Sunday's Grammy Awards telecast made sweet music in the ratings, delivering for CBS its largest audience since 1984 and beating last year's viewership by 50 percent.
More than 39.9 million viewers flocked to the broadcast, making it the second most-watched Grammys in history, according to preliminary Nielsen Co. figures released Monday. That exceeds last year's Oscars broadcast, which was seen by 37.6 million viewers.
Helping stoke interest in this year's Grammys broadcast was recording sensation Adele, who emerged as the night's big winner with six trophies. Her album, "21," was by far the year's best seller and one of its most critically acclaimed.
But the broadcast was an attention-getter not only for the awards dispensed but also for its role as a memorial to Whitney Houston, a six-time past winner. The superstar singer died unexpectedly Saturday, just hours before she was supposed to appear at a pre-Grammy gala.
Friday, August 31, 2012
When music needs drama
At the opening ceremony of the theater, Xiao Ge said: "I am over 40 and have a sense of responsibility growing unconsciously in my heart. I hope that I can be a model of contemporary Chinese performing arts."
What prompted the songwriter behind popular songs like Beijing Welcomes You, a song for the 100-day countdown of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, decide to try his hand at theater?
Xiao Ke says it is because he has had a smooth music career since he started out in 1995, and that had made him indifferent. For someone who has been exposed to music since he was young, Xiao Ke says he has somehow lost his curiosity for it.
"I know it (music) too well, and my musical vision became narrow and subjective," he says. "I wasn't really listening to myself and thinking about the kinds of projects I wanted to do. I had to figure out what kind of songwriter I wanted to be."
His first involvement in theater was in 2007 when he was invited to write the score and sing in the musical drama, How Much Love Can Be Messed Up.
With encouragement from the director, Xiao Ke ended up playing the lead role of Lin Yibai, a heartbroken 30-something bachelor.
The drama turned out to be a huge success, and that made Xiao Ke a big fan of theater. The experience helped him regain new excitement for music and the performing arts. How Much Love Can Be Messed Up is still being staged, five years after its debut.
During the past five years, he has also tried directing and producing his own dramas, such as Whereby I Love You and Because of Love, which have transformed him from a man who knew only music and nothing about theater, to someone who is obsessed with theater.
What prompted the songwriter behind popular songs like Beijing Welcomes You, a song for the 100-day countdown of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, decide to try his hand at theater?
Xiao Ke says it is because he has had a smooth music career since he started out in 1995, and that had made him indifferent. For someone who has been exposed to music since he was young, Xiao Ke says he has somehow lost his curiosity for it.
"I know it (music) too well, and my musical vision became narrow and subjective," he says. "I wasn't really listening to myself and thinking about the kinds of projects I wanted to do. I had to figure out what kind of songwriter I wanted to be."
His first involvement in theater was in 2007 when he was invited to write the score and sing in the musical drama, How Much Love Can Be Messed Up.
With encouragement from the director, Xiao Ke ended up playing the lead role of Lin Yibai, a heartbroken 30-something bachelor.
The drama turned out to be a huge success, and that made Xiao Ke a big fan of theater. The experience helped him regain new excitement for music and the performing arts. How Much Love Can Be Messed Up is still being staged, five years after its debut.
During the past five years, he has also tried directing and producing his own dramas, such as Whereby I Love You and Because of Love, which have transformed him from a man who knew only music and nothing about theater, to someone who is obsessed with theater.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Adele's live comeback at Grammy Awards
British chart-topper Adele will make her live comeback at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in just under two weeks, after being on vocal rest since throat surgery sidelined the singer late last year.
The 23-year-old singer tweeted the news to her fans, saying "Ima be, Ima be singing at the Grammys. It's been so long I started to forget I was a singer! I can't wait, speak soon xx."
In a statement, Adele said she was "immensely proud to have been asked to perform" at music's biggest night on February 12 after a three-month hiatus on vocal rest.
It is "very exciting and of course nerve-racking, but what a way to get back into it all," she said.
The two-time Grammy winner, whose second album "21" smashed chart records around the world last year, was forced to cancel U.S. tour dates in November 2011 when she underwent microsurgery in Boston to treat a benign polyp on her vocal cords which was causing recurrent bleeding.
Appearing with her at the 54th Grammy Awards show will be top acts including Coldplay, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Paul McCartney, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift.
Adele is also expected to perform at the BRIT Awards, Britain's top music accolades, in London on February 21.
The sultry singer has been nominated for six Grammys this year -- record of the year, song of the year and best short form music video for "Rolling In The Deep," album of the year and best pop vocal album for "21" and best pop solo performance for "Someone Like You."
The 23-year-old singer tweeted the news to her fans, saying "Ima be, Ima be singing at the Grammys. It's been so long I started to forget I was a singer! I can't wait, speak soon xx."
In a statement, Adele said she was "immensely proud to have been asked to perform" at music's biggest night on February 12 after a three-month hiatus on vocal rest.
It is "very exciting and of course nerve-racking, but what a way to get back into it all," she said.
