It took pop newcomer Mark Chang (張心傑) nine years to release his debut album, but it was worth the wait.
Open Heart (打開心傑) hit the shelves to critical acclaim last month. With his husky voice and Aboriginal looks (he’s a member of the Atayal tribe (泰雅族)), Chang is carving out a niche as a rare masculine figure in a Mando-pop landscape populated by pretty boys.
Chang’s debut concert at Legacy Taipei (傳音樂展演空間) is on the afternoon of April 24. In addition to songs from his new album, he will tackle covers of his favorite singers, including Eason Chan (陳奕迅).
Photo Courtesy of EMI
Chang achieved early success when he won a Broadcasting Corporation of China pop singing contest at age 14. He signed with Friendly Dog Records and sang eight theme songs, most notably Rainbow (彩虹) for the acclaimed TV drama The Friends (名揚四海) in 2003.
“That song was written by You Chiu-hsing (尤秋興) of Power Station (動力火車),” Chang told the Taipei Times last week. “He couldn’t sing it, so I was invited to do it.”
Having a hit song at 14 years old didn’t lead to smooth sailing. Friendly Dog didn’t know how to package the non-traditionally handsome teen and allowed the contract to expire without a release. Chang then opted to complete his compulsory military service.
“After military service, I sang in pubs and made a living washing cars and selling things at the night market,” he said.
Chang participated in TV talent show One Million Star (超級星光大道) as a challenger in season three in 2008, and then again as a regular contestant in season four. He also took part in Star Legend (星光傳奇賽) last year, when One Million Star held a special season, allowing past contestants to compete again. Chang caught the attention of EMI and released Open Heart aged 23.
The album includes the original 2003 version of Rainbow, as well as an updated rendition that showcases his ability to give a classic song a macho twist, something he also does with the well-trodden ballad Love and Sink (愛了就沉淪).
“This whole album speaks from the perspective of the modern man,” Chang said. “It’s an inspirational album that encourages men to stand up and love.”
With a soaring voice common to many Aboriginal singers, Chang also displays a knack for inspirational anthems with Keep Running (繼續奔跑) and Break of Dawn (曙光).
“I used to see singing as just belting it out and hitting the high notes,” he said. “Then I learned that it’s storytelling. You use the notes to evoke a mood and tell people a story.”
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