Billboard China

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

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

As twilight adorns the sky with its ethereal canvas, the horizon’s resplendent clouds mirror the trilogy of Xiao Xia albums reflecting upon Huang Qishan’s midlife journey. Literary aficionados have long employed the expression “the sunset’s lingering glow weaves a tapestry of magnificence” to metaphorically depict the enduring allure that graces the conclusion of a literary masterpiece. In the wake of experiencing Xiao Xia 3.0, listeners are left in awe, echoing a sentiment of profound appreciation akin to that sublime celestial phenomenon: The Sunset Radiance Transformed Into Exquisite Grandeur.

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Spanning the better part of a decade, Qishan Huang, born as Huang Xiaoxia, has serenely completed her Xiao Xia musical saga. As if charting the cartography of her soul from her vivacious 20s through the profound 30s to the contemplative 40s, each iteration of Xiao Xia encapsulates the multifaceted essence of a woman’s pilgrimage through life.

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The limited-edition vinyl version of Xiao Xia 3.0 swiftly sold out after its online release. The vinyl format, with its rich warmth and pristine clarity, seems destined to align seamlessly with the very essence of Xiao Xia, fully embodying its serene beauty and introspective tranquility.

Unlike CDs, vinyl records were once a less popular medium for music consumption, much like the initially underestimated Xiao Xia album. With the resurgence of vinyl records in recent years, Xiao Xia, like vinyl, has once again emerged as a coveted trend, a development that seems utterly unexpected to Qishan a decade ago.

Upon closer examination of the album cover of Xiao Xia 3.0, one discerns a tearful Xiao Xia bidding farewell to her youth. Intriguingly, at the very moment when tears fall, Qishan also smiles and playfully sticks out her tongue, serendipitously catching the tear that glides down from her eye. This subtle yet powerful touch silently and eloquently conveys the album’s central theme.

Commencing with 1.0, each cover of Xiao Xia has consistently incorporated the image of a headscarf. “I have experienced marriage before, but I have never had a formal wedding ceremony. The headscarf worn by Xiao Xia means that even if women choose not to pursue marriage, it does not necessarily imply a disinterest in wedding dresses. Ultimately, women retain their belief in love, but is marriage an indispensable requirement? Not necessarily. This represents a form of acceptance; each individual possesses the autonomy to determine how they wish to navigate their life.”

In Time, We Laugh With Tears

From the Xiao Xia 3.0 album, the song that most profoundly moved listeners to tears is undoubtedly the title track “Xiao Xia.” Huang Qishan candidly admits that when it comes to shedding tears, she possesses no semblance of personal boundaries: “I am completely uninhibited when it comes to crying; I readily share my entire spectrum of emotions with others, whether they be joyous or sorrowful. This is because the song ‘Xiao Xia’ is profoundly worthy of our tears. It transcends the realm of a mere musical composition; it embodies something that appears simultaneously simple and insignificant, yet also grand and magnificent.”

Spanning the journey from the southbound train in the 1990s to the transoceanic taxi ride, the intricate interweaving of time and space in “Xiao Xia” possesses an enchanting quality. A substantial segment of a woman’s life is encapsulated within the song’s stream-of-consciousness lyrics. Life follows a predictable trajectory—beginning with unwavering certainty, it gradually transitions into uncertainty. Xiao Xia’s perception of herself and the world around her underwent profound and transformative changes. Having reached the age of self-awareness, Qishan can finally affirm with unwavering conviction: “This version of you is valiant.”

The lyrics of “Xiao Xia” include the line: “Swiping through social media, everyone is discussing my appearance.” From her vibrant pink hair and provocative miniskirts to her energetic dance moves, Qishan’s fearlessly transformative appearances in recent years have undoubtedly subverted everyone’s preconception of her “After joining the dance troupe at the age of fifteen, I never danced again. Rediscovering the joy of dance at the age of 50 feels simply marvelous. Life should be an engaging experience; continuously learning new skills is essential. Maintaining a zest for life enables you to grasp the fleeting essence of youth”

Qishan Huang for Billboard China

Yaxin Liu

Let Us Move On Together

Another emotionally resonant moment in “Xiao Xia” occurs towards the end of the song, when a chorus of backing vocals gradually joins in, transforming the initial soft solo into a powerful collective voice. This transition amplifies the emotional impact of the line, “Oh, so many people love me.” These backing vocals symbolically represent the music colleagues and loyal audiences who have steadfastly accompanied Qishan throughout her career. It is because of the unwavering love and support from countless individuals that Qishan has garnered the strength and courage to declare, “Let’s move on together.”

While many yearn for another album of Xiao Xia, Huang Qishan asserted during this interview that 3.0 will serve as the definitive conclusion. Although a prequel, Xiao Xia -1.0, may emerge in the future, recounting her childhood experiences from before the age of 20 to her teenage years, there will not be a Xiao Xia 4.0. “There won’t be a 4.0; in life, it is sometimes necessary to conclude at an appropriate juncture. I am uncertain when this childhood Xiao Xia album will materialize; perhaps I will create it when inspiration strikes.”