The two-time Grammy winner, whose second album "21" smashed chart records around the world last year, was forced to cancel U.S. tour dates in November 2011 when she underwent microsurgery in Boston to treat a benign polyp on her vocal cords which was causing recurrent bleeding.
Appearing with her at the 54th Grammy Awards show will be top acts including Coldplay, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Paul McCartney, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift.
Adele is also expected to perform at the BRIT Awards, Britain's top music accolades, in London on February 21.
The sultry singer has been nominated for six Grammys this year -- record of the year, song of the year and best short form music video for "Rolling In The Deep," album of the year and best pop vocal album for "21" and best pop solo performance for "Someone Like You."
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Paul McCartney blows 'Kiss' to Hollywood
Paul McCartney's new album "Kisses on the Bottom" will see the legendary Beatles' singer harking back to the golden era of Hollywood, bringing both old favorites and new compositions to his latest musical offering.
"Kisses on the Bottom," named after the lyrics on the album's first track "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," will showcase the former Beatle on a "deeply personal journey" singing classic American songs that inspired McCartney and bandmate John Lennon when they wrote songs for the Beatles.
"When we grew up, we had my dad's or in John's case, his mother's era that we were listening to, and then when we came to write rock and roll songs, this informed the rock and roll," McCartney told reporters in London on Thursday.
He added the Beatles' "Honey Pie" was one such track "harking back to Hollywood."
The ex-Beatle said he was inspired by some of Hollywood's best known actors and singers, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and especially Fred Astaire, whose style and voice were a reference for McCartney throughout his career.
"Fred Astaire was just this fantastic character from that era, he's so elegant. Musically, his vocal style is very interesting...he had this little voice that I kind of wanted to get near, so I tried that and that became a little bit of a signature with this album," said McCartney.
"It's this era that I love, it's a rich era for style, music and intelligent art."
Despite wanting to do this album "for a long time" through both his Beatles and solo careers, McCartney was forced to delay the record after British singers Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart released their own albums of big band classics. McCartney did not want to appear as if he was jumping on their "bandwagon."
"Kisses on the Bottom," named after the lyrics on the album's first track "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," will showcase the former Beatle on a "deeply personal journey" singing classic American songs that inspired McCartney and bandmate John Lennon when they wrote songs for the Beatles.
"When we grew up, we had my dad's or in John's case, his mother's era that we were listening to, and then when we came to write rock and roll songs, this informed the rock and roll," McCartney told reporters in London on Thursday.
He added the Beatles' "Honey Pie" was one such track "harking back to Hollywood."
The ex-Beatle said he was inspired by some of Hollywood's best known actors and singers, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and especially Fred Astaire, whose style and voice were a reference for McCartney throughout his career.
"Fred Astaire was just this fantastic character from that era, he's so elegant. Musically, his vocal style is very interesting...he had this little voice that I kind of wanted to get near, so I tried that and that became a little bit of a signature with this album," said McCartney.
"It's this era that I love, it's a rich era for style, music and intelligent art."
Despite wanting to do this album "for a long time" through both his Beatles and solo careers, McCartney was forced to delay the record after British singers Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart released their own albums of big band classics. McCartney did not want to appear as if he was jumping on their "bandwagon."
Finding himself in 'Lost N Found'
JJ Lin poses on stage during a news conference to announce the upcoming release of his new album "Lost N Found" in Beijing on Dec 26, 2011.[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
BEIJING -- The new album of JJ Lin may be titled "Lost N Found", but fans will have no trouble finding his presence in the music scene.
Lin attended a news conference to celebrate his upcoming album and launched an 100-hour countdown to its release in Beijing's Reignwood Theater on Dec 26. The album - available on New Year's Eve - is Lin's first work since joining Warner Music.
After two years of song-writing and composing, Lin hopes to showcase a more dynamic "New JJ" to his fans and the Chinese music scene. Prior to the album's release, the single "Never Learn" has already become the most requested song in more than 200 radio stations and ranked first in major video websites in China.
"All of my songs are written from my own personal experiences," says Lin when asked where he gets inspirations for his songs from. Nevertheless, his oasis of creativity has't run dry because "a single experience may be interpreted in different ways".
"When I look back on the things I've been through, I've realized that no matter how mature we become, sometimes we just never learn how to love."
That's the message "Never Learn" tries to convey. Written from the eyes of a young man who never learned how to play the game of love, the lyrics speaks to all who have been through the ups and downs on the mountains of emotions. The music video, shot in Prague and filmed in slow and nostalgic hues, adds another veil of sadness to the already melancholic melody.
BEIJING -- The new album of JJ Lin may be titled "Lost N Found", but fans will have no trouble finding his presence in the music scene.
Lin attended a news conference to celebrate his upcoming album and launched an 100-hour countdown to its release in Beijing's Reignwood Theater on Dec 26. The album - available on New Year's Eve - is Lin's first work since joining Warner Music.
