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His Love For Music 'Working in music is my goal, my dream and my everyday life.' --- Wong Chi-chung By Kathy Lo Wong Chi-chung’s devotion to music engaged him in a complex of jobs related to music. More than a disc jockey at Commercial Radio, he is also a programme host at the YMC channel, a columnist, a part-time DJ at HMV and a bandsman. His current radio shows are Chi-chung’s Choice, Quote Chart and Nite 1001. |
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“I would identify myself as the four M’s — Mass Media Music Man,” said he. “I treat them all as a combination of one. Working for music is my goal, my dream and my everyday life,” said Chi-chung. “I think I am constantly undergoing musical growth.” Chi-chung showed interest in Western music at the early age of 8. | 
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At that time, he listened to songs of the Beatles, Queen and Eric Clapton. Since then his trip of musical exploration has never ended. In 1985, Chi-chung chose to study communication at Baptist College. But before that, he had a struggle of dreams. “I wandered from one dream to another when I was sitting for my Advanced Level Examinations. I thought of being a lawyer, a teacher, or a media practitioner,” said he. He said the main reason for his choice was the prosperous development of the mass media in Hong Kong. “Listening to the radio was my hobby. That is why I considered communication was an ideal direction for me,” Chi-chung added. As a DJ, Chi-chung perceives a basic aim. “I like rare and fresh music. Such kinds of music are neglected by the media. My objective is to promote them,” said he. However, there are obstacles when he is promoting alternative music. “In the past, my desperate insistence on introducing rare music confused my audience,” said Chi-chung. “Now I try to make a balance by including pop music in my shows.” Sometimes he has to make compromise. For example, his radio show Quote Chart is sponsored by music through the package of pop music. “I think I have already fulfilled the responsibility of being a DJ to offer audiences a variety of musical choices.” Having been a DJ for 12 years, Chi-chung shows firm beliefs in the qualities of radio programmes. “My basic belief is that radio is the quickest medium. It is direct, friendly and youthful. These are the qualities that keep me sticking to radio. “To a certain extent, radio is irreplaceable. It channels music to people and acts as a companion. People can listen to radio while doing their own things. Other media such as television do not have this advantage,” he said. Chi-chung has tried to put new elements into radio shows. Nite 1001 is an example. It is a futurist show about cyber culture and music. It includes live access to the Internet and interactive devices such as CD-ROMs. He said, “Nite 1001 is a jumpy and exciting show. To me each episode is like an experiment because it is highly spontaneous. “As it is very different from other ordinary radio shows, there is a danger of confusing the audience. But I would not play it safe as I am determined to run a creative show.” Chi-chung considers himself a successful DJ. Said he: “It is essential for a DJ to introduce music literally. I am aware of this right from the beginning. “I believe I am a promoter and a trend-setter of international and alternative music.” Chi-chung’s character and his special interest in music are influenced by many people. His brother is one of them. “My brother is just like a DJ at home. He likes to introduce songs to me. I learn a lot from him,” he said. “Chu Ming-yuk, a former Commercial Radio administrative officer, has helped me a lot,” said Chi-chung. His mother also influences Chi-chung’s character. Chi-chung said, “She is a peacemaker, so I seldom quarrel with others.” U2, the famous Irish band, and Sting, the British singer, have had great influence on Chi-chung. “They make the world more beautiful and express the message of peace through music. Then I begin to know that music can reduce anger and hatred between people,” he said. ![](wong1.jpg") When asked to describe himself in simple words, he thought for a while. “I am foolish and innocent, ” said he. “I am a dreamer, a music-lover and a workaholic. “I enjoy life very much. I insist on my own life style which combines culture, art and the world.” Indeed, Chi-chung’s life style consists of his variety of hobbies. Watching films is on top of the list. He said, “I watch 30 to 60 films at every year’s film festival. I collect good books too, because they show the writers’ hard work and creativity.” He is a keen traveller, too. “When I was in college, I applied for travel scholarships. The first time I went travelling, I spent several months in Europe. “I enjoyed sitting in the ruins of a Roman city, seeing the sunset in Athens and watching the musicians’ live performances,” said Chi-chung. “I would highlight my three common yet, meaningful hobbies. They are eating, talking and sleeping,” said Chi-chung half-jokingly. “It is surprising that a thin person like me eats a lot!” he said, laughing. “I enjoy eating food of different places. A good meal with good music is excellent enjoyment.” As to talking, Chi-chung said he discovered his “talent” when he was in primary school. No wonder the words “too talkative” always appeared in the comment column of his school reports. “I really missed the time we friends chatted in those days,” he said. “I played ball games with friends every Saturday. After the games, we just sat and chatted for three to four hours. “I am still in contact with those primary school friends because such close friendship is rare. I have not been able to find such friends ever since then,” he said. To Chi-chung, sleeping is a supporting pillar of his everyday life. “I need eight to 10 sleeping hours every night,” he said. “More than recharging energy, sleeping sometimes stimulates my creativity. Some of my best inspiration just came when I was half-asleep. “I particularly like taking a nap. But I haven’t had the time to do so for a whole year. If I have the chance, I would not mind if it is an one-hour short nap!” However lazy this may sound, Chi-chung wants to achieve many goals. “I hope my band, Renaissance, can release its third album in 1997. It will be a CD-ROM.” Said he: “I am also longing for the publication of my book. I have been accumulating my writings about music for years.” Chi-chung finished his long-term goal of attaining a master of philosophy in music this year, which had taken him more than four years because of his tightly-packed schedule. Chi-chung said, “Music is so important to me that I would draw an analogy between music and love. My devotion for music is unconditional. “I also think music is a sound track of life. I can see the vivid image of life moving along in a movie reel. “To me, music somehow equals to life. So music is my life.” |
Behind the Scenes
October, 1997
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