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fayewonglibrary · 2 months

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Faye Wong is "cold to the end" in Chongqing (2001)

From noon to 10:30pm, reporters waited for half a day before they finally got a 10-minute interview with Faye Wong at a press conference held in Chongqing late last night. Faye Wong once again made dozens of media outlets from Sichuan and Chongqing acknowledge her "big name" style.

At the beginning of the press conference, a reporter asked Faye Wong why she ignored reporters at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport? Faye Wong looked confused and said: "I didn't know what was going on. I was also waiting for reporters at the airport to interview me!"

The next questions were slightly milder. Regarding fashion and trends, Faye Wong answered simply and said that she has no idea what "cool" is. The topic turned to the concert on the evening of the 23rd. The reporters thought that a "mystery guest" would be revealed. Unexpectedly, Faye Wong said: "There is no mystery guest."

Reporters kept asking her to talk about her impressions and feelings about Chongqing. Her answer was also vague. Finally, a reporter from Chengdu started to drop "bombs": "How do you evaluate Chang Chen's acting skills and what do you think of him openly expressing his affection for you?" Although Faye Wong and Chang Chen worked together in Wong Kar-Wai's "2046", she acted as if she was suffering from "amnesia" and said: "I haven't seen his acting in any dramas before and I didn't act opposite him in "2046" either, so I can't comment on his acting skills." Regarding the second question, she pretended she didn't hear it, so she didn't answer.

Does Faye Wong turn a blind eye to all kinds of news about her on the Internet? Faye Wong's answer was very direct: "I rarely ever go online. I don't see these comments at all and it has no impact on my mood."

The press conference was coming to an end and everyone was told that there was only an opportunity for three more questions. Regarding her latest projects, Faye Wong said: "I went to Japan to film a TV series at the invitation of a friend in April. The character was written for me. The story is about a Chinese woman who goes to Japan to study."

Faye Wong was dressed very strangely last night. She wore a thick wool hat on her head but a short-sleeved T-shirt . I don't know whether she was cold or hot, but she never took off her big brown sunglasses, which gave people a cold feeling. When a reporter asked her what she likes to wear, she coolly replied: "It depends on my mood."

It is reported that the tickets for Faye Wong's Chongqing concert are expensive and the sales are not ideal. I wonder what kind of "Faye" feeling she will bring to everyone?

(Reporter Wu Deyu and intern reporter Pang Yourui)

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SOURCE: TIANFU MORNING NEWS // TRANSLATED BY: FAYE WONG FUZAO

#2001

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fayewonglibrary · 3 months

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Idol Crush: I Love Faye Wong (2022)

by Gong Xinyi

While writing this article, I turned on a playlist of Faye Wong's songs to immerse myself in the music and draw inspiration. After two songs played, this strategy failed. Because within two seconds of the intro playing, I knew what song it was. If this was a variety show, I would've rung a bell to answer the question and say the correct song title. And then I sang along to the entire song and was completely unable to concentrate. I am knowledgeable with my idol's Mandarin, Cantonese, English and Japanese songs, and at best just doing my duty as a fan.

What makes her precious is that she doesn’t deliberately please the masses.

When I was in junior high school, I was warned by the dean of students about cutting my hair too short. I had discovered a female singer with a crew cut. In contrast with her appearance, when she sang, her voice was very soft. The title song of her first Mandarin album, "I'm Willing", was a big lyrical mainstream hit. But I was more attracted to "Cold War", which had a song structure that was rare at the time and the chorus was stacked with harmonies. I especially liked the Cantonese version. "Cold War" was pronounced like "Blue Whale". It was the first Cantonese song I memorized. I later found out that it was a cover song.

In the era when the Internet still required dial-up and waiting, I saved pocket money just to buy authentic cassette tapes. I mainly relied on newspapers, television and radio broadcasts as a source of information. I was introduced to foreign artists Tori Amos, The Cranberries, Cocteau Twins, and Miyuki Nakajima because of Faye Wong’s early covers. She took me to new worlds beyond Mandarin pop songs.

"I hate being a star but wish to attract attention." ("Exit" 1994)

Some people are so talented that they can perfect their skills through training. But it's hard to learn the qualities of a star. Faye Wong has attracted attention since she was a child. People who are adored have experienced this for a long time. However, she is precious because she does not deliberately please the masses. She is considered difficult to interview and her performance in variety shows is poor. She never had intention of improving. Her concerts never have encores. Yet, Faye fans love her authenticity.

Life is like dust coming and going

Her career as an artist has not been smooth. Faye Wong reached the top by leaving and returning, by destroying and building up her career. After breaking away from emotional love songs and gaining control over her style, she used an open mind to absorb professional opinions from all sides, and created innovations in everything from song selection, production team, to styling. Every time she released an album, it became a topic of discussion.

From "Sing and Play" to the epic "Fable" which included self-composed music, Faye Wong and Lin Xi's collaborations created countless classics. In an interview, they were once asked how they made the lyrics and music fit together so well. Lin Xi said that Faye Wong believed the songs she composed were all quite fashionable, and he thought: "Since you are so confident, then I will write freely." So, the two of them without any baggage used words and music to sing about Buddhism, philosophy, and literature, subverting the inertia of the Chinese music industry.

In several songs that Faye Wong wrote her own lyrics, she sometimes reveals her persistence and transparency, which paradoxically and mysteriously predicted her later life situations. Every September, I think about what she sang in "Fuzao": "In September, it's dull and boring. Everything is fine, only lacking worries." What does "everything is fine, only lacking worries" feel like? Was it just because she was passionately in love at the time? As a middle-aged person, she recounted and sang: "There was a time when I only looked in the darkness and I once shined brightly on a diamond. This is how a speck of dust lives in the world." ("Dust" 2016) Life in this world is like dust coming and going. Just borrowing a body to be reincarnated. She who studies Buddhism will not fail to understand.