After two years of song-writing and composing, Lin hopes to showcase a more dynamic "New JJ" to his fans and the Chinese music scene. Prior to the album's release, the single "Never Learn" has already become the most requested song in more than 200 radio stations and ranked first in major video websites in China.
"All of my songs are written from my own personal experiences," says Lin when asked where he gets inspirations for his songs from. Nevertheless, his oasis of creativity has't run dry because "a single experience may be interpreted in different ways".
"When I look back on the things I've been through, I've realized that no matter how mature we become, sometimes we just never learn how to love."
That's the message "Never Learn" tries to convey. Written from the eyes of a young man who never learned how to play the game of love, the lyrics speaks to all who have been through the ups and downs on the mountains of emotions. The music video, shot in Prague and filmed in slow and nostalgic hues, adds another veil of sadness to the already melancholic melody.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Forever young
More than 60,000 copies were sold within the first week after the album was released in Taiwan on Nov 14, featuring songs like Mine Mine, Shadow Play and the title song, Wow.
The album topped the downloads chart of China Mobile Wireless Music, but some music critics say the singer tries too hard to cater to the youth.
Previously, Chou's albums were criticized for repeating the 2005 album, November's Chopin, and it appears some fans miss the old Chou style. On the largest Chinese website devoted to movies, books and music reviews, Douban.com, Chou's new album didn't enter the Top 10 new album chart and only scored a 5.2.
His combination of traditional Chinese instruments and Western styles helped usher in the zhongguo feng - literally "Chinese-style" music.
Most of his hit songs, including Chrysanthemum Terrace and Faraway, have featured lyrics written by Vincent Fang and music composed by Chou.
Though the new songs have all been all written and composed by the pair, some listeners say there is a change and are disappointed.
Among the comments on Douban.com are: "Chou is not serious about this album," and, "We are getting old and can't understand Chou's ideas".
Chou, who has been Asia's most reliable and popular star over the past 10 years, says he is confident enough to walk his own path.
"I am getting used to criticism and suspicion. I think that they just don't get my music," he says.
The album topped the downloads chart of China Mobile Wireless Music, but some music critics say the singer tries too hard to cater to the youth.
Previously, Chou's albums were criticized for repeating the 2005 album, November's Chopin, and it appears some fans miss the old Chou style. On the largest Chinese website devoted to movies, books and music reviews, Douban.com, Chou's new album didn't enter the Top 10 new album chart and only scored a 5.2.
His combination of traditional Chinese instruments and Western styles helped usher in the zhongguo feng - literally "Chinese-style" music.
Most of his hit songs, including Chrysanthemum Terrace and Faraway, have featured lyrics written by Vincent Fang and music composed by Chou.
Though the new songs have all been all written and composed by the pair, some listeners say there is a change and are disappointed.
Among the comments on Douban.com are: "Chou is not serious about this album," and, "We are getting old and can't understand Chou's ideas".
Chou, who has been Asia's most reliable and popular star over the past 10 years, says he is confident enough to walk his own path.
"I am getting used to criticism and suspicion. I think that they just don't get my music," he says.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Our first love is forever
First love is an eternal topic for art and Meng Jinghui, a top theatrical director, uses it as the topic for his musical that is traveling around China and will arrive in Shenzhen on Aug 31.
In Invisible Love, a girl angel comes down to Earth to rebuild her first love memories. The question of whether people can let go of their first love is posed. The character wearing a yellow scarf is one of the most popular roles, contributing wise observations about love throughout the play.
The stage setting is memorable, with an arc platform, where actors and actresses can slide as if they are falling down from heaven to Earth, or from their fantasy about first love to the reality. It also helps convey the roles' emotional ups and downs in a relationship.
As a musical, the music style is also surprising because it's not sweet but metal rock. The dance moves are also designed to be powerful. Meng explains that he wants to present a first love that is "crazy".
After its show in Shenzhen, Invisible Love will be staged in Guangzhou on Sept 8 and 9.
In Invisible Love, a girl angel comes down to Earth to rebuild her first love memories. The question of whether people can let go of their first love is posed. The character wearing a yellow scarf is one of the most popular roles, contributing wise observations about love throughout the play.
The stage setting is memorable, with an arc platform, where actors and actresses can slide as if they are falling down from heaven to Earth, or from their fantasy about first love to the reality. It also helps convey the roles' emotional ups and downs in a relationship.
As a musical, the music style is also surprising because it's not sweet but metal rock. The dance moves are also designed to be powerful. Meng explains that he wants to present a first love that is "crazy".
After its show in Shenzhen, Invisible Love will be staged in Guangzhou on Sept 8 and 9.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Madonna's MDNA world tour in Scotland
Elton John has scored his first number one album in 22 years, an electronic reworking of his hit songs, while Florence and the Machine clung to top spot in the singles chart for a second week running, the Official UK Charts Company said on Sunday.
John teamed up with Australian electronic duo Pnau for "Good Morning To The Night", giving his 70s catalogue a modern summer vibe. The album's title is also the name of the lead track, which has become an official song of the London Olympics.
