Candy Lo Hau Yum, 24, former singer of the underground music group 'Black and Blue' is standing on her own.

While the general public considers her debut song, 'Garbage' an alternative one, Lo does not agree.

"I don't like 'Garbage', which is still my brand song now." "When I first listened to the demonstration tape of that song, I thought that it was just too old-fashioned for me," said Lo.

'Garbage' was her first song ever broadcast. The Taiwanese style of the musical arrangement did not seem to fit her style and image.

"It is like asking Lazy Muther Fucker to sing a song of Daniel Chan Hiu Tung," said Lo.

She has released three albums and one mini-album since 1996. 'Garbage' was not a good experience for her.

When she was requested to sing the song by the audience at the 'Thousand People Banquet' held by New Asia College at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1999, she refused.

"This is because I am not prepared to sing that song and I am just so tired of singing this song again and again," said Lo.

Her stance changed over the next two weeks.

She agreed to sing 'Garbage' at the 'Thousand People Banquet' held by United College at the Chinese University.

"The atmosphere was so good when I sang this song at United College," said Lo. Lo thinks she should be more professional as she is working in the entertainment industry. She therefore decided to follow the audience's will.
"If the public likes me to do so, I will follow," said Lo.

After releasing 'Garbage', she insisted on changing her style in the second album.

"The black ballet dress and the smoky eye shadow really do not suit me," said Lo. Lo decided to change to a more casual style. In the second album, 'Miao', she had light make-up, short hair, and simple, basic jeans.

"I think this should be far better than the first one. At least I feel comfortable and easy," said Lo.

However, being casual also caused her a lot of trouble.

"I put on little make-up and I do not look serious enough in certain functions. My casual style was criticised as being impolite," said Lo.

Criticism will not go down easily.

Many magazines in Hong Kong criticise her looks and shoes instead of her music.

"Most music critics in Hong Kong do not really know much about music. Two out of ten critics criticise the image, the gossip and everything else other than your music," said Lo.

Lo thinks the critics comment on the artists' performance even though they have little knowledge of music. It is easier said than done.

"I proved myself in the sales charts," said Lo. "If they are that smart, come and do something better than me." Lo has done far more than make music.

All of the albums and singles released by Lo have certain themes.

In the latest album, colour is her theme.

"This is something I learnt when I was studying design at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

"Each piece of artwork should have a theme.

Afterwards, it is easier for me to produce my songs, my own songs," said Lo.
Lo is sensitive to surroundings. An object as ordinary as a cigarette appeals to her senses. This is why she insists on making her albums with different themes and senses.

She had her ears and nose pierced, leaving two holes in her left ear and four in the right. There is also a tattoo on her right hand. These painful experiences make people think she is bold and tough.

"No, I am not," said Lo. "When I had my nose pierced, it was so painful that I cried. I felt big drops of tears coming out of my eyes.

"And when I was having a tattoo, it was so painful that I shivered," said Lo.
Only shivered, no tears this time.

She easily breaks into tears, though. The last time she cried, it was while watching a local film, Metade Fumaca.

Metade Fumaca was released in 1999, starring Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Nicholas Tse Ting Fung.

"I admit that I look cool and tough. But I also admit that I am not.

"I am just an ordinary woman, with weak and fragile moments, and I have my own emotions," Lo said.

There have been a lot of rumours about Lo's love affairs.

Lo said she would not mind if her boyfriend was younger than her.

"I really don't think this kind of relationship is in any way problematic," said Lo. Lo admitted she once had a love relationship with a man younger than her by two months.

"But he is absolutely not Nicholas," Lo said. "Although the media thinks that it was him."

Her parents have no comments on her boldness.

"They cannot say," said Lo. "They are accustomed to my style. I would tell them after I did anything. They never blame me, even in very serious situations."

Lo said she did not sit for any Advanced Level Examinations and turned to the Vocational Training Centre. This was the first time that Lo's parents thought she was different from ordinary young people.

"They think I am extraordinary. They asked me why I did not enter the university, but I told them I didn't want to follow the others.

"Why should I follow what others think and do?" said Lo.

This is why she joined a band and entered show business.

This is also why she had her ears and her nose pierced.

In showbiz in Hong Kong, singers have to do a lot other than producing good songs. They have to release albums, do a lot of promotions, model at fashion shows, and meet with reporters all over Asia.

"Simply speaking, it is all," said Lo. "I have to do all the things, anything."

However, she has her own principles. Said Lo,

"I will consider the cast. If the cast somehow produces something weird and in bad taste, I will refuse.

"I am tired, but happy," said Candy, sipping black coffee.

"I am happy because of unexpected things in life," said Lo.

Lo said she never thought she could have friends from different music styles. Eason Chan, Andy Hui and Edmund Leung are some of her good friends.

She is glad that they are so willing to share a lot of things, no matter if onstage or backstage.

Lo is also satisfied that the audience has started to recognise her voice and realise that she is somebody who can produce good music.