Post by nicolelim on Mar 3, 2006 16:56:48 GMT 8
The Malay mail write-ups
IN just a few months, Justin Lo has tasted fame and the price of fame.
Lo, who started as a composer and producer, released his debut self-titled album end of last year and took the Hong Kong music industry by storm. He won more than 20 music awards and swept the Best New Artiste Gold Title in all the major year-end music awards.
At the same time, he had never been subjected to more rumours and scrutiny. Shortly after news that linked him with a young actress, Lam Yuen, the Hong Kong paparazzi started tailing him and subsequently photographs of his balding, M-shape forehead were splashed on the covers of magazines.
They said that was the reason why Lo is always seen with a cap – to cover his bald forehead.
No wonder Lo seemed surprised at how ‘tame’ the Malaysian media was when a press conference was held in Kuala Lumpur recently. Ku was here as the guest artiste of the Leo Ku and Miriam Yeung Malaysia CNY Concert 06.
“Any paparazzi around?” he asked half jokingly, in a cheery mood.
He greeted the media saying “apa khabar?” and then tried hard to enunciate the next sentence, which was: “perempuan sini sangat cantik!”
When asked how he felt, Lo said he was very happy doing the things he liked to do.
“Though it’s tough, I find that being a singer is harder than doing music behind the scenes,” he said.
His greatest gain in the last year was that he could release an album, while his greatest loss was the ‘loss of freedom’.
Lo admitted that love had always been his inspiration, as he wrote many songs when he was in love. But now, he feels there’s a dilemma because he doesn’t know whether he should disclose his love life to the world.
And though he has been the subject of many rumours, he’s not bitter about it.
“I’m actually quite nice to the paparazzi. I would even treat them to a meal. I think it helps to be nice to them. Like they say: ‘Be nice to your enemy’,” he laughed.
Speaking of his less than flattering photos in the magazines, he said he received more SMS-es when those photos were published than when he won awards. Though he does not see what the hoo-ha is about, he’s thankful of the support of his many friends.
As to his cap-wearing habit, he doesn’t think it’s even an issue.
“I’ll take all this with a pinch of salt,” he said. “I’m a musician, I won’t allow myself to be sucked into such publicity.”
But he reckons that there’s a price to pay for everything. Especially when something good is happening. And this ‘philosophy’ of his will be the topic of his new song.
Lo said this time round, there would be fast songs in his new album which is going to be released middle of this month.
On how he rates his first album, he said he would give it 70 out of 100. “It’s impossible to be perfect. If you say that my music is perfect now, what’s going to happen to the next album?” he asked.
As the sales of and response to the debut album were so good, does he feel the pressure to measure up for the next album?
“No. The pressure is on my company. As long as my music can touch the same fans, I’ll be happy.”
Lo is scoring another first when he holds his debut concert Justin One Good Show on March 26 at the Hong Kong Coliseum. The show was sold out in a day and two more shows themed Justin Two Good Shows have been added on April 19 -20. Tickets for both dates were also sold out within a few hours.
Lo said he was not planning to be in front of the scenes all year round. He hopes that for three months in a year, he gets to work behind the scenes.
“I have a passion for helping others in their music and to work in studio,” he said. “When I compose a song for another singer, I feel there’s a special chemistry there. Because if I only write for myself to sing, it’s always the same voice.”
In the long run, Lo aspires to be a successful producer.
He doesn’t want to get complacent and admits he has high expectations when making music.
So, what about girlfriends?
“No, my expectations aren’t that high as compared to some of my friends,” he revealed.
If you’ve heard Lo sing, you’ll agree that he’s talented – vocally and musically. The humble Lo, however, owes his success more to good luck than anything else.
“I feel very blessed. I remind myself everyday that I’m so blessed and lucky,” he said. “Of what I’ve achieved today, 80 per cent is due to good luck, 10 per cent hard work, and 10 per cent talent.”
Lo, who was on his first visit here, added he was very impressed with the media’ s positive attitude, and the sunny and cheery people might inspire him to write a new song.
Just to ensure he’ s not too obsessed with music, Lo, in his spare time, plays basketball with fellow singers Alex Fong and snooker with Leo Ku.