Elsewhere at the top of the album chart, "Overexposed" by Maroon 5 climbed one place to number two, while U.S. rapper Nas made his British album chart top 10 debut with "Life is Good" which went in straight at number eight.
Flame-haired singer Florence Welch's second week at the top of the singles chart with "Spectrum" may offer her some consolation after she was forced to pull out of high-profile European gigs due to damaged vocal chords.
X-Factor talent show finalist Misha B was this week's highest new entry in the singles chart with "Home Run" at number 11.
John teamed up with Australian electronic duo Pnau for "Good Morning To The Night", giving his 70s catalogue a modern summer vibe. The album's title is also the name of the lead track, which has become an official song of the London Olympics.
Elsewhere at the top of the album chart, "Overexposed" by Maroon 5 climbed one place to number two, while U.S. rapper Nas made his British album chart top 10 debut with "Life is Good" which went in straight at number eight.
Flame-haired singer Florence Welch's second week at the top of the singles chart with "Spectrum" may offer her some consolation after she was forced to pull out of high-profile European gigs due to damaged vocal chords.
X-Factor talent show finalist Misha B was this week's highest new entry in the singles chart with "Home Run" at number 11.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
New songs, fresh emotions
A popular rock singer-songwriter in the 1990s, Zhang Chu has a new album. Chen Nan finds out more in Beijing.
After a 15-year hiatus, Zhang Chu has a new album. But he remains the shy guy that he is perceived to be.
"I don't know how to explain the new songs. I haven't even decided on the name of the album," says Zhang self-consciously.
The singer-songwriter says his friends, who have listened to the new album, told him that he sounded happier, more tolerant, less dark and less angry.
"They've told me that I've changed, that finally, I've grown up at the age of 44," he adds.
Tagged as the loneliest singer-songwriter in China, Zhang is also known as a man of few words. Onstage, Zhang always looks reticent and sings with his hands holding the microphone tightly.
He says he used to escape into his shell when he felt wronged, but is now courageous to face his fears -referring to the stress that comes with fame.
Although the interview was supposed to focus on his new album, Zhang seems more interested in reflecting on his challenging journey in the music industry.
He starts with his biggest folk-rock hit, Sister, in 1991, which was a peak year for the Chinese rock 'n' roll music scene.
"It was a year when rock songs were as popular as today's Jay Chou's songs, which are played on the streets and sung by many people," recalls Zhang.
After a 15-year hiatus, Zhang Chu has a new album. But he remains the shy guy that he is perceived to be.
"I don't know how to explain the new songs. I haven't even decided on the name of the album," says Zhang self-consciously.
The singer-songwriter says his friends, who have listened to the new album, told him that he sounded happier, more tolerant, less dark and less angry.
"They've told me that I've changed, that finally, I've grown up at the age of 44," he adds.
Tagged as the loneliest singer-songwriter in China, Zhang is also known as a man of few words. Onstage, Zhang always looks reticent and sings with his hands holding the microphone tightly.
He says he used to escape into his shell when he felt wronged, but is now courageous to face his fears -referring to the stress that comes with fame.
Although the interview was supposed to focus on his new album, Zhang seems more interested in reflecting on his challenging journey in the music industry.
He starts with his biggest folk-rock hit, Sister, in 1991, which was a peak year for the Chinese rock 'n' roll music scene.
"It was a year when rock songs were as popular as today's Jay Chou's songs, which are played on the streets and sung by many people," recalls Zhang.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Forbidden City Concert Hall
"It's unnecessary to pay a big sum of money for a 'luxury' concert. Some people can enjoy that and can afford it, but ordinary people also need normal concerts too," she says and notes the reasonable ticket price of less than 100 yuan ($15.80) for Opening Door of the Arts.
This time at the Forbidden City Concert Hall, Zhang will play Festival has something for everyone
Saint-Saens' The Swan, Bach's Little Suite No 2 Aria, Tchaikovsky's Nocturne, and Beethoven's Seven Variation based on Mozart's Magic Flute.
Zhang also invites her friend and pianist Ren Shuman to play some pieces, and there will also be a host to introduce every piece.
Born to a cellist mother and a folk musician father in Beijing, in 1972, Zhang started to learn cello at almost 7. It was not an early age like today's prodigies, but the "culture revolution" (1966-76) had just ended and music had returned to the family, which could afford a small-sized cello.
The 21-year-old Zhang was champion at the national cello competition in 1993 and graduated from Central Conservatory of Music in 1995. Then she joined National Symphony of China and soon rose to become one of the best cellists of her generation, in the country.
In 1999, she went to University of Southern California to further her studies with renowned woman cellist Eleonore Schoenfeld (1920-2007) and received a master's degree there. Between 2001 and 2004, she served as the principal cellist at the La Sierra University Symphony Orchestra at the Riverside, in the US. After that, she toured widely in US and Europe as a soloist.
Zhang returned to the National Symphony of China in 2007 and formed a string quartet with three other players from the orchestra to give regular chamber concerts throughout China.