I remember how beautiful Faye was when she was young. In "Chungking Express", she just swayed to the music and won the Best Actress Award at the Stockholm Film Festival. There are reports that she had rejuvenation injections in middle age. Judging from her current condition, the effect is quite good. When her voice was at its peak, she could sing the span of thirteen notes at will. Her voice could stretch and contract freely as if she had eaten the devil's fruit. Even if she sang a wrong note at the Nippon Budokan, the audience would still cheer for her. But when she held an online concert a few years ago, fans were almost sweating [nervously] in front of their computers for the entire time. When someone else wins the Golden Melody Award, they are moved to tears. Whereas she walked up to the stage to accept the award and the first thing she did was affirm the judges: "I can sing, this I know. And I give full recognition to the Golden Melody Award judges for the recognition they have given to me…"

From golden hits that dominated the music industry and a self-composed album, to only singing movie theme songs, Buddhist songs, and commercial songs in recent years, there has been a change in her voice and it seems that she relies on technology to sound close to perfect. "These years and youth are passing but there is still a different world." ("To Youth" 2013) Regardless, she is still the same heavenly queen who dares to love persistently with no regrets.

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SOURCE: UDN // TRANSLATED BY: FAYE WONG FUZAO

#2022

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fayewonglibrary · 3 months

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Faye Wong departed Beijing for Hangzhou. She only has requirements for herself (2004)

Faye Wong is the superstar who makes fans feel both fondness and distress. However, she changed her cold attitude this year and showed unprecedented enthusiasm at her concerts in Xi'an and Beijing. After her "Faye Extraordinary" concert in Beijing, Faye Wong's next stop will be Hangzhou. On September 30th, Hangzhou Huanglong Sports Center will be the site of her 2004 "Faye Extraordinary" Hangzhou Concert. How many surprises will Faye Wong bring to everyone this time? A few days ago, a reporter interviewed Faye Wong, who had just finished the concert in Beijing. Faye, who says very little, said with a smile that she was in good condition during this tour.

My performance was not bad

Faye Wong, who is in her 30s, still has clear eyes. Maybe it was because the concert went very well. Faye Wong, who always has a cool expression, also smiled widely during the interview.

However, her straightforward character has not changed. When answering questions about the Beijing concert that just ended on August 28th, she smiled and said frankly: "There were a lot of spectators, the attendance was very high, and my performance was not bad, I guess. There are regrets in every performance. There were some problems with the earphones this time, but I felt that I was in good condition and could continue to sing..."

She was so happy that she was even a little shy: "I felt a little nervous because I was holding a concert in Beijing."

Let the fans shout out

During Faye Wong's concert, what worries the promoters the most is the lack of interaction between her and her fans. However, Faye Wong has her own opinion: "I have no requirements for the fans. They should express their feelings in any way they want. I don't have requirements for them, I can only have requirements for myself. At the concert, they should be able to shout and also not to shout."

Faye Wong, who is in good condition recently, even said frankly that "there is direct interaction" during concerts and fan meetings, because "normally fans just listen to records, but when on the spot, they will have a different feeling and experience."

"It can be said that I am more active during this tour. Compared with the last "Scenic Tour", this time it is easier for me to get into it and find some feelings. I don't know why." As if she is attempting interactions for the first time, Faye Wong tilted her head and said with a smile, "I think this might be more fun."

Songs that the audience likes and songs that I like

Speaking of the upcoming concert in Hangzhou, Faye Wong also showed a very rare expression. "I didn't expect to choose Hangzhou to hold a concert," but when talking about Hangzhou, Faye Wong was still a little excited. "I've been to Hangzhou twice and the impression was very good. It's very beautiful."

"The style of the Hangzhou concert is roughly the same as the Beijing concert, except that the stage lighting and other changes will vary depending on the venue." Faye Wong also said that the songs she sang were selected together with the producer. "It's relatively quite comprehensive. What the audience likes and what I like will be taken into consideration.”

Actually, I'm just luckier

Such an easy-going Faye Wong gives people a new definition of her coolness. When it comes to this Faye Wong is very relaxed: "I'm not worried about being called arrogant, just let them say whatever they want."

Although she is a diva-level singer, Faye Wong said that everyone has to go through some learning stages, because "everyone has to go through a stage from the beginning to finding their own style. But I am the type that goes with the flow… I am not better than others, and I am no different from others. I do whatever I want. The main thing is that I have better luck."

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SOURCE: HANGZHOU NET // TRANSLATED BY: FAYE WONG FUZAO

#2004

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fayewonglibrary · 4 months

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Faye's Way (2000)

- excerpts / interview questions summarized -

In My Own Way

In my impression, Faye Wong is a person who lives a pretty whimsical life and is not bound by fame or image. To outsiders, it may seem like she just does what she wants, which can also be said to be strong-willed, just like the lyrics she wrote for "No Regrets" a long time ago.

But looking at it from another perspective, if you have the ability and courage, then you will have more leverage to do whatever you want. Don’t most people spend their whole lives trying to achieve this?

In this interview, I hope I can show you this wonderful thing. Here are some general questions and some unusual answers from Faye Wong. Q: What are your thoughts on dressing up? What is your favorite brand? Any thoughts on this season's designs? FAYE: I don’t have much insight on dressing up. My favorite brands change often. Maybe this designer does a good job this season but won’t look good next season. Anyway, it always changes. I don’t pay attention to what are must-buys and there's nothing considered a must-buy. Q: Do you have any tips on skincare?

FAYE: I don’t have any tips.

