By MICHAEL CHEANG
Taiwanese artiste Tank not only sings well, he composes songs too.
He's been called the “King of Newcomers”, the “Lord of Soundtracks”, and even the “Prince of Love Songs”, but most people would know Taiwanese singer Lu Jian Zhong by his unique moniker, Tank.
Since his debut album Fighting was released last year, Tank has become one of the most popular young artistes in Taiwan, and even out-selling Hong Kong superstar Jackie Cheung at one point.
Tank was in Malaysia for a special promo tour to promote his second album, Keep Fighting, recently at the A’Famosa Resort in Malacca.
He was accorded the title “Prince of Soundtracks” because of his numerous contributions to the soundtracks of several Taiwanese TV series, but he wears that tag with embarrassment.
“I sing a lot of soundtrack songs, but currently I don’t think I can to live up to that nickname. I still have a lot to improve on, especially in my music,” he said modestly during a press conference.
The 26-year-old, who plays the piano and guitar, started out as a dedicated songwriter composing melodies for the likes of Vic Zhou, ZChen, S.H.E. and K-One. It was also reported that he’d written over 200 songs by the time he was 21.
With credentials such as this in addition to boyish good looks that Taiwanese music fans love to idolise, it was no surprise that Tank was roped in to record an album of his own. That album became one of the biggest selling albums of 2006 in Taiwan, as well as the best-selling album by a newcomer that year.
Being a newcomer to the business, one must always have role models, and the star whom Tank looks up to the most is Taiwanese singer A-Mei.
His relationship with the pop queen is somewhat special, as it was reported that A-Mei had approached him and offered to be a sister to him after Tank’s elder sister passed away last year from a heart attack.
The grateful Tank now regards the superstar as a “big sister”, and hopes to be able to write a song for one of her albums one day.
“I had written some songs for her, but they were not used. Then, when she personally asked me to write a song for her, I didn’t have the time to do so,” he said with a sigh. “I hope that one day I will be able to write a really good song for her.”
Another star that Tank admires is Taiwanese pop princess Jolin Tsai, whom he describes as a “very nice girl” and “a good, hardworking singer”. Since he admires her , has it ever crossed his mind to date Tsai?
“She is like a goddess, a superstar to me – the most I can hope for is to be friends with her! I met her once, but I just froze and was too shy to do anything,” he said with a laugh.
In the meantime, Tank will be busy promoting Keep Fighting, and is preparing to record his third album soon.
“We’ve already started selecting songs for the third album, and if all goes well, it should be out at the beginning of next year.
“This time around, I will definitely be a lot more involved in the production, be it in composing or arranging the songs.”
Tank said he’s in no hurry to expand into acting as he sees it as secondary to his music.
“I’m not an actor; I’m a singer. I want to first concentrate on improving my musical foundation before I even begin to think of acting.
“Of course I’m interested (in acting), but that will have to come later,” he said.
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Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:12 pm