Friday, August 17, 2012
A star-studded program, the Big Love Music Festival attracted considerable attention even before it started in late June. It was also the most talked-about festival afterward, but not entirely for good reasons.
There are two opposing opinions about the festival in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. Many of those who attended say it was the best ever music festival in China, but for some of those who were involved in organizing the festival, it was a nightmare.
Contracted companies, including the hotel, production team, and those who provided power and cars, claimed they did not get paid. Before the festival was completed, some of them had already gone on strike, and by the end of the festival, things were out of control.
The hotel wouldn't let some guests check out because the organizer didn't pay for their stays; and some artists, including Taiwan singer Lo Ta-yu, had to pay for their own accommodation to leave. The transportation team refused to take artists to the airport too. Staff members of the organizing company, which is based in Beijing, couldn't leave Chengdu because no one paid for their flights.
There are two opposing opinions about the festival in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. Many of those who attended say it was the best ever music festival in China, but for some of those who were involved in organizing the festival, it was a nightmare.
Contracted companies, including the hotel, production team, and those who provided power and cars, claimed they did not get paid. Before the festival was completed, some of them had already gone on strike, and by the end of the festival, things were out of control.
The hotel wouldn't let some guests check out because the organizer didn't pay for their stays; and some artists, including Taiwan singer Lo Ta-yu, had to pay for their own accommodation to leave. The transportation team refused to take artists to the airport too. Staff members of the organizing company, which is based in Beijing, couldn't leave Chengdu because no one paid for their flights.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Country singer Carrie Underwood said on Wednesday she is going "Unplugged" for the VH1 music series and will share the story of her rise to fame from "American Idol" to five-time Grammy winner for the TV show "Behind the Music".
Underwood, 29, told VH1's morning show "Big Morning Buzz Live" that she would record the stripped-down music session later this week in New York.
"VH1 Presents: Carrie Underwood Unplugged" will premiere on October 2 and will feature songs from her latest album "Blown Away" and past hits.
The "Jesus, Take the Wheel" singer will also be profiled in the cable network's documentary series "Behind the Music" later this fall.
Underwood has sold more than 15 million albums since winning TV singing competition "American Idol" in 2005, making her the best-selling "Idol" contestant in the United States.
"Blown Away", released in May, debuted at No 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The musician's life is also as romantic and colorful as his exquisite music pulse.
He says his wife, Shanghai-born cellist Cheng Jiaxin, 37, whom he met in 2000, inspires him. "Music has certainly brought us together. It's the ultimate food of love."
Lloyd Webber had been married before, and thus, he was very careful about marriage. But the couple's romantic attachment made them believe that it will work.
On the day of the wedding in 2009, the couple recall, the sun suddenly came out one hour before the ceremony after raining the whole morning. The rest of the day was clear.
"It was a wonderful day and the marriage actually made us grow stronger together," Lloyd Webber says.
Underwood, 29, told VH1's morning show "Big Morning Buzz Live" that she would record the stripped-down music session later this week in New York.
"VH1 Presents: Carrie Underwood Unplugged" will premiere on October 2 and will feature songs from her latest album "Blown Away" and past hits.
The "Jesus, Take the Wheel" singer will also be profiled in the cable network's documentary series "Behind the Music" later this fall.
Underwood has sold more than 15 million albums since winning TV singing competition "American Idol" in 2005, making her the best-selling "Idol" contestant in the United States.
"Blown Away", released in May, debuted at No 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The musician's life is also as romantic and colorful as his exquisite music pulse.
He says his wife, Shanghai-born cellist Cheng Jiaxin, 37, whom he met in 2000, inspires him. "Music has certainly brought us together. It's the ultimate food of love."
Lloyd Webber had been married before, and thus, he was very careful about marriage. But the couple's romantic attachment made them believe that it will work.
On the day of the wedding in 2009, the couple recall, the sun suddenly came out one hour before the ceremony after raining the whole morning. The rest of the day was clear.
"It was a wonderful day and the marriage actually made us grow stronger together," Lloyd Webber says.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
As the mainland music industry languishes on life support, two 16-year industry veterans are attempting to resuscitate it through revamping its concert sector.
They're Song Ke, founder and former CEO of Taihe Rye Music - a top-performing company with such pop stars as Li Yuchun and Lao Lang - and songwriter and music producer Gao Xiaosong, who ushered in the campus folk music genre in 1994.
The duo has taken the helm of the new label Evergrande Music. The label was founded on June 18 in Beijing by Evergrande Real Estate Group, one of the country's 10 largest real estate developers.
"It's another year of plummeting music sales, and many Chinese record company executives are contemplating other methods or are simply giving up," says Song, who has become Evergrande's managing director.
"We've been taking risks and survived in this industry for the past 16 years. Everything was new for us back then, so we're confident we can make it in this new era."
The company was registered in October 2010 with a 850 million yuan ($134 million) investment. Song and Gao are also shareholders.
"We invested in this company out of our own pockets," says Gao, managing director for the company's music department.
