Saving soul
(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-03 09:15
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For many years, music insiders and fans have complained that there is not much soul in the Chinese music scene. Then along came Khalil Fong Da-tong, with his fresh, soulful music. The self-dubbed Soulboy has released four critically acclaimed records in four years and has quickly became one of the hottest singers throughout Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland.
The 27-year-old singer-songwriter is coming to Beijing for his debut concert on July 23 at Beijing Exhibition Center Theater (Beizhan Theater).
Half of the concert, Timeless, will see Fong rearranging classics from different eras in his own unique way. Besides Faye Wong's Red Bean, Stevie Wonder's You are the Sunshine of My Life and Michael Jackson's Bad, the United States born singer-songwriter blends soul music, jazz, blues and 50's rock in his interpretations.
The concert will also feature music from his previous albums, such as Orange Moon, which has more romantic love songs and effortlessly conquered many girls' hearts.
"I will have more guitar playing in my Beijing concert and I want to communicate more with Beijing fans," he says. "I've heard Beijing fans are much more straightforward than fans living in southern China. I really look forward to that."
The skinny musician in his signature thick-framed glasses leans back comfortably on his chair. He says that he really needs the feedback from the audiences at his concert. "I'm sentimental and crazy at the same time. I will go with the fans in my live shows," says Fong.
Fong was born in Hawaii. but his family moved to Shanghai when he was a child. A self-taught guitarist and pianist, Fong started writing songs when he was 16. Though he started his music career in Hong Kong, he doesn't speak and sing in Cantonese.
"I don't feel comfortable singing in a language I'm not good at. And it doesn't gel well with my music style anyway," he says. "The experience I have, the message and feelings I want to deliver are different in each song. I just focus on making music I'm good at, with the most natural expression."
Fong also writes songs for other singers, such as veteran Taiwan singer Tsai Chin and American-born singer Coco Lee.
"When I write for other singers, I want to create a different style from my own songs," he says. "For example, I have written a rock-jazz song for Tsai Chin, which, I think, is suitable for her deep, lasting voice."
However, the non-stop touring concerts have made the singer-songwriter a little bit uncomfortable. "I have no time to listen to CDs or to write songs either for myself or for others. I enjoy the feeling standing on the stage, but I also want to enjoy being alone."
Fong says that he will take a break after the Beijing concert and will release a new album early next year.
The new album will fully present Fong's guitar-playing skill. "I have listened to many guitar masters since I was a teen. I want to make an album which could inspire people to learn playing the guitar, just like how I felt then."