(I didn't ask Faye Wong how she feels about the paparazzi. Maybe she doesn't think it's worth mentioning now. But I think she must still feel their pressure, otherwise she wouldn't have chosen Paris as a travel destination.) Q: Favorite travel destination?

FAYE: Paris! Q: Why?

FAYE: Because of the atmosphere of the entire city. It's not because of any romantic feeling, but the informal atmosphere. It's not so serious or formal there.

(We cannot only say that Faye Wong is strong-willed and open-minded. In fact, she has a traditional side, otherwise she would not have gotten married and had children. It's just that she's more daring, so of course it's fine if everyone accepts it, and it doesn't matter if they don't, that's all.)

Q: What are your views on Hong Kong society? Is it conservative or not?

FAYE: You can't compare Hong Kong with foreign countries. The culture is different. After all, Chinese customs and moral standards are different. On the contrary, I don't mind the question of whether it's conservative or not. Many traditional virtues are preserved here. The problem is that many people look at things too superficially and the ability of acceptance is not high. They cannot tolerate many things and cannot accept others doing things that they are reluctant to do or cannot do. In fact, many things are personal preferences, so they make a fuss over nothing. When the image of me smoking was published in newspapers, I didn't think there was anything wrong with it. I've always shown my truest side to others! How was it teaching bad behavior? I'm not a role model. It's a bit funny to discuss these things. In short, I didn’t deliberately let reporters take photos of me smoking and I didn’t tell everyone that smoking is a good thing.

(She said this with a smile on her face, so she really is unbothered.)

Q: Are you a person who never looks back?

FAYE: Of course everyone likes to reminisce sometimes and will reflect on themselves. But for myself, what matters most to me is the present. It's not that I don't reminisce, I just don't indulge in it, including people and things.

Q: So what will happen in the future?

FAYE: I'm not a person with long-term plans. I don't know how to plan. It’s useless.

Q: Views on being an independent woman?

FAYE: I'm not shrewd. The so-called shrewdness probably means being smart and quick-thinking. That's not true of me, especially when it comes to money. I'm clueless. But whether it is a man or a woman, in today's world, the most important thing is to be mentally independent, in addition to being financially independent. In fact, financial independence is secondary, but mentally you cannot rely on outside people and things.

(Today's Faye Wong is definitely financially independent. )

Q: For mental satisfaction, if life were a glass of water which of the following are you? A full glass of water (very satisfied), a glass half-full (ups and downs), or an empty glass (dissatisfied).

FAYE: A glass of water being poured.

(Still not satisfied? Before the interview, I knew that she would not talk too much about her feelings. In order to satisfy everyone's curiosity, I conducted a psychological test with her that has become very popular recently.)

Q: Suppose you want to go to your boyfriend’s house. There are two roads. One is plain but shorter. The other one is more scenic but the distance is longer. Which will you choose? FAYE: The longer way. (Meaning: It takes you a long time to observe before you invest in a relationship. Selecting the shortcut means falling in love easily.) Q: When you get to his house, will you ask his parents to call him or will you go directly into his room? FAYE: Just call him out [myself]. (Meaning: When you are in a relationship, you will face difficulties directly and find ways to solve them as soon as possible. Having his parents call him means that you prefer to avoid conflict.) Q: If your boyfriend is not in the room and you want to leave a bouquet of roses you brought for him, do you place them by his pillow or by the window? FAYE: I don't like roses very much. If I bring flowers, they will be placed next to the pillow. (Meaning: This expresses the desire to see your lover day and night. Putting it by the window means it’s okay to meet infrequently.) Q: Do you think the roses are all red, all white, or a mixture, such as one-third is white and two-thirds red? FAYE: I don’t like red roses, so white roses!

(Meaning: Red roses represent how much you are willing to give for your relationship, while white roses represent expectations. Choosing all white roses means that you expect to gain more.) Q: You spend the night in the guest room of your boyfriend’s house. The next day when you walk into your boyfriend’s room, will you find him still asleep or has he gotten up and groomed himself? FAYE: Still asleep. (Meaning: You can accept your boyfriend's true side. If you imagine that he has woken up, then you have hope that the other person will change himself for you.) Q: When you leave your boyfriend’s house, will you choose the longer road with more scenery or the shorter plainer way? FAYE: Short way.

(Meaning: When a relationship ends, you will be able to leave quickly. Choosing the long road means you will heal slowly.)

POSTSCRIPT

During this interview, the answer that appeared most often was "I don't know." I asked her if she would want to become Faye Wong again. Her answer was the same: "I don't know, is there a choice?" ——————————————————————

SOURCE: JESSICA MAGAZINE HONG KONG // TRANSLATED BY: FAYE WONG FUZAO

#2000

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fayewonglibrary · 4 months

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Faye Wong's Christmas "Faye Extraordinary" kicks off year-end solo concert in Hong Kong (2003)

"Faye Extraordinary Concert 2003" was officially announced yesterday and will be held at the Hong Kong Coliseum from December 20th to 27th. It will also kick off Faye Wong's world tour. Faye Wong, who has not held a concert in Hong Kong in 5 years, will sing a number of classic hits.

Content: Nostalgia-oriented fans can request songs

Faye Wong's manager Katie Chan revealed on the phone: "Ah Fei has not held a concert in Hong Kong for five years and she didn't have a chance to sing many of her songs in previous concerts, many of which she loved, so we also decided to focus on old songs for this concert. However, Ah Fei has so many old songs, so we decided to let the fans vote for the songs that they most want to hear. Ah Fei will sing more than 30 different songs every night to try to give you a fresh feeling!”

