the process of production and performance, I have engaged in numerous discussions and collaborations with various artists, which have profoundly influenced my personal perspectives and aesthetics,” he says. “Next year is likely to be a year where I unveil the fruits of my introspection.”
As Chinese artists increasingly gain international acclaim, KUN believes that the intersection of music across diverse cultures transcends language and geography, fostering cultural exchange. “I aspire for more individuals globally to experience music that is authentically ours as Chinese,” he says. “This has consistently been my ambition.”
In the world of electronic dance music, the West has long led the way with its frequent collaborations, driving technical advancements and making electronic music culture popular worldwide. Inspired by Western electronic music culture, ZHANGYE, in collaboration with Cyanhill Music, has created the CHINA EDM Vol.1 compilation, marking a new chapter in Chinese electronic dance music.
This compilation features not only exclusive tracks from top producers such as BEAUZ, CORSAK, Panta.Q, and WILLIM, but also selects other tracks from hundreds of contributors, showcasing the diversity and vitality of Chinese electronic music.
The release of the CHINA EDM Vol.1 compilation is not only a summary of the development of Chinese electronic dance music, but also a new beginning. Crafted to international standards, it aims to promote the works of outstanding Chinese producers on the world stage. On Nov. 29, this musical feast was spectacularly staged at the Escape deLux nightclub in Amsterdam, Netherlands, under the theme of “CHINA EDM NIGHT,” marking a significant step in the global journey of Chinese electronic music.
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“CHINA EDM NIGHT” was an unprecedented performance featuring “Beats from the East,” bringing the rhythm of the Orient to the Western stage. This event was a live rendition of the CHINA EDM Vol.1 compilation and a significant showcase of Chinese electronic music culture to the world. The performance took place at the renowned Amsterdam nightclub Escape deLux, known for its unique atmosphere and high-quality music events.
To ensure that the “CHINA EDM NIGHT” performance garnered more attention in the Netherlands, the organizers put significant effort into promotion. Offline advertising reached close to 4,000 advertising spaces, including large billboards, metro stations, hotels and public notice boards, promoting the compilation, artists and the event activities comprehensively to ensure that the performance information reached every potential audience member.
The release of the CHINA EDM Vol.1 compilation and the staging of the “CHINA EDM NIGHT” performance mark a significant step for Chinese electronic dance music on the global stage. This is a collective showcase of Chinese electronic music producers, as well as an international dissemination of Chinese electronic music culture.
CORSAK
Courtesy of CORSAK
Chace’s brand-new single “Tunnel Vision” was officially released on Tuesday (Nov. 26), marking his first step into the spotlight as a pop artist and the culmination of two years of preparation.
For Chace, this is not only an exploration of musical styles, but also a significant milestone in his career. Born in 1998 into a musical family in Jiangsu, China, Chace (Zhu Yihan) received professional training in jazz drums and piano from an early age, showcasing extraordinary talent in music. He began producing music at the age of 9 and signed with a Dutch record label at 16, launching his career as a professional musician.
In 2016, he made his debut at Belgium’s Tomorrowland and, in 2017, became the first Chinese artist to perform on Tomorrowland’s main stage, forever changing the presence of Chinese artists on the global music scene. Since then, he has continued to shine as a DJ and producer at top-tier international music festivals such as EDC, Ultra and Creamfields. In 2024, Chace became the first Chinese artist to sign with one of North America’s major record labels, BMG, further showcasing his ability to transcend genres and boundaries with “Tunnel Vision.”
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“Tunnel Vision” is a nostalgic pop electronic track, a tribute to Chace’s musical idol Michael Jackson. The song evokes memories of the golden 1980s, blending distinct rhythms and melodies with an infectious dance groove. Its polished production highlights Chace’s exceptional skills as a producer.
The music video for “Tunnel Vision” is equally innovative, directed and edited by Chace himself. Filmed entirely using an iPhone, it tells an eccentric story set three minutes before a train’s arrival. With its narrative charm, action sequences and high-speed shots, the music video delivers a visually compelling experience, pushing creative boundaries and demonstrating Chace’s burgeoning talent as a filmmaker.
“Tunnel Vision” is now available worldwide, but this is just the beginning of Chace’s musical journey. With more exciting projects on the horizon, he is poised to bring fresh, innovative works to his global audience.
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.
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–Written by Jifan Wang for Billboard China