Eason and Hacken feel honoured to sing

August 8 2008 is Beijing's Olympic Opening Ceremony. Because of this, mainland organisers deliberately chose Peida Jin to compose and Keith Chan to lyricise "We Are Ready" as the "one year to go countdown" themesong. As mainlanders found out on July 1 that Hong Kong had "There's Still You" as the handover 10th anniversary themesong, they felt the idea was a good one. And so for a themesong to countdown a year to the Olympics, they had to invite Hong Kong to cooperate.

Because due to the lack of time, this song only took 18 hours to reach completion. Also, as no one wanted this song to sound like any other pop song, the Chinese Symphony Orchestra was invited to perform. The Olympics commitee will hold a media conference on August 4th in Beijing, but there will also be celebrations on August 8th. Mainland, Taiwanese and Hong Kong singers have all been invited leading to a total of 133 performers to sing the themesong and there will also be many versions. Hong Kong has 6 singers that will be represented in the recording. They include Alan Tam, Eason Chan, Gigi Leung, Leo Koo, Hacken Lee and Joey Yung. The day before yesterday, Alan went to Beijing to record and yesterday and today, the rest of the artists recorded in Hong Kong. Mainland and Taiwanese singers that are joining the recording are Bibi Chow, Chris Li, Sun Yue, Elva Hsiao, Ah Niu, Chris Yu and Mindy Ke. Recently, Beijing has begun recording and is constantly communicating with Hong Kong. Everyone can view the progress on the internet. Peida remains in Hong Kong and Keith has flown to Beijing.

Hacken recorded for an hour. He expressed that the song wasn't hard to sing, but he had to sing out with emotion. He revealed that Hong Kong had 6 representative singers. The other 5 would be present at the countdown on August 8th. Hacken hopes that he will be able to attend but recently he agreed with CWCB to attend a summer holiday exercise program. But he feels that the Olympics countdown event is more meaningful and hopes that the exercise program can be rearranged.

When asked whether he's afraid of offending CWCB, he claims that this is not the station's problem. This countdown for the Olympics is a meaningful event. He had already accepted CWCB's invite and if they insisted, then he could only be a gentleman and attend. Recording the Olympics themesong was with RTHK, will CWCB find it difficult because of this? Hacken decided to let his manager handle this. He feels that getting stuck in the middle is a difficult position to be in, but with 6 singers like 6 strong soldiers attending, it would really be an honour. He also does not know how the singers were selected for this event, but says he feels loved and respected. He says that he would want to go watch the Olympics and on the matter of hotels raising prices to HK$8000-10000 a night, he commented "Wah, that's so cheap!" He points out that watching the Olympics is like watching the World Cup. No matter where it is held, prices will surely rise and so it's a very normal thing to happen. At some point, World Cup tickets went for HK$60000 a ticket and so that year he snatched the role of host for the World Cup program.

http://www.takungpao.com/news/07/07/30/UL-772697.htm

2007 JSG awards (first round)

The 2007 first round JSG awards were held in the Tseung Kwun Ou studio. Apart from the "top ten song" awards there was also a "most popular Chinese song" award. George Lam and Teresa Carpio are soon to be holding concerts, and they were invited as guest performers. The night's winners included Hacken Lee's "Prince Princess", Twins' "Loving for 6 Years", Kenny B's "Everyday is a Good Day", Stephy Tang's "Lightbulb", Alex Fong's "Big Little Heart", Ivana Wong's "Picture Meaning", Grasshoppers' "forever", AT17's "Same Soung Same Air", Kay Tse's "New Problems Arising", Eason Chan's "Under Mount Fuji", Denise Ho's and Juno's "The 3rd Person (love triangle)", and Stefanie Sun's "What I Miss" took home the most popular Chinese song award. Earlier there were reports that Hacken's wife was pregnant and that he was taking half a year off work to be with his wife. When asked if he was expecting a baby soon he joked that the baby would be born in June or July. Of course he was calling his new album his baby, as making an album was comparable to giving birth. The pregnant Kay Tse attended to accept her award, but did not perform. Kay was very happy about being a mum soon. And because after her album, she has been promoting a lot less due to the baby, she thanked everyone for their support in giving her the award.

http://www.tungstar.com/hotspot_bag.do?bagId=40145&cateId=0

MEDIA SPECIAL - hacken @ jsg first quarter awards 28/4/07

He looks really, really, really happy... =P

Hacken Lee and Joey Yung the king and queen of album sales

IFPI and RTHK jointly hosted the IFPI Hong Kong top sales music award 2006 award ceremony 2 nights ago, showcasing the importance of "give music life". Hacken Lee and Joey Yung received 5 and 4 awards respectively, and became the years highest selling male and female singers. Eason Chan and Jay Chow each received 3 awards. Sammi Cheng's compilation "Sammi Ultimate Collection" received one award, but Sammi was not present to receive it.

