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Wong Po Kwan

Nicholas Tse
Making one way
through compromise

By Karen Cheng

Nicholas Tse, 20, a local pop singer, is a frequent target of criticism.

“I do not think I am rebellious. I’m just doing what all teenagers are doing,” he said.

“Just because I am a pop singer and the first one to act in this way, I am considered rebellious,” he said.

In the past, he really cared about how others thought of him. Not now.

“I don’t care about it anymore. In my experience, no matter how hard I explain, no one will listen to me,” he said.

“I prefer expressing my feelings in my songs to talking about it,” he said.

He named his album Zero Distance because he wants to be close to the media and the audience. 

His song “Understanding” expresses his desire for others’ understanding through his music.

“It’s useless to rely on reporters if I want to clarify my position or explain my feelings. The reporters only write about my scandals,” he said.

He thinks Hong Kong people are narrow-minded.

“They regard things they have not seen before as wrong.

“It took them 3 years to understand that I smashed my guitars not beause I lost my temper,” he said.

The first time, he smashed his guitar because it sounded bad.

“The second time, well, I just wanted to do it. I am not the first person to do that.

“In foreign rock concerts, singers even bump into amplifiers and break speakers. If only Hong Kong people had seen them, they would have understood,” he said.

He said the media often portray him as difficult to get along with.

“My friends do not agree, or else they would not get along with me so well.

“I grew up in a boarding school, so friends are like family to me. I need them when I am down and confused.

People said those working in the same field are enemies, but he does not think so.

Pop singers like Eason Chan, Edmund Leung, Candy Lo and William So are good friends of his.

“We should be united for the betterment of the music industry,” he said.

Tse is enthusiastic about his music.

Said Tse: “The Hong Kong music industry lacks variety, but it has improved in the past 3 or 4 years.

“These improvements are attributable to certain singers. 

“They produce good music instead of pleasing the audience.”

Tse said everyone has his own contributions.

“I do not criticise or look down on poor singers even if they are degrading the music industry in Hong Kong,” he said.

Hong Kong lacks a unique culture in music, and Hong Kong people are very conservative, according to Tse.

It is not easy for people to accept new things. They criticise what is different.

“Band culture has no room to develop in an entertainment industry like this.

“For example, no live bands are allowed to perform on Television Broadcasts Limited channels. TVB likes tape more,” he said.

Tse thinks that a live band has no status in music awards. It’s all Cantopop that rules.

Foul language in songs is offensive to many listeners. Tse does not agree.

“Foul language is widely spoken in Hong Kong — parents speak it at home, people yell it out loudly in public places.

“It is just a way of expression. Artists like Lazy Mother Fucker do the same.

“Most songwriters just confine their topics to love affairs,” he said.

Tse said that he loves rock music because it deals with issues other than love and romance.

His songs have different themes.

The theme of a song depends on his mood when writing it.

“I am still young, so my songs are mostly about my view of my surroundings instead of love,” said Tse.

 He said he does not know much about love.

Tse said he does not want to pretend “to be in love” when he sings.

“I sing because I want to express myself, not to please others.

“Different people have different tastes.

“A 50-year-old may not like heavy metal, but blues. I prefer rock or pure music,” he said.

Quality rather than quantity is Tse’s concern.

“I release five albums every year, so what? It is meaningless.

“The audience cannot digest the songs. Neither can I. . . ,” he said.

“They only remember the plugged songs. Other good songs are neglected,” he said.

Music ranks first in his life.

“I can work behind the scenes without being a singer, but not the other way round.

“I will continue to write music even if nobody wants to buy it anymore,” he said.

“Money is important, but it is not everything.

He said as long as he can support himself, he will not give up music.

Despite his beliefs, he has made certain compromises to suit the market.

“The market is important. I cannot afford to risk too much.

“That is why I also include ballads in my albums.

“Songs written by me are plugged not because they are good,” he explained, “but because they suit the market.”

He has plans for music, but not for himself.

“I am satisfied with my life now because I can make a living out of something I like. I hope I can continue to do so.

“I want to form a band within 3 years.”

Tse said it would be great if his friends like Eason Chan, Candy Lo and Edmund Leung could jam together.

Tse said that he almost decided to give up being a singer because he did not want to do what his record company asked him to.

He even went back to Canada, where his family was residing.

After cooling down, he came back to Hong Kong and made compromises.

One includes lengthening his contract.

By the time his contract ends, he will be 28 years old.

He said that there is still a long way to go before he can do what he wants.

“Right now, I will just do what is asked,” he said.

However, he still has control over his thoughts and music.

“I want to produce fewer albums with better songs. Besides, I will put more emphasis on rock music,” he said.

“I have never thought about when to get married or have children.

“I will do all these things at the right time.”

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