Styling: Will match the Christmas atmosphere

As for how many looks Ah Fei will have in the concert? Katie Chan said: "It hasn't been decided yet, but because Ah Fei's concert will be held during Christmas-season, her looks will match the Christmas atmosphere. The concert promotional poster you saw today is also full of Christmas elements. The atmosphere is great and Ah Fei likes this look too.”

Box office: Very optimistic, will consider adding additional shows

Katie Chan expressed great confidence in the ticket sales for Ah Fei's concert. She said: "We only published the advertisement yesterday, but fans from France, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and the Mainland have already called to book tickets. They all hope to sit closer to Ah Fei and we will arrange for overseas fans to sit together. So we are very optimistic about the ticket sales of the concert and if the response is good, we will also consider adding another venue."

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SOURCE: SOUTHERN METROPOLIS DAILY // TRANSLATED BY: FAYE WONG FUZAO

#2003

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fayewonglibrary · 7 months

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Asian celebrities owning the quiet luxury trend (2023)

Faye Wong is one of Hong Kong’s biggest Cantopop queens.

Hong Kong Cantopop queen Faye Wong is known for having some of the most experimental and unconventional outfits throughout her very successful career. The pop diva even became director Wong Kar-wai’s muse and starred in his cult classic film Chungking Express in 1994.

These days, Wong seems to have exchanged her bold wardrobe for the quiet luxury aesthetic, opting for more structured and polished pieces.

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SOURCE: SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST

#2023

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fayewonglibrary · 7 months

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5 most powerful Hong Kong celebrity mother-daughter duos (2023)

Faye Wong and Leah Dou

While Faye Wong, 53, is highly lauded for starring in Wong Kar-wai’s films such as the Chungking Express and 2046, it is her highly successful 30-year-plus career as a singer that earned her the title of Hong Kong’s diva. She even held the Guinness World Record title of “bestselling Cantopop female singer” in 2000 with cumulative record sales in the millions.

With the voice of a nightingale, a strong sense of individuality in her style and her artistic flair, Wong is a legend of sorts. And now this description is now befitting to both Wong and her daughter Leah Dou.

Like her mother, Dou, who is 26, is also a singer-songwriter already making a big name for herself in the industry. In 2021, she even ventured into acting with her first lead role in the film Bipolar.

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SOURCE: SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST

#2023

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fayewonglibrary · 7 months

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Faye Wong pays tribute to Alan Tam (1999)

The "Tribute to Alan Tam" album not only includes singers from Universal and its sister companies Go East and Cinepoly but also invited singers such as Faye Wong who is now with EMI, Grasshopper who is now with Rock Records, Kenny Bee and Anthony Chan of The Wynners, and members of Tai Chi, etc. to pay tribute to Principal Tam.

It is reported that Faye Wong personally selected the song "I Love Freckles" to cover and has completed recording her part. We called Faye Wong's manager Katie Chan for confirmation and she said:

"Ah Fei chose this song herself and she has already recorded it."

(Will this cause any conflict for Faye to record songs for her old record company?)

"No, this is a friendly collaboration. Both record companies (Universal and EMI) said there will be no problems."

(What about compensation?)

"I don't want to discuss this!” ——————————————————————

SOURCE: THE SUN HK // TRANSLATED BY: FAYE WONG FUZAO

#1999

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fayewonglibrary · 7 months

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FETICO 2024 S/S COLLECTION (2023)

A womenswear collection inspired by Faye Wong

Many Japanese fashion designers have a deep affection for Wong Kar Wai's films. In the past, the brand THREE BLIND MICE made menswear collections inspired by the film "Fallen Angels". As for the womenswear brand - FETICO, which was established in 2020, the designer Emi Funayama was inspired by Faye Wong's avant-garde styles in the 1990s while creating the FETICO 2024 Spring/Summer collection.

In Japan, RAKUTEN FASHION WEEK TOKYO is in full swing, and FETICO, which has always advocated the liberation and freedom of women's clothing, showcased a series of designs that Hong Kong people are familiar with at their show. This time, the designer Emi Funayama specially cited Faye Wong’s avant-garde styles from the 1990s as a concept, including the classic transparent dress and ultra-long sleeves that were more avant-garde than VETEMENTS. Faye Wong turned into the creative muse for her spring and summer collection. For us middle-aged men and women who grew up in the 1990s, it is undoubtedly a collective memory!

SOURCE: MILK MAGAZINE // TRANSLATED BY: FAYE WONG FUZAO

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Funayama took the Hong Kong actress Faye Wong as her muse and put her in those spaces: “I created the collection while imagining various scenes of her traveling, spending time at the hotel, or on stage,” she said backstage after the show.

SOURCE: VOGUE

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Beloved Hong Kong superstar and glamorous '90s fashion icon Faye Wong, a.k.a. "Queen of Canto-pop," was the muse for FETICO's SS24 collection. Tokyo-based designer Emi Funayama named the collection "Do Not Disturb," which makes sense when learning that an additional influence for this season was French provocateur Sophie Calle's 1981 art book, The Hotel, a series of voyeuristic photographs of untidy hotel rooms that she shot while working as a chambermaid in Italy.

As for FETICO's cinematic and thrilling runway show? It oozed sophisticated sexiness. Models strutted out in a va-va-voom variety of boudoir-chic numbers–many of which gave us Madonna "Justify My Love" music video vibes and all of which were fit for a femme fatale–as well as floor-sweeping lace-knit dresses, fashion-week-fête-friendly duds, and pajama-style shirt and pant sets with hotel wallpaper-inspired peony prints. If you're a fan of the timeless wearing-underwear-as-outerwear trend, then this collection is for you. And don't get us started on the "It" brand's exquisite accessorizing, from the clogs that glittered with studs and rhinestones to the impossibly hip Faye Wong-esque oval-shaped shades (made in collaboration with Japanese eyewear brand 817 BLANC LNT) that made us need to immediately rewatch Chungking Express.

