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.