rockyourlyricsHow do you usually write the lyrics of your songs?
At the beginning of the writing process, usually, I just start playing some small pieces, melodies, or demos with guitar and piano. Or sometimes I go directly to Ableton or Logic to do some music arrangement first. In those cases, I’ll start with a compilation to find a suitable style [before writing the lyrics].
Then, using the previous music arrangement, I finalize the musical structure, and then write the lyrics. In general, the lyrics will follow my heart. I write some of my life experiences in the entertainment industry, some are experiences after debuting in the industry, and some are my own mentality, my own stories.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing in songwriting?
I think the most important thing in songwriting is to integrate my sincere feelings into it. It’s different for songs with different styles. For example, some songs may be very expressive and appealing on the live side. Other songs may be very deep and soulful during the creation/writing process, which is also important. I think the most important thing is to follow my heart and my own tastes.
The goal in writing a song is not necessarily to please everyone. If you really believe in a song, you should put it out there, and over time, the public will probably catch on. As an artist, you don’t want to go into business for the sake of business.
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal life/experiences with strangers through your music?
No, I don’t mind writing all my experiences into songs and my music because I think it’s a very good outlet/channel and a good way of expression. Many words can’t be said in life, but can be said through music and artistic expression.
What is the best lyric that you ever wrote (the most meaningful for you)?
In fact, every song I write is different. The best lyrics, I think, are probably the most impressive ones – ‘Wait Wait Wait’. This song is a reflection of my heart. It says that life is a waiting process, no matter what stage you are at, you are always waiting to become stronger.
Do you remember the day you wrote “Wait Wait Wait”?
This song was written at night. I was in a hotel and had just finished recording a variety show. But the concept of ‘Wait Wait Wait’ had already been in my mind for a year or two, so it is also a long accumulation.
What is the best suggestion your producer gave you?
Actually, I usually have my own opinions, and most of the time I produce for myself.
What are your plans for 2019? Writing and releasing new songs?
I will have tours in 2019, both in China and overseas. I will continue releasing new songs and new music videos, too.
Congratulations for the sold-out American tour! What do you expect from this tour?
Thank you! For this tour, I’m excited for the fans to see all the different sides of me as an artist – I’m a DJ, producer, and live performer. I hope this will give American and UK audiences a better understanding of my art, and I’ll be promoting my upcoming single, “Hard to Get”.
To conclude the interview a short Q/A session, please answer the first thing that comes to your mind:
- Define in one word your new song “Wait Wait Wait”: Accumulation.
- The best show you ever played: I think every performance is the best, or in other words, for every performance I do my best. If you have to ask me which show is the best, I will say: the next one. Because I will break through myself in every performance, and the best will always be in the next one.
- The one thing that you must have in your backstage: A mirror, for sure.
- The soundtrack of your childhood: “The Look of Love”.
- Your favorite song lyrically speaking, but not written by you: Lana Del Rey: “Young and Beautiful”.
- Last question is “unusual”, we want to know your best relationship advice: You’ll hear it in my next single, “Hard to Get”!
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