SOURCE: HYPEBAE

#2023

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fayewonglibrary · 7 months

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Wang Xiaofeng - Interview (2010)

Wang Xiaofeng is a well-known music critic and senior magazine editor.

*****

Phoenix Entertainment: What are your expectations for Faye Wong’s comeback tour? Will you go see her concert?

Wang Xiaofeng: As a media professional, I will pay attention to it from the perspective of a news event.

Phoenix Entertainment: Why do you think it’s so difficult to get a ticket for this concert? Do you think her comeback is a pure musical act or is it a “cash grab”?

Wang Xiaofeng: The laws of the market need those who are popular. To a majority of the audience, she is an emotional investment. However, in this current music environment, Faye Wong will not return to her prime and this comeback cannot be considered as a continuation of her career. A "cash grab" can only be taken with strength, which is necessary for the development of a commercial society.

Phoenix Entertainment: In your article "Who Made Faye Wong", you said: "Faye Wong cannot be replicated." What do you think made Faye Wong? The opportunities of the times or personal characteristics? How much did each account for?

Wang Xiaofeng: She has the background of being born and raised in Beijing and she made her debut in Hong Kong. She had a relatively complete platform and she obtained unique development opportunities. Everyone else had the same environment and opportunities, but why were her results different in the end? Every time she made a judgment and decision, she was more on point, and those choices made Faye Wong today.

Phoenix Entertainment: Do you think Faye Wong is deified by the masses and media? Have you been in contact with the real Faye Wong?

Wang Xiaofeng: The so-called "deification" is a product of the media and society. The public also needs such an idol to project their ideals. But Faye Wong is also an ordinary person and she has been over-analyzed.

Phoenix Entertainment: Faye Wong has a lot of two-sided things, such as music. Although influenced by Europe and the United States, she is at the forefront of Chinese music. Although her music is called alternative, it has never really deviated from the mainstream. For example, Beijing and Hong Kong are almost completely different. These opposite cities have left a deep mark on her, such as her personality. Sometimes she feels arrogant and glamorous (to the media and the public), sometimes she feels very kind or even humorous (on Weibo). Her life seems to be unpredictable and mysterious. But in fact, she often goes shopping and plays mahjong. Which one do you think is the real Faye Wong? How do you see this “dual nature”? Is the gap between the two Faye Wongs due to over-analysis or misunderstandings by the media and the public?

Wang Xiaofeng: People are multifaceted and contradictory. But only one side of her is magnified. She is constantly being analyzed and this depiction was formed over a long period of time. It is difficult to say how much is or is not the product of popular imagination or assumptions.

Some of her, whether it’s records or fashion, seem alternative and anti-commercial. But in fact they are not really anti-commercial, they are just a part of a marketing method and packaging effect. True anti-commercialism does not need to be in the name of rebellion, nor is it anti-business like Zuo Xiaozu. Real anti-commercialism doesn’t involve these things, they are no longer in this realm.

Phoenix Entertainment: The word “Faye Wong” is already a brand and no matter if it’s record companies, performance companies, fans or the media, they all benefit from it. In addition to her personal talent, Faye Wong’s success is inseparable from the company’s successful marketing of her. How do you evaluate Faye Wong’s “unique marketing approach”?

Wang Xiaofeng: She developed in the pop culture environment of Hong Kong and absorbed the nourishment of Beijing rock music, which made up for the lack of it in Hong Kong's pop music culture and formed a contrast with other Hong Kong artists. She is also very fashionable. She is a savvy person and can take advantage of it.

Phoenix Entertainment: Faye Wong finally returned to Beijing, both in music and life. Is it possible to say that no matter how far Faye Wong’s legend spread, her spirit will always belong to the city of Beijing?

Wang Xiaofeng: I don't think she is that way. The girls in Beijing are very casual, but she is very perceptive. Hong Kong gave her a big space for growth and broadened her horizons. She had the excellent resources of Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, and integrated European and American music into her own style. The development platform is still very important. If she stayed in Beijing, she may have been another Na Ying or Mao Amin.

Phoenix Entertainment: From a musical perspective, since Faye Wong’s debut, what is her biggest contribution to pop music? Will Faye Wong in the face of the changing music industry still create classics in the future?

Wang Xiaofeng: She formed a new puzzle from the same pattern. If someone used three pieces, she used seven pieces and it turned out different. It was impossible for her to escape from this [pop music industry] environment, but she still managed to be quality and creative. She took the singing of The Cranberries and styling of Bjork and combined it with the characteristics of her own voice to became more bold and avant-garde in style and truly achieved both internally and externally. Her choices fulfilled her personality and her personality also determined her choices. I always looked forward to what Faye Wong could create.

Phoenix Entertainment: Behind Faye Wong’s “infinite nostalgia”, does it also reflect the regression of the music industry?

Wang Xiaofeng: Any industry must have its own rules and concerts are just apart of the business. She chose to fade out during the record industry’s decline. Now it is impossible to make a record anymore, therefore this concert is a timely choice. Faye Wong ended an era. Her pioneering style is worth studying.

Phoenix Entertainment: As a special case of a pop idol, what is the biggest enlightenment that Faye Wong brings to the development of the pop music industry?

Wang Xiaofeng: Faye Wong’s achievements are uniquely endowed by nature. She has many important qualities - her personality, her music, and her fashion. She knew how to take influences from others and use them for herself. At first, she was influenced by Teresa Teng's style, but she also set her sights on the West, getting inspiration from Western pop musicians such as Tori Amos and Cocteau Twins, and used Western genres to express herself. In the mid to late 90s, her collaboration with mainland musicians such as Dou Wei and Zhang Yadong made Faye Wong unique and established her own style. Faye Wong and her behind-the-scenes team's pioneering creativity and style are all worthy of reference for other singers.