They're Song Ke, founder and former CEO of Taihe Rye Music - a top-performing company with such pop stars as Li Yuchun and Lao Lang - and songwriter and music producer Gao Xiaosong, who ushered in the campus folk music genre in 1994.
The duo has taken the helm of the new label Evergrande Music. The label was founded on June 18 in Beijing by Evergrande Real Estate Group, one of the country's 10 largest real estate developers.
"It's another year of plummeting music sales, and many Chinese record company executives are contemplating other methods or are simply giving up," says Song, who has become Evergrande's managing director.
"We've been taking risks and survived in this industry for the past 16 years. Everything was new for us back then, so we're confident we can make it in this new era."
The company was registered in October 2010 with a 850 million yuan ($134 million) investment. Song and Gao are also shareholders.
"We invested in this company out of our own pockets," says Gao, managing director for the company's music department.
Monday, August 13, 2012
In May, 80 fans streamed into a live music venue on the outskirts of Beijing to see their idol Jane Zhang. The small room was packed, and the 27-year-old singer made two wardrobe changes and sang 15 songs. The recording of that session, Listen to Jane Z Live, has now been released.
"I was sweating. It was so nerve-racking," Zhang says, in the office of her music company in Beijing. "However, I felt more excited than nervous."
Zhang started rehearsing for the recording 11 days beforehand.
"It's a live recording, so I didn't have a second chance," she says.
The album starts with Opening, as the audience welcomes Zhang onstage with cheers. She goes on to perform the classic English songs At Last and Sing in the Rain.
Zhang's love for English songs also led to an original production - I Didn't Know, which shows her wide vocal range.
Working with Taiwan producer Jim Lee, she combined classical music and pop rhythms, with piano and violin in Por Una Cabeza, a popular Argentine tango by Carlos Gardel.
The second half of the show saw her pay tribute to some established Mandarin pop stars by singing Jacky Cheung's Autumn, Teresa Teng's South Sea Girl and Chyi Yu's Dreamland.
"I was sweating. It was so nerve-racking," Zhang says, in the office of her music company in Beijing. "However, I felt more excited than nervous."
Zhang started rehearsing for the recording 11 days beforehand.
"It's a live recording, so I didn't have a second chance," she says.
The album starts with Opening, as the audience welcomes Zhang onstage with cheers. She goes on to perform the classic English songs At Last and Sing in the Rain.
Zhang's love for English songs also led to an original production - I Didn't Know, which shows her wide vocal range.
Working with Taiwan producer Jim Lee, she combined classical music and pop rhythms, with piano and violin in Por Una Cabeza, a popular Argentine tango by Carlos Gardel.
The second half of the show saw her pay tribute to some established Mandarin pop stars by singing Jacky Cheung's Autumn, Teresa Teng's South Sea Girl and Chyi Yu's Dreamland.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Her national tour will kick off in Shanghai on Sept 15 and will take her to other cities like Beijing, Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
"I've been hoping to be recognized by others and kept on trying to improve my music. The process might be tortuous, but when you want something badly and make great efforts for it, you'll be magically rewarded," Qu says.
Born in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, Qu started to sing before she could even talk. Her mother recalls: "You would know when she was awake because she'd be singing the theme song from the Chinese TV series Undercover Cop, loudly in bed, to the ceiling, every morning."
Due to her good sense of music, her mother bought her a piano when she was 6. But music was never considered a career for Qu.
At 16, Qu's mother sent her to study international business in Canada. The loneliness of a strange environment and adolescent rebellion made her unhappy. It didn't take long, however, before she realized her true passion and dream was to become an influential recording artist.
She taught herself to play the guitar and tried to write her first song, To Markus, which was dedicated to her then-boyfriend.
"I've been hoping to be recognized by others and kept on trying to improve my music. The process might be tortuous, but when you want something badly and make great efforts for it, you'll be magically rewarded," Qu says.
Born in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, Qu started to sing before she could even talk. Her mother recalls: "You would know when she was awake because she'd be singing the theme song from the Chinese TV series Undercover Cop, loudly in bed, to the ceiling, every morning."
Due to her good sense of music, her mother bought her a piano when she was 6. But music was never considered a career for Qu.
At 16, Qu's mother sent her to study international business in Canada. The loneliness of a strange environment and adolescent rebellion made her unhappy. It didn't take long, however, before she realized her true passion and dream was to become an influential recording artist.
She taught herself to play the guitar and tried to write her first song, To Markus, which was dedicated to her then-boyfriend.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
More importantly, she says, the so-called blind choice, where judges sit with their backs to the performers, ensures that the contestants are judged based on their voices alone.
Winners will have a chance to hold their own concerts or be invited as guest performers at the judges' concerts. But the contestants have to fight a tough battle to reach the top. Unlike other talent shows that open doors to the grassroots, Voice of China contestants are hand-picked or in Liu's words, "semi-professionals".