Nevertheless, the Xiao Xia that Huang Qishan has bestowed upon the world and herself is already deeply embedded in the hearts of every attentive listener. As a heartfelt gesture, the behind-the-scenes team of Xiao Xia prepared a unique surprise for her — each member inscribed their signatures on the covers of the three Xiao Xia albums. Qishan was overwhelmed with emotions, “there has been an empty wall in my house for several years, and now suddenly there is something to adorn it. It feels as though this wall has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of these precious gifts.”

–Written by Jifan Wang for Billboard China

Qishan Huang for Billboard China

Yaxin Liu

On Dec. 22-23, Shan Yichun hosted her inaugural solo concert “Please Me” at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center. The tickets for the Dec. 23 performance were sold out within seconds, leading the organizers to announce an additional show on the 22nd. The fact that her debut concert was a sold-out success attests to Shan Yichun’s considerable popularity.

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Over the past three years, Yichun has amassed numerous impressive works and garnered a large following. From achieving the title of national singing competition champion to finally holding her own solo concert, this moment in time is opportune for Yichun. “Now is the perfect time for a concert. Compared to when I first debuted, my current state, including my abilities in various aspects, is more mature.”

Compared to other emerging singers who debuted around the same time, Shan Yichun is undoubtedly fortunate. She first gained acclaim on a national platform and subsequently released the critically acclaimed album Courage. In addition to appearing on various music variety shows, she has also performed theme songs for many popular TV dramas. Now, she has her own solo concert… Opportunities are always given to those who are prepared. Yichun worked hard and ultimately amazed everyone.

To reach this point today, the 22-year-old Shan Yichun has been preparing silently for a long time. From courageously stepping onto the stage of a singing competition to creating her own representative works, Yichun has gradually gained enough confidence to hold a concert that is entirely her own. In Shan Yichun’s eyes, the theme of the “Please Me” concert reflects her current true feelings — instead of pleasing the world, Shan Yichun now wants to please herself more.

“I hope that my state can be as self-consistent as possible and please myself first. This is the most important thing I want to accomplish at this stage. Because I know that my fans, family and colleagues at the record company, everyone has their own different expectations of me.”

The First Love & Attempts Are Unbreakable

In 2023, Shan Yichun encountered numerous unforgettable “firsts.” In addition to headlining her inaugural solo concert in December, she also made her debut as a special guest at Eric Chou’s concert in Shanghai in October. It marked the first instance in Shan Yichun’s life that she was featured as a guest for another vocalist. “I am genuinely honored. Eric Chou is a seasoned luminary in the realm of music, and performing with him on stage was an exceptionally memorable experience. Being a guest at his concert has provided me with a fresh perspective for my own performances.”

Singing Eric Chou’s “Unbreakable Love” in a singing competition was where many audiences first encountered Shan Yichun. From singing the song on a TV show to performing it alongside the original singer several years later, Yichun finds the “miracle of fate” quite remarkable. “‘Unbreakable Love’ is an emotional connection between me and my fans, and many of them got to know me through this song. I am grateful and cherish both my fans’ support and Eric Chou’s assistance.”

Her debut album Courage earned Shan Yichun the best new artist award at the first TME “Wave Music Awards”; this was also a unanimous affirmation from over a hundred music industry judges. “This award is a great encouragement for me because there is only one chance for a new artist award in a lifetime. I hope to make better quality music in the future and continue to uphold good music standards.”

Courage is an album in which Yichun strives to “please herself.” Singing theme songs for movies and TV shows pleases the audience of those productions, while participating in music variety shows pleases the audience of those online platforms, but only a complete concept album is what truly pleases the singer herself.

Courage has allowed Shan Yichun to understand more about the musical direction she excels in. When it comes to the style of her next album, Shan Yichun hopes to explore more diverse musical possibilities in terms of content expression.

Growing Freely, Moving Forward Together With the Audience

When participating in the competition, many viewers praised Shan Yichun’s singing voice, as if it were born with a soul. Everyone said, “Shan Yichun sings so well,” and the ethereal voice that strikes the soul is why so many fans wholeheartedly fell in love with Yichun. But in Yichun’s view, she doesn’t rely purely on her innate talent for singing. Even for the most acclaimed ballads, Yichun has undergone long periods of practice and learning to sing as well as she does now.

On Yichun’s personal Weibo, there is a tag called “#Shan Yichun’s Life Sketch#.” She will update her life segments from time to time and record some interesting life fragments. “I want to share some very beautiful moments in my life with my fans in the form of a life sketchbook. I am not someone who is particularly good at expressing love, but I just hope that I can establish some emotional connections with my fans through this method.”

Finding one’s own pace of life is important, just as Shan Yichun said to her fans in the comments section of her new single “Wonder”: “Everyone has their own rhythm; we are not in a hurry, take it slow.”

Shan Yichun once wrote a very touching message to her fans on Weibo: “Thank you for your love, which allows me to grow freely. I hope that we can always accompany each other in the future and bravely move forward together.” It is the unwavering love from the fans that supports Yichun to where she is today, allowing her to continue being herself completely. Don’t forget, the premise of “pleasing oneself” is first learning to “mutually please.”

