Wednesday May 3, 2006

Singing the Blue

Chao Ge may not have the looks, but the Sabahan singer who is now based in Taiwan has enough talent and perseverance to see him through, writes LI EE KEE. 

I’M not Tao Zhe. I’m Chao Ge” went the promo advertisement. For those Taiwanese who have not heard of the name Chao Ge, it was an easy mistake to make, as the names sound almost similar. Hence, it prompted Rock Records to come up with this effective piece of marketing idea. 

Both singers are, without a doubt, markedly different in their musical styles yet there is no mistaking the similarities they share when it comes to music.  

They are passionate and prefer the hands-on approach. Chao, whose English name is Gary, composed and co-produced all tracks on his second album Blue with the exception of Superwoman, a cover of Karyn White’s 1988 hit. 

Chao Ge composed and co-produced all tracks on Blue except Superwoman.

The song carries special meaning for Chao. He first heard it when he was 10 years old while in boarding school in New Zealand. 

“I didn’t understand a word that was being sung except for ‘superwoman’ but the melody was beautiful and moving. It was this song that made me realise how much I love to sing.” 

Chao, who was a finalist at the 1999 Astro Talent Quest, went to Taiwan to try his luck as a singer and released his debut album Naughty Gentlemen five years ago (at the time he was signed under a different record company). But success wasn’t forthcoming. Although gifted with soulful vocals, Chao didn’t have the requisite typical good looks that make up the perfect package. 

The 26-year-old recalled that several people had asked him not to reveal his face. They said he was ugly. It shattered his confidence. Chao contemplated giving up. 

“But my friends and teachers were all very supportive and gave me the courage to face up to the challenges. As long as you have put in your effort and never give up, you’ll be able to do it. My producer once told me that what mattered most was the music, while our appearance was something we could work on. Recently, my manager told me that I look better these days and I do feel more confident and brave enough to face the public,” said the Sabahan, who definitely cuts a more stylish figure these days with his well-toned physique (thanks to yoga and watching what he eats).  

Blue received encouraging response since its release in Taiwan five months ago. The album was also most played and requested at a popular gay bar in Taiwan, resulting in many to wonder if he is gay. Chao revealed that he has been approached by guys.  

“I told them that I still like girls. When I don’t anymore, I would let them know,” he related laughingly. 

Blue was recently re-packaged and re-released with a new cover and inlay with the inclusion of several new music videos and footages of his autograph sessions in Taiwan. 

Chao has started work on his third album and he hopes to include a song called Superman in it.  

“I know comparisons will be made with Superwoman so I’m doing it in a totally different musical style.”