As many as 40 directors travel to all the provincial capitals where local market insiders are ready to offer their lists of recommended talents. They also visit music schools and pubs to scout for qualified singers. Their voices are recorded and these potential contestants are then put through auditions and finally, short-listed to appear on television.
The arduous selection process results in a high level of professionalism on the show, says Lu Wei, publicity director of Voice of China.
Voice alone, however, doesn't qualify. For a score of five, Lu says, two goes to a singer's personal story. He adds that to maintain high ratings, singers with sensational backgrounds are given priority and encouraged to share their stories onstage.
Winners will have a chance to hold their own concerts or be invited as guest performers at the judges' concerts. But the contestants have to fight a tough battle to reach the top. Unlike other talent shows that open doors to the grassroots, Voice of China contestants are hand-picked or in Liu's words, "semi-professionals".
As many as 40 directors travel to all the provincial capitals where local market insiders are ready to offer their lists of recommended talents. They also visit music schools and pubs to scout for qualified singers. Their voices are recorded and these potential contestants are then put through auditions and finally, short-listed to appear on television.
The arduous selection process results in a high level of professionalism on the show, says Lu Wei, publicity director of Voice of China.
Voice alone, however, doesn't qualify. For a score of five, Lu says, two goes to a singer's personal story. He adds that to maintain high ratings, singers with sensational backgrounds are given priority and encouraged to share their stories onstage.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Three months ago, Taihe Rye Music's former CEO Song Ke surprised many by opening Long Joy Peking Duck restaurant. He recently made another surprising announcement - that he'll assume the role of managing director of Evergrande Music, a new music company owned by property developer Evergrande Real Estate Group Ltd.
Another personality of the Chinese music industry, songwriter-producer Gao Xiaosong, has been appointed the managing director for music.
The real estate group has invested 850 million yuan ($134 million) in Evergrande Music.
According to Song, the music company has already bought copyrights for more than 3,500 songs and will launch a series of concerts across the country to promote original Chinese pop music. They include 10 concerts by rock singer-songwriter Wang Feng.
For Gao, his main mission is to discover and train new talents. The company signed on its first new singer, 16-year-old Zhou Ziyan, who rose to fame by playing guitar and singing online. Gao says four albums have already been mapped out for Zhou.
Another personality of the Chinese music industry, songwriter-producer Gao Xiaosong, has been appointed the managing director for music.
The real estate group has invested 850 million yuan ($134 million) in Evergrande Music.
According to Song, the music company has already bought copyrights for more than 3,500 songs and will launch a series of concerts across the country to promote original Chinese pop music. They include 10 concerts by rock singer-songwriter Wang Feng.
For Gao, his main mission is to discover and train new talents. The company signed on its first new singer, 16-year-old Zhou Ziyan, who rose to fame by playing guitar and singing online. Gao says four albums have already been mapped out for Zhou.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Burns is the entrepreneur owner of Redstar, a publishing and creative services company based in Qingdao. He moved to Beijing three years ago to expand the creative side of his business and launch a new venture "Burns Guitars". Devlin works as a professional musician in Beijing. Desbuquois is a manager at Beijing Relocation Company.
Just as the real Beatles had diverging ideas on how things should be run, the Beijing four had different expectations when they formed. They play for fun, though Desbuquois was not averse to making money out of the venture if the band was going to be popular.
For Devlin, the audience is "the only thing that is important", a sentiment they all embrace.
"At the vast majority of [the shows] the audience totally get it, and that's what makes it enjoyable," Burns says.
The Beijing Beatles have played about 100 shows over the past year. One of the highlights was performing at the British Chamber of Commerce's Swinging '60s ball in Shanghai. There, the stage set was designed to resemble the Cavern Club in Liverpool, the live-music venue that was a key stop on the Fab Four's journey to fame.
A documentary film has been made about the Beijing band and Reilly's life and was broadcast on Chinese television.
Just as the real Beatles had diverging ideas on how things should be run, the Beijing four had different expectations when they formed. They play for fun, though Desbuquois was not averse to making money out of the venture if the band was going to be popular.
For Devlin, the audience is "the only thing that is important", a sentiment they all embrace.
"At the vast majority of [the shows] the audience totally get it, and that's what makes it enjoyable," Burns says.
The Beijing Beatles have played about 100 shows over the past year. One of the highlights was performing at the British Chamber of Commerce's Swinging '60s ball in Shanghai. There, the stage set was designed to resemble the Cavern Club in Liverpool, the live-music venue that was a key stop on the Fab Four's journey to fame.
A documentary film has been made about the Beijing band and Reilly's life and was broadcast on Chinese television.
Friday, August 3, 2012
British singer Adele regained her place at the top of the Billboard 200 album chart for the 24th time on Wednesday with her Grammy-winning album "21", holding off new entries from Alan Jackson, The Beach Boys and Neil Young.
Adele's "21" sold 75,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan figures in its 68th week on the chart, buoyed by NBC's special "Adele Live in London", which aired on June 3. The album has yet drop out of the top 10 since its US release in February 2011.
