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Juno Mak Karen Tong
Juno: My ˇ§Darkˇ¨ music
Also clearing up the rumors
By Stephanie Tong
In 2002, he stepped into the music field in Hong Kong and sang mostly Canto-pop songs. Lately, with the release of his fourth album, ˇ§Other sideˇ¨, Juno Mak Chun-lung adds new flavors and significant changes to his own music style.
Q: What are the special things about your new album?
A: In ˇ§Other sideˇ¨, I mix my favorite ˇ§dark musicˇ¨ and my characters together, which presents a solid image and style of myself. The album also introduces ˇ§dark musicˇ¨ to Hong Kong audiences, providing more choices for local music-lovers. And I am involved more in the production of my album. I enjoy composing songs, writing lyrics and refining the whole thing into the right feeling. ˇ§The Second Personˇ¨ is composed and written by me that I treat it as a successful attempt.
The songs in this album carry less ˇ§Canto-popˇ¨ style but something new. Some people may find them unacceptable or weird, however, I am still very happy as people think that my new album is different from others. People start to notice my effort and enthusiasms.
Q: So, can you tell us more about ˇ§dark musicˇ¨?
A: Dark music focuses on the beat and rhythm. It is similar to heavy metal rock, but with a stronger sense of gloomy feeling. It carries more of a tragic mood. Marilyn Manson and Linkin Park are some of the artistes that illustrate ˇ§darkˇ¨ very well.
In fact, I introduced ˇ§darkˇ¨ in my third album, ˇ§Protoˇ¨. Yet, my forth album is more articulated about ˇ§dark elementsˇ¨ and this music style becomes very obvious in my songs.
Q: How did you feel about composing songs, as a beginner?
A: I think composing songs of my preference is way easier than composing a recognized and appreciated one. And that is why composing is very challenging. It is more about creativity and talents, it also has to bear a balance between egocentrism and the market factors.
When I need to compose songs, it must be done at night with a very private and peaceful atmosphere. Bathing time is the best moment when I can be totally relaxed and stimulated.
Q: There're rumors saying that you ˇ§hireˇ¨ teenagers to pretend to be your fans in order to make you look more popular than you actually are. What would you say about it?
A: Concerning the gossips and rumors, I will not pay attention to them. After all, they are not true.
Q: The fact isˇK
A: My fans and I have a pretty close and genuine relationship. The most remarkable experience was when I was given the Most Popular Male Newcomer Award 2 years ago, my fans and I marched outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center after the ceremony. As we were blocking the road, the police came and advised us to leave. That is such a crazily wonderful and memorable moment.
The other time, I needed to attend a show in the Hong Kong Coliseum in a proper full suit. As I knew that one of my fans was unhappy, I met him after the show. Remember I was wearing a suit, looking so formal but we sat on the staircase outside the Hong Kong Coliseum and chatted till very late at night.
Q: So, what do you want to try next?
A: I want to try being a director. I'm a big fan of David Fincher, the director of ˇ§Fight Clubˇ¨ and ˇ§Sevenˇ¨.
I believe that would give me an even greater challenge as well as the sense of satisfaction. This is something I originally do not have much experience on.
Q: What is your plan in the coming years?
A: I am already working on my next album. As I need to spend time communicating with my producers and other colleagues, I think it's time to start working.
Q: Could you use a few adjectives to describe yourself?
A: ˇ§Chillˇ¨, emotional, and laidback sometimes. When I'm with my friends and family, I like to ensure the atmosphere is comfortable and happy. Though, sometimes my emotions take over me that I can't control my temper.. And I enjoy relaxing moment and do whatever I am interested in. I am never an aggressive type who would push myself to the edge of the cliff.