Of the 10 highest selling albums, 6 were concert recordings. All singers realise that there is less likely to be illegal downloading and pirating of live recordings. The two "Concert Halls" led Hacken to be the big winner, although he says such good results may not continuously happen again in the future. He smiles without pressure as it's not the first time he has received this award. How can he improve? He indicates he will not alter his high definition recordings, but will find another way to improve his performances: "Not every singer will find high definition appropriate, but if any singer wants to release high definition CDs, they are welcome to ask for my advice."

There was a slight hiccup in Hacken's performance on the night. During his performance, fireworks were set off on stage and the smoke they left behind almost choked him. He was almost at the point where he couldn't continue singing. He said "Next time I'll request that they don't set of fireworks on stage. If they like they can set it off 10 storeys above me and it won't affect my singing. (Are you continuing your contract with Universal?) It's pretty much certain. Hopefully when my boss hears the news that I've received these awards, he'll give me a rise as a lucky start."

http://www.singpao.com/20070324/gossip/908092.html

http://www.singtao.com/yesterday/ent/0324fo01.html

http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/p/2007-03-23/13481490499.html

http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/p/2007-03-23/13481490500.html

IFPI highest album sales 2006 award ceremony

The IFPI Hong Kong sales award 2006 was held tonight at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. The sales awards were already publicly announced and of them, two of the highest HK sales (male and female) were won by Hacken Lee and Joey Yung. Of the top ten artists, apart from Hacken and Joey there was also Leo Koo, Denise Ho, Grasshoppers, Justin Lo, Kelly Chan, Fiona Sit and Eason Chan. For the highest Cantonese albums sales, Eason's "Get a Life" won. The other in top ten included, Leo's "Human", Hacken's "Live in Concert 2006", Hacken's "Concert Hall", Hacken's "Concert Hall 2", Joey's "Reflection of Joey Life 2005", Joey's "One Life One Love Concert", Grasshopper's "Our Grasshopper 2005 Live Concert", Justin's "One Good Show", Eason's "Get a Life" and Sammi's "Ultimate Collection". Of the top ten highest selling Cantonese albums, Hacken has a total of 3 albums, definately living up to his name of "album sales king". He is sale's best guarantee. Last night, there was also the high selling Mandarin albums being awarded. The highest selling was Jay's "Still Fantasy". Japan's famous Hideki Saijo was the night's guest performer and award presenter. He performed splendidly and also let the ceremony reach a high.

Guests also included the Legislative Councillor, Timothy Fok and international pianist, Li Yundi. Other singers present were George Lam, Teresa Carpio, Fen Nei, Alec Su, etc. Japan's big star Hideki Saijo was also invited and received two awards: Japan's popular music cultural exchange contribution award and Japan's popular music cultural exchange award. During the ceremony, Hacken was the biggest winner with 5 awards: 3 Cantonese high selling awards, a HK high selling award, and a highest selling male singer award. Hacken was surprised by the nights results. He laughed "Tonight was really a bumper crop!"

As for the girls, Joey took the lead with 4 awards: 2 Cantonese high selling awards, a HK high selling award, and a highest selling female singer award. Joey was satisfied with her results for the year but said that she will continuing working so that each year will be better than the last. Joey also praised the Music Fair exhibition for giving the music world a new chance at revival. Unlike a few years ago, fans are no longer chasing after idol singers, Joey is pleased to see that in these few years, the music world is being filled with more singers with talent. Twins didn't go home empty handed either. Of the ten high selling Mandarin albums, Twin's "" was the only HK album. When Twins were backstage to accept an interview, something happened that alarmed the entire backstage. While Gillian was answering questions, Ah Sa suddenly slid off her chair sacring Gillian and causing her to scream. Ah Sa was close to crying and the entire scene was awkward.