The "Someone Like You" singer beat out debuts from three veterans of the music industry. Country crooner Alan Jackson debuted at No 2 with his latest studio album "Thirty Miles West", selling 73,000 copies.
It is Jackson's 15th studio album, excluding holiday and compilation sets, and his 12th time in the top 10 of the Billboard album chart.
The Beach Boys made their highest debut since 1974, as their 29th studio album "That's Why God Made The Radio" entered at No. 3, selling 61,000 copies in its first week of release and kicking off the band's 50th anniversary celebration.
Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young's 35th studio album "Americana" landed at No 4 after selling 44,000 copies, giving Young his second-highest debut following 1972's "Harvest", which debuted at No 1.
Adele's "21" sold 75,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan figures in its 68th week on the chart, buoyed by NBC's special "Adele Live in London", which aired on June 3. The album has yet drop out of the top 10 since its US release in February 2011.
The "Someone Like You" singer beat out debuts from three veterans of the music industry. Country crooner Alan Jackson debuted at No 2 with his latest studio album "Thirty Miles West", selling 73,000 copies.
It is Jackson's 15th studio album, excluding holiday and compilation sets, and his 12th time in the top 10 of the Billboard album chart.
The Beach Boys made their highest debut since 1974, as their 29th studio album "That's Why God Made The Radio" entered at No. 3, selling 61,000 copies in its first week of release and kicking off the band's 50th anniversary celebration.
Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young's 35th studio album "Americana" landed at No 4 after selling 44,000 copies, giving Young his second-highest debut following 1972's "Harvest", which debuted at No 1.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Despite its billing an outrageous event, the show seemed more tame than in previous years with little foul language or onstage antics. Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and Joe Manganiello did some spicing up with a near strip tease. The trio stars in an upcoming film, "Magic Mike," about male strippers.
Notable moments came from "Batman" star Christian Bale, who gave an emotional introduction to an exclusive trailer for the upcoming film, "The Dark Knight Rises," after footage of the late Heath Ledger as the Joker character was shown from the second installment of the Christopher Nolan "Batman" franchise.
Music, the foundation of MTV, played a key role throughout the show with first-ever house DJ, Martin Solveig, providing movie score mash-ups from "Jaws," "Pulp Fiction" and "Drive" between awards.
Rapper Wiz Khalifa performed new song "Work Hard, Play Hard" and indie band fun. sang their hit single "We Are Young" with Janelle Monae to open the program.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
A new generation of Von Trapps is singing its way across China, Chen Nan reports.
Related:
1.Solid Soul
2.Harbin music concert
The story of Captain Von Trapp and his wife, Maria, who fled their home in Austria just ahead of Nazi troops from Germany prior to World War II, is familiar to anyone who has seen The Sound of Music. So much so that people sometimes get confused when they meet members of the Von Trapp family today.
When the Von Trapp Children turned up recently in Beijing - Sofia, a classic blue-eyed blonde, the oldest at 24; wispy Melanie, 22; brown-eyed Amanda, 21; and lively, bright-eyed Justin, 17 - they are exactly as you would picture them -young, sweet faces tinged with the blush of health and excitement.
They are the grandchildren of Werner Von Trapp, who was renamed Kurt in the film. Carrying on the family's tradition of singing, they are touring China for the first time.
They kick off their performances with a night at the Forbidden Concert Hall in Beijing on July 26. Their performances have folk, spiritual songs in seven languages including Chinese, and popular songs from The Sound of Music.
They sing Edelweiss, a song from the film, in Chinese.
"It's our tradition to sing the language of the country where we perform," Sofia says.
"We know that the film has found a place in the hearts and memories of fans in China, like others around the world. We are also inspired by this," Sofia says.
"When we sing, we can feel the old fondness for the film and its powerful message of family, faith and courage."
Related:
1.Solid Soul
2.Harbin music concert
The story of Captain Von Trapp and his wife, Maria, who fled their home in Austria just ahead of Nazi troops from Germany prior to World War II, is familiar to anyone who has seen The Sound of Music. So much so that people sometimes get confused when they meet members of the Von Trapp family today.
When the Von Trapp Children turned up recently in Beijing - Sofia, a classic blue-eyed blonde, the oldest at 24; wispy Melanie, 22; brown-eyed Amanda, 21; and lively, bright-eyed Justin, 17 - they are exactly as you would picture them -young, sweet faces tinged with the blush of health and excitement.
They are the grandchildren of Werner Von Trapp, who was renamed Kurt in the film. Carrying on the family's tradition of singing, they are touring China for the first time.
They kick off their performances with a night at the Forbidden Concert Hall in Beijing on July 26. Their performances have folk, spiritual songs in seven languages including Chinese, and popular songs from The Sound of Music.
They sing Edelweiss, a song from the film, in Chinese.
"It's our tradition to sing the language of the country where we perform," Sofia says.
"We know that the film has found a place in the hearts and memories of fans in China, like others around the world. We are also inspired by this," Sofia says.
"When we sing, we can feel the old fondness for the film and its powerful message of family, faith and courage."
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