By Jessica Leow
HERE's David Tao's take on the Chinese music scene: It's going down the toilet.
In town for tonight's Singapore Hit Awards where he is up for several awards, the, er, 'king' of Chinese R&B bemoaned the 'still dismal' state of Chinese pop.
And he sure spared no-one.
'His music is more idol-based, more catered to his age... and fans who are into video games,' David, 34, said dismissively.
'I'm 10 years older than him, and honestly I'm way beyond all that now.'
Guess who he's talking about?
Why, Jay Chou of course.
The two Chinese R&B superstars are up against each other in no less than four award categories - Best Album Production, Best Male Vocalist, Best Performing Regional Male Artiste, and Favourite Artiste in Taiwan.
'The differences between us are becoming even more apparent these days... I think in a few years' time, the comparisons will stop,' said David, after an autograph session at Marina Square.
The singer would rather focus on acts he thinks needs a serious makeover.
On Taiwanese A*Mei (Chang Huei-mei): 'She started out doing stuff no-one else did. Now, it's a ballad here, a fast track there, but it lacks direction and an overall picture.'
On Singaporean Stephanie Sun: 'She's got incredible talent, like a bomb waiting to explode! But she needs somebody who can oversee things as a whole... (with) courage to try new things.'
But the Hongkong-born, Taipei-bred and Los Angeles-based David saved his harshest words for...
Taiwanese Coco Lee: 'Let's face it, she's abandoned her Chinese roots (for the US market)... (and) lost the hearts of many Asian fans.'
Knowing his roots is key to David's continued stardom, and that's why you won't hear an all-English album anytime soon.
'If I focus on the US market, I compromise time for the Asian market,' he said.
Asked how he rated himself, David took a little while before he answered.
'I give myself 7.5 out of 10,' he said. 'I need to improve my time management and piano skills.'
Tickets at $40, $60 and $90 for the Singapore Hit Awards at Suntec Halls 601, 602 tonight are available at TicketCharge outlets (6296-2929).
The awards will also be shown tomorrow over Channel 8 at 7.30pm.
The New Paper - 7/9/2003
(Singapore)
Article thanks to Fei of DavTen.