Japan star Hideki Saijo is close to 60 but still charismatic. By raising a hand or taking a step, he fulfils his great star status. Hideki Saijo also noticed that Hong Kong's music world has had an increase in talent in new singers. They have definately improved since the last time he saw them. He also praised Eason and when Eason heard he was so happy he couldn't speak. He would have never thought that a senior would praise him so. The hopefuls Vincy and Hins were the winning newcomers. The two newcomers may save Hong Kong's music industry. Their beautiful voices and musical talent has already moved many of Hong Kong's hearts. Watching them on stage singing "wind blows a while" in Chinese and Japanese, the audience were captived completely. They definately earned their award. Alec has had a change of image, deciding to present with a mature look. He said "I'm no longer that young, I have to dress a little more maturely."

http://www.tungstar.com/hotspot_bag.do?bagId=38272&cateId=0

http://www.tungstar.com/hotspot_bag.do?bagId=38251&cateId=0

Music Fair opening ceremony, the industry finds opportunity

The 2nd "Hong Kong Music Fair" held its opening ceremony yesterday. Honoured guests included the Home Affairs Bureau chief, Patrick Ho, the People's Republic of China cultural market vice director, Cheung Sun Kin, the Legislative Councillor, Timothy Fok, the Hong Kong trade development council assistant president, Raymond Yip, the RTHK broadcasting assistant director, Tai Kin Man, the IFPI (HK) president, Hong Dy and the HK Music Fair committee president Ng Yu. Singers included Hacken Lee, Leo Koo, Joey Yung, Eason Chan, Fiona Sit, Hins Cheung and Twins.

For 3 consecutive days, the Hong Kong Music Fair will help the industry develop opportunity and the "Hong Kong film and arts creativity and power exhibition" is open to the public, displaying a large number of memorable exhibits.

The exhibition focuses on popular music, television, film, Cantonese opera and theatre. In the exhibition, costumes from Anita Mui', Sam Hui's and other singer's performances are on display. There's also Wong Ka Kui's guitar, Yam Pak's classic records and Danny Chan's "these tears flow for you" music sheets.

After attending the opening ceremony, Eason also took time to look through the exhibition. However, he did not give anything to be placed in the exhibition. He said "The things I say are pointless, my clothes are wrinkled, and I really don't know what I could give. Perhaps I can take out my liver and let everyone examine why I've got such a voice. (Apart from organs, anything else?) My face isn't handsome, only the insides are the best looking."

Over 10 singers were invited to record for the Music Fair's "Classic songs and great stars together" limited AVCD. Songs include memorable productions of great singers of Hong Kong's past. It pays tribute to the musical world, and these old classics are rebroadcasted. Some of the singers that have taken part have taken to the stage to express their feelings and everyone felt honoured. Hacken sang Anita's "these years like water" and felt that resinging someone else's song isn't easy. Like they say, the real thing is already there (referring to past singers already making the classics their own song, showing it's hard to replicate). He believed the other singers would feel the same way. Everyone wished to put something of themselves into each song but each of these classic songs have already left an impression on everyone. There was no way to not have Anita's shadow and so Hacken, along with Anita's shadow, sang the song.

Leo sang Danny's "picking stars" and felt very excited. That song was one of the first songs back then to advocate quitting drugs. And coincidentally, Leo has been recently given the responsibility of being an anti-drug spokesperson. The feeling was very special. After the opening ceremony, Leo had to rush to Guangzhou to make real money. He didn't have time to view the exhibition.


http://paper.wenweipo.com/2007/03/22/EN0703220001.htm

Andy Lau, Eason Chan and Hacken Lee Welcome in the New Pig Year

(photo: Hacken and Eason giving Andy red packets)

(photo: Hacken, Andy and Eason lion dancing)

Music world's big idols Andy Lau, Eason Chan and Hacken Lee lion danced today, the first day of the Chinese New Year. They wished everyone a happy year and even hoped that all goes well for the magazine Oriental Daily (that did this interview). Both the married Eason and Hacken tried to get in first, trying to hand out red packets to Andy.

When it comes to singing, Andy, Eason and Hacken are right at home, but who knew that even with lion dancing they can be just as entertaining. Andy became the "big boss" ordering Eason and Hacken to lift up the lions head and give a lively performance.

Then Eason and Hacken became "the most popular fortune deity" (a play on the title of "the most popular male singer") giving Andy red packets. Andy first wished Hacken "I wish you a whole line of boys. I hope that you'll be father to a litte "Hacken" that is a beautiful and intelligent as Emily Lo." before wishing Eason "I hope on the road of music you will become more brilliant and popular.". Hacken and Eason both wished Andy "will find and wife soon and father some kids so that you can formally give out red packets" in unison. The three men chatted and joked with one another and it seems like the music world this year will be more prosperous than before.

http://orientaldaily.on.cc/ent/ent_a1.html