Phoenix Entertainment: From a cultural perspective, what kind of symbol do you think Faye Wong represents among Chinese people across the Taiwan Strait?

Wang Xiaofeng: It's hard to sum up in one or two sentences, it wouldn’t be objective.

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SOURCE: PHOENIX ENTERTAINMENT // TRANSLATED BY: FAYE WONG FUZAO

#2010

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fayewonglibrary · 7 months

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CRHK Radio Interview (2000)

(* SOME MINOR REVISIONS TO SPELLING / GRAMMAR / WORDING)

DJ: Actually it's quite rare that we get to talk to you face to face. Since you only release one album a year, we only get to see you during your promotional period. So Faye, what are your views on album promotions?

FAYE: Hmm… my view is that promoting is a part of my job. But I think for everything, there should be a limit. Don't need to do too much promotion.

DJ: Shouldn't be too deliberate, right?

FAYE: Yes.

DJ: What about some game shows where you need to go and "play" and be funny, and so on… Are those things you wouldn't like?

FAYE: Eh… it depends if the game is fun or not. I'm not totally against games, but some games are designed to deliberately make fun of people. I don't really like those. I can accept those that are fun. Also, it depends on who is in the game with me. Cause if I don't know anybody, maybe I won't feel relaxed.

DJ: It's like turning it into a job, right? FAYE: Yeah.

DJ: Ok, so in your last album "ONLY LOVE STRANGERS", it was mainly Mandarin songs plus a few Cantonese ones. Is this one going to be the same format?

FAYE: Yes, it will be the same.

DJ: 2 Cantonese songs? FAYE: Yes.

DJ: When will the new album be released?

FAYE: Mid to end of October.

DJ: Will there be a special theme?

FAYE: Theme? Eh... this album is called "FABLE." Because the whole album's lyrics are written by Lin Xi, the album title was also his idea. He thinks this album is like a book, especially the first five songs. I worked with Zhang Yadong on those songs… they have a cinematic feel. I think it has a movie soundtrack feel.

DJ: By saying 'worked with Zhang Yadong', does that mean you wrote the songs and he produced them?

FAYE: He arranged them and I wrote the melody.

DJ: Oh, all five of them? That makes up half of the album, right?

FAYE: Yes.

DJ: So who was responsible for the other half?

FAYE: Alvin [Leong]

DJ: So all the old work partners - Zhang Yadong, Alvin Leong, and Lin Xi. Faye, if you have been working with someone for a while, do you tend to continue working with them?

FAYE: Yes, if we work well together. I mean if we create some "new sparks" every time we work together, then we'll continue working together.

'POSTMAN' plays

DJ: Do you think one album a year is a good progress rate?

FAYE: Good? No, I don't think so. If there's a perfect rate, it would be no time limit. If I can use 10 years to make an album which I am very happy about, well, it's possible, but I can't do that. DJ: Because you're under contract?

FAYE: Yeah…

DJ: You don't like to be restricted by rules?

FAYE: Especially things that are related to producing music. It's not like producing a product from a factory. It needs inspiration and time. Inspiration doesn't come when you want it to.

DJ: You said just now there are five songs in the album that were written by you and arranged by Zhang YaDong. Under what circumstances were these songs written?

FAYE: Well... basically for the album, last year we started communicating and had this idea and started working.

DJ: Besides Zhang YaDong, Lin Xi is an "old working partner" too. Are you guys so familiar with each other that without much communication, he already guessed what you want?

FAYE: Hmm... usually when we work together, I won't give him any advice. I mean on what to write and so on. I usually won't say anything. I also think he wouldn't write something just because I want it. I believe he writes by the feeling of the music.

DJ: Maybe he's already thinking of something [a topic] before you gave him the song... something he thinks Faye will like?

FAYE: I think he will listen to the song before he will know the feeling.

DJ: He must be a fast thinker.

FAYE: Yeah, he's very fast. (laughs)

DJ: Besides these old partners, are there any other people who are interested in working with you?

FAYE: There's a new "partner" in this new album, Eric Kwok. He wrote one of the songs.

DJ: Did he approach you first?

FAYE: No, I invited him to write for me.

DJ: Because you think he is good?

FAYE: Yeah… he wrote "Happy Ferris Wheel" (Eason Chan's song). I thought it was well done.

'MORTAL WORLD' plays

DJ: Just now Faye said when Lin Xi writes the lyrics, you won't give him too much guidelines or advice. But for the album as a whole, would you just keep to the singing part or would you be taking care of every aspect of the album?

FAYE: I won't be responsible for EVERY little detail, but I will participate in determining the direction of the whole album, choosing songs, arrangements, and so on…

DJ: Will you listen back to the songs a lot afterwards?

FAYE: It depends…

DJ: You say when Lin Xi writes lyrics, he won't necessarily talk to you first, nor will he write according to you and your situation. How accurate do you think he is? [on capturing the feeling of your music]

FAYE: I think he uses different words and feeling to write songs for me and other singers. He will have a different feeling for different people. For example, he will decide if these words suit this person's music and style. There are some differences.

DJ: Were there times when the words of Lin Xi actually described what you wanted to say? Like your inner feelings?

FAYE: Hmm... my inner feelings? Hmm... I don't think it's that important. It all depends on if it fits in with the song and if the lyrics have meaning. It's not like you randomly put some words in it. Usually his lyrics have some kind of "deep meaning"... For example, "Last Blossom"… I think the lyrics are brilliant.

