Hong Kong alternative music icon, singer, composer and producer Anthony Wong is bringing his music company People Mountain People Sea (PMPS) to Beijing for two performances and a debut solo concert next week. Wong spoke with the Global Times about the shows, his life and a new album.

Anthony Wong performing. [Global Times]

 

"My attitude toward life is casual and free. I seldom plan anything or do anything on purpose," Wong said, "but with this relaxed attitude, I am usually able to achieve perfect results."

Monday and Tuesday will see PMPS artists perform at Star Live in Beijing and Wong will hold his first solo concert in the city Wednesday night at Century Theater. Wong explained that the long-awaited concert will include both his best works such as "Blow Up" and "A Forbidden Fruit A Day" and will also see the debut of several tracks written and produced for his new album.

A regular visitor to the city, Wong said he considers Beijing as the origin of Chinese pop music and performing here has always been his wish. He also said that he appreciates the work of local alternative musicians like Zhou Yunpeng and Wan Xiaoli, whose albums he frequently purchases and listens to.

Common practice for visiting artists from Hong Kong and Taiwan is to perform local singers' works during their mainland concerts, a trend that Wong said he will be steering clear of.

"I believe people come to my concert to hear me sing my songs, instead of others."

He went on to say that the appreciation of someone does not mean you have to mimic them. Wong said that he admires the late Michael Jackson but would never cover his songs.

Wong's solo concert date also coincides with his 48th birthday and 11th anniversary of his music company. However, he said that he didn't pick the date on purpose; it was just the most convenient for all involved.

This same attitude was adopted by Wong when he founded PMPS in 1999 at a time when the Hong Kong music industry was at its lowest.