News Articles From  Taiwan 

South China Morning Post, Sunday, January 2, 2000

WANG : MUSIC RUNS DEEP IN HIS FAMILY

   Composer Wang sounds note of success

   Gifted musician Wang Lee-hom not only sings, but also writes songs, composes and plays the guitar, piano and violin.  The 23-year-old started his music career in Taiwan in 1995.  With his gift for music, there is no doubt that he is on the road to success.  Wang talks to Young Post about his thoughts and plans.

   What are your plans?

   Now, I am promoting my later album, [Impossible to Miss You], in which I try to prove I can do jazz, R&B and even classical music.
   I will definitely have an album out.  I am going to spend around eight months on producing an album in my own studio in New York.  My next album will feature some Cantonese songs.  It is a great challenge for me to produce and compose Cantonese compositions.

   Why and how did you get into music?

   I grew up with a musical background.  My parents are musicians and they influenced me a lot from
   my childhood.
   When I was three, I started to take an interest in music.  At the age of six, I started learning the violin.  When I was eight, I began to learn the piano, and when I was 15, I started to compose and write lyrics.
   I graduated from Williams College in the United States, majoring in music, in 1998, and now I am studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston where I am majoring in progessional music to widen my musical scope.  I dare not claim that I am a music talent, I just learn as I grow up every day.

   How and when did you start your showbiz career?

   When I still was a student at Williams College, I often joined the school band to jam.  I also sang, acted and even wrote scripts for my school musicals.
   When I was on summer vacation in 1995, I went to Taiwan and took part in a singing contest.  The songs I sang were Eric Moo's "Too Silly" and Andy Lau's "Mong Ching Shui". I entered the finals, but I didn't win.
   Fortunately, my performance won praise and after that I was given the chance to sign up with Rio Music production House in Taiwan.  That was why I started my showbiz career.  I stayed with the company until 1997 and released four Mandarin albums. Afterwards, I was free adn signed a contract with Hong Kong's Sony Music.

   What was your childhood ambition?

   I wanted to be a musician singer, violinist or conductor.  That's why I chose to study in a music school where I learned a lot about classical, jazz, R&B and pop music.

What do you usually do for leisure?

   I am not lying, I really don't have much leisure time.  But when I am free, I like running, playing baseball and doing my college work, as well as practising piano and violin.
   Of course, practising singing is a must.  I take music lessons twice a week in New York.  My music tutor is William Riley, who is really excellent. He not only teaches me, but also teaches Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Bryan Adams and Stevie Wonder. I am very lucky to be studying with him.

   How is college life?

   The Berklee College of Music in Boston is very prestigious.  My classmates are young pop singers in Greece and Africa.  We learn and share views with one another.

   What is your definition of a musician?

   I think a musician does not care what music degree he or she has.  "Music" is not like other academic subjects.
   A real musician must completely honour and respect music, disregarding the commercial side.  There are so many world-renowned musicians who do not have a doctorate, but they are excellent musicians.

   How do you strike a balance between working and studying?

   Luckily for me, my professors are so kind.  If I am busy with my career, I will ask them to change my study schedule and tests.
   Managing time well and maintaining good communication and liaising with my professors are the keys to balance working and studying.

   What is your daily routine?

   I often stay in my studio to compose and do some music arrangements for almost the whole day.  I try to get in the habit of writing music and I listen to a variety of music every day to get inspiration for my songwriting.
   During my school days, I was often asked to write pieces in different styles in composition class.
   Nowadays, I could easily create a song and give it to others, but I don't want to give people something low quality.

   Why do you usually wear sleeveless T-shirts?

   Wearing a sleeveless T-shirt was the image for my previous album, [Impossible To Miss You].  It was the style my company wanted me to keep, but actually it was very hot during the summer when I was promoting it in Taiwan, so it was comfortable to  wear T-shirts.

What type of girls do you like?

   I like a girl with a strong character, emotionally stable, unique and intelligent.  She would speak up and sometimes challenge me to show me her independence of mind and motivation to live for herself.

   What is the most unforgettable event in your life?

   The most unforgettable event in my life was the time I composed adn wrote the script for my school's musical, "The Bite That Burns", which I directed at the age of 21.  With tears and sweat, I devoted myself to work on it.  It was great.  I am proud of it.

   What do you want to improve about your music?

   The areas I would like to improve are my singing and piano playing as I never have enough time to practise.

   If there was a next life, what would you want to be?

   I absolutely don't want to be a singer/songwriter again.  I think the world is becoming more hi-tech, thus I would love to be an astronaut to explore outer space.  It would be cool.

   When would you like to get married?

   I haven't planned to get married as I am just 23 now.  I think "business" is most important to men. Men should put it as their priority.

   What is your advice to Hong Kong youths?

   Grab every opportunity to realise your dreams and ambitions.  Be yourself always, stay happy and work hard all the time.

   A REAL MUSICIAN MUST HONOUR AND RESPECT MUSIC