DJ: Some musicians/singers would have one song which describe their feelings/situations during that period. Do you want to do something like this too?

FAYE: Hmm... I did that before too, I mean I wrote lyrics before too. But it's a bit rare lately. Maybe I don't have much inspiration. (laughs) But I hope I can do that.

DJ: So sometimes you have some thoughts you want to express too, right?

FAYE: Yeah.

DJ: Many times in the media, a lot of people think that "oh this song must be what Faye is thinking". What do you think about these reports?

FAYE: Hmm… it doesn't matter. When the song is released for every one to listen to, it is out of my control already. No matter what they think or what they think the meaning is, I won't intervene or limit their imagination. And no matter what, as long as they like the song, whether it's the melody or the lyrics, I think it's ok already.

'RED BEAN' plays

DJ: Just now Faye said the most perfect scenario is there is no time limit or how many albums you have to release. So this album is about 1 year from the last album. How satisfied are you with the production this time?

FAYE: I'm quite satisfied with it.

DJ: Was there a time crunch?

FAYE: Yeah, actually it was quite rushed. Every album is rushed because once we've started, we'll begin with choosing songs and not every song is satisfactory. By the time we've chosen the songs, it's already time to rush. Actually, every album is like this.

DJ: If more time was given, would it be better?

FAYE: Yes.

DJ: Do you still get stressed out when you release an album now?

FAYE: No, I'm not. It's fate. As long as I tried my best, the rest is just fate.

DJ: You're very "see everything with a peaceful heart"?

FAYE: (laughs)

DJ: Last year, Faye released an English single in Japan called "Eyes on Me." It sold very well and even received some awards. Are you thinking of developing in the Japanese market?

FAYE: Actually an album was released in Japan too. This album will be too. I think I will go there for promotion.

DJ: You'll release the original Mandarin and Cantonese songs in Japan?

FAYE: Yes.

DJ: You won't sing any Japanese songs to suit their market?

FAYE: They didn't ask me to. I mean the record company in Japan didn't request for me to sing in Japanese.

DJ: Many Japanese seem to like you a lot. In some magazine polls, Faye is among the top rankings in the "favorite foreign singer" categories.

'EYES ON ME' plays

DJ: Actually in Faye's new album "FABLE", the first song that's plugged on the radio is a Cantonese song called "Love Letter To Myself." Do you like this song personally?

FAYE: It's ok…

DJ: I have a feeling that you like the Mandarin songs more than the Cantonese songs.

FAYE: Hmm… generally yes, but sometimes there are exceptions.

DJ: Is it because you grew up speaking Mandarin, so it feels more comfortable?

FAYE: This is one of the reasons and I think Cantonese lyrics are more difficult to write. It is very difficult to make it meaningful and beautiful.

DJ: So generally speaking, Mandarin lyrics are more beautiful?

FAYE: It's easier to make it beautiful…

DJ: In this "Love Letter To Myself" there are quite a lot of "lalala" in it. You said before that these "lalala" are sometimes not written by Lin Xi, but they are thought up by yourself. So this time, was it Lin Xi's idea or yours?

FAYE: He thought of it. Cause he didn't write any words for that part, he let me "lalala" that part.

DJ: There are some reports saying that this song reflects Faye's feelings, what do you think?

FAYE: Hmm… actually this song is about encouragement. Encouraging people not to fall apart for love. I think I agree with this. I mean I hope everybody, and it's the same for me, will not be too down or despair over these matters. You have to stand up again. I think every one will agree that this is the right attitude. But it's quite difficult when you come to it. So I think that it can be said to be my feeling, cause I agree with it. But I disagree with the press saying that the words are pointing to a particular person.

DJ: So you mean everybody should love themselves. It's not about any particular person…

FAYE: Right.

'LOVE LETTER TO MYSELF' plays

DJ: Besides recording your album and doing concerts, will you listen to other people's albums?

FAYE: Not a lot lately. But I always watch music programs. So I'll see a lot of new MVs. I will know what's happening. But I very seldom listen to whole albums.

DJ: Does your daughter listen to your music?

FAYE: Yes, she will. She won't usually, but when it's on TV, or when I'm doing a show, I'll bring her.

DJ: Does she know how to sing your songs?

FAYE: Yeah…

DJ: Did she learn by herself? Or did you teach her?

FAYE: She learned by herself... followed along…

DJ: She's now 3?

FAYE: Yeah.

DJ: Do you think she has musical talent?

FAYE: Her? Yeah, I think she does, she has a good sense of rhythm and is sensitive to music.

DJ: Sensitive to music meaning when she hears a song she can catch the melody quickly?

FAYE: Yeah…

DJ: Which of your songs does she like best?

FAYE: She likes to sing "la ja bor" the most... she always sings that…

DJ: Is it because the melody is easy?

FAYE: I think so... maybe…

DJ: And maybe the lyrics are easy to understand?

FAYE: Yeah, maybe.

'FUZAO' plays

DJ: Sometimes others get the feeling that Faye doesn't like to talk much. But when you are with your fans, are you close with them?

FAYE: No, not close at all.

DJ: Do they email you?

FAYE: I don't use computers (laughs)

DJ: So you don't have a close connection with your fans?

FAYE: No… I can say I have none at all.

DJ: You don't have any??

FAYE: First of all, I'm not used to having close communication with my fans. I don't think it's necessary. And I don't think there's a good channel for that.

DJ: Maybe there are too many of them, you don't know who to respond to…

FAYE: But I know there are a group of fans who really love my songs and music. If I go to other places, like South East Asia, Singapore, and so on to promote and hold concerts, they will write to me and I will feel very happy and rewarded after I read their letters. Because when there are fans who really understand you, not just ask you what you like and so on... they actually communicate with me about my music and they are very supportive in this aspect. I feel very rewarded. I didn't reply to them and say thank you. But I will thank them by making better music.