The two-way love allows Yichun to never lose touch with her audience.

Shan Yichun

Tianyao Wang/Billboard China

–Written by Wang Jifan

The number 21 holds a special significance for Nicholas Teo, who has been in the industry for more than two decades. It’s akin to a “coming-of-age ceremony” for his career. Nicholas named his tour “The 21st Story,” a simple yet direct idea. Having spent over two decades in the limelight, Nicholas has gained a profound understanding of life and no longer fixates on the gains and losses.

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While Nicholas still appreciates his early works, he feels that some songs from his first and second albums no longer resonate with him. In this concert, he aims to express himself more sincerely and chooses every song that resonates with him at this moment.

Even for national hits like “Love Is the Answer” and “Tears From Polaris,” Nicholas wants to present them in a different and interesting way. He collaborates with the music director and band teachers to discuss their feelings and understanding of each song. They may adjust the arrangement direction, such as incorporating a jazz flavor, to give these classic songs a new musical appearance and make them more interesting.

“The 21st Story” is Nicholas’s first official concert tour in mainland China. With his life story full of flesh and blood 21 years since his debut, Nicholas hopes to bring this concert to more cities he has never been to, meet fans whom he hasn’t seen for a long time, and create a new chapter of deep empathy through music. Tickets for the first stop in Shenzhen (Nov. 25) sold out shortly after they were released, and tickets for the second stop in Chengdu (Dec. 9) also sold quickly. More new shows will be unlocked in the future.

“White Night”: A Warm and Reserved Self-Dialogue

After a hiatus of five years from the Chinese music scene, Nicholas finally unveiled his latest EP, White Night, earlier this year. Although he may have slowed down his pace of music releases in recent years, it does not imply a deviation from his musical path. On the contrary, Nicholas has dedicated his heart and soul to each song and album, rendering his music distinct and exceptional. From “To Be…Nicholas” in 2015 to “The Best Is Yet to Come” in 2018, and now White Night in 2023, Nicholas’ musical odyssey has propelled him further and further.

The innovative design of the album’s packaging, featuring a fragmented mirror effect, invites listeners to introspect upon their own emotions and thoughts while engaging with the songs in White Night. The popular track “Innocuous” best embodies Nicholas’s present state of life: “I create music that I adore and present my authentic self through these songs. ‘No Harm Done’ closely aligns with my current state of existence. I increasingly recognize that no one is flawless, and no creation is flawless.”

The love songs in White Night depart from Nicholas’s previous repertoire. They emanate a mature perspective on love. For instance, “Unrequited Love” conveys profound anguish without resorting to heart-wrenching cries, while “Symptomless” showcases an insightful comprehension of life after years of experience. Evolving over time, Nicholas has acquired the ability to introspectively articulate his emotions through his music.

In his forthcoming concert tour, “The 21st Story,” Nicholas aspires to perform an array of works from the past decade, enabling the audience to perceive his personal growth through his music. He has realigned his musical direction to remain true to himself. He desires those who have recently discovered him through a variety of shows to witness his authenticity on stage.

After “Call Me by Fire”: A More Open-minded Nicholas

In “Call Me by Fire,” Nicholas expands the audience’s boundless imagination of him: He possesses capabilities beyond standing silently at the center of the stage and crooning love songs. Nicholas relishes every transformation that each stage brings: “The most remarkable aspect is when it occurs at the opportune moment. I aspire to maintain sincerity in sharing my music. I will give my utmost, not necessarily achieving perfection, but exerting my utmost effort.”

On the debut stage of “Call Me by Fire,” Nicholas’ simple Weibo post stating “I’m fine, I’m back” instantaneously moved fans who had followed him for countless years. Over the past 21 years, Nicholas may not have been as active as he is this year, but these dormant periods have ultimately fostered the unwavering confidence he possesses now that he has “returned.” From Nicholas’s perspective, an artist’s duty is to continually produce output. “If you fail to learn to rest and expose yourself to more input, you will easily become depleted. I hope to grant myself a moment of tranquility so that I may generate fresh creations.”

One method by which Nicholas reinvigorates himself is by aimlessly exploring cities during his travels. “I am not the type of individual who meticulously plans their itinerary in advance. It feels excessively laborious. Just like when I spontaneously decided to take classes in New York, it was an impromptu decision. After registering online and booking my flight and hotel, I promptly embarked on my journey. During one year in Tokyo, I had already boarded the bus to Disney, but then I pondered: why should I visit Disney alone? So, I disembarked from the bus. I do not necessarily visit tourist attractions and capture photographs. Instead, I might relish a cup of coffee, engage in shopping, and abstain from setting lofty expectations for myself.”

Participating in diverse music variety shows has taught Nicholas to be more carefree and at ease with his true self: “When recording variety shows, certain aspects can be challenging. I also wish to express gratitude to myself for persevering until the end and gradually revealing a more endearing and authentic side of Nicholas to everyone. This is likely the most favorable arrangement along the journey. I desire to pat myself on the back and say, ‘Nicholas, you have exerted tremendous effort.’”

Nicholas Teo

Tianyao Wang/Billboard China