DJ: Although you didn't reply them, they can still feel your gratitude through your music.

FAYE: I hope they can feel it. They told me 'you don't need to communicate with us or see us or anything, as long as you create more good music, we'll be very happy'.

DJ: They understand you.

FAYE: Yes, you can say they are my "soul mates". You know, there's a difference between fans and "soul mates".

DJ: So they don't need to be crazy about you, as long as they understand you, it's good… I think Faye must feel that music is the best way to share her thoughts with them. And I think Faye's "soul mates" will choose this method of communication. Thank you, Faye!

FAYE: Thanks!

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SOURCE: COMMERCIAL RADIO HONG KONG // TRANSLATED BY: LEE JAN

#2000

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fayewonglibrary · 7 months

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PBS Frontline Documentary: China in the Red (2003)

Sue Williams, Producer & Director:

I didn't want this film to have traditional Chinese music, which is what everyone expects to hear. Frankly, when I hear that in a film, it puts me to sleep; it is stereotypical and plays into this idea of the exotic China that is so "other." I wanted to use the music you hear on the radio in taxis, that you see on Chinese TV, in clubs, and it's a variety of syrupy Canto Pop, Cui Jian's rock, Western rock, and so on. And the music we used reflects the energy, and sometimes the rawness, of the situations we were seeing.

We also wanted to include Faye Wong, who is a huge star in China, and we used three of her songs. Sometimes she takes a Western song and does her own interpretation, like with the Cranberries song "Dreams". The other two -- "Decadence" and "Sky" -- are written by Chinese composers and I think add a lot to the film.

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SOURCE: PBS

#2003

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fayewonglibrary · 7 months

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She Sings, She Tours: Faye Wong Live In Beijing (1998)

For the hardcore Faye Wong fan that is reading this, you may wish to prepare yourself to be disappointed. While I certainly consider myself a fan, while I enjoyed her live show immensely, while I buy and listen to Faye records, I don't know all the song names, and therefore this is a general overview and not a song-by-song review.

To say that Faye Wong's two-night stand in Beijing was long-awaited is an understatement. The Princess of Pop's first-ever performances in her hometown sold out both shows for November 27-28, each filling the 26,000 seats of Capital Arena despite the lowest ticket price being RMB 180 (US$22), about three times the cost of the average concert. However, this was not an average concert.

Faye is not a talker. She spent a total of about 45 seconds speaking to the audience, introducing only the last song, Zhi Mi Bu Hui. At the beginning of the show, Faye said, "There are so many people I should thank…well, thank you everyone."

In general, seeing a Faye Wong concert is not like seeing any other Cantopop show. Faye doesn't talk and she doesn't dance. Unlike, say, Sammi Cheng, whose concerts are as much fashion show as they are musical performances with a troupe of dancers and multiple costume changes. Faye is Faye, singing her songs. That's it.

But that's cool. Also to her credit is that all the music used during the concert was live, performed by a band that included former Faye husband/lover/father of Tong Tong Dou Wei on drums, red-hot producer Zhang Yadong on guitar, China's top bass player Yue Hao Kun (Hao Ker), and all-around percussionist Liu Xiaosong. So that everyone understands, Dou Wei's sister, Dou Ying, is married to Zhang Yadong, so technically Faye, the two Dous, and Zhang are all related via marriage. That's pretty weird, huh?

What Faye didn't do was perform many songs from her new album. Other than "Giving Up Halfway" (Ban Tu Er Fei) and "Fly" (Fei), she passed on newer stuff in favor of older favorites.

As concerts in Beijing go, Wong Fei was a spectacle. With its trap doors, movable platforms, enormous video screens, and elevator tube from which Faye emerged, it offered more than the just normal array of colored lights.

Faye changed costumes twice during the show. She first appeared in a long black t-shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers, which then became a sleeveless white shirt with a strange black sleeve-like thing, and shoes. For the last three songs, she changed into a black evening dress and high heels. Most of the night, her hair remained free and tussled, while at the end she pulled it back into the erect ponytail she's been sporting lately in videos for her new album.

The night had two big surprises. The first was Faye's cover of the Black Panther hit "Don't Break My Heart," with Faye, Dou Wei (who wrote and supposedly hates the song), and Zhang Yadong all rising up on platforms to perform it. The audience went absolutely nuts. The other surprise was that singer Na Ying was a no-show, despite recent collaborations between her and Faye and pre-concert publicity that Na would join Faye on stage.

The biggest disappointment of the evening was the audience. As is typical for Beijing, the crowd did what it was expected to do: sit down and shut up. Beijing is a poor place to see a concert because it's like watching TV. Security is generally so tight (although it was fairly relaxed this time) at shows that people don't attempt to dance or cheer. Again, the audience was more enthusiastic for Faye than it was at past shows, but that's not saying much.

Dou Wei was without question the biggest winner of the night. He was cheered at several points throughout the show, especially when Faye introduced her band (from a video, during the final costume change), the crowd erupted when his name was announced. That's not to mention the fact that Dou did an excellent job throughout the show, proving that he is as competent on drums as he is with guitar and vocals.

Overall, while the person that I went with was less than impressed ("Faye just sings; she doesn't care if the audience is happy or not"), I thought it was well worth the ticket price of RMB 380 (US$46). Shanghai and Hong Kong fans are in luck; looser audiences and security will likely mean that the shows in those respective cities (December 12-13 and December 24-January 4, respectively) will be even better.

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SOURCE: CHINABUZZ

#1998

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