This is why I'm fickle. How does anyone expect me to stick with one or a few artists when they keep churning out outrageously talented newbies like...Jeremy Liu.
Jeremy comes from a distinguished background, having both parents being reputed musical and thespian artists in Taiwan. As a child, influence in the liberal arts was strong, and his parents nurtured his interest and natural talent in music. Schooled in the United States, Jeremy has much western influence in his musical creations, especially that of Funk and Jazz. The most intriguing aspect of Jeremy's music is the diversity and uniqueness of his melodies. It's not your usual mainstream fare, of R&B or pop, but rather un-catchy themes in a surprisingly acceptable style.
Released 12.31.2009 Track List
1. 佔據(Occupy) 2. Mr. Why 3. 呼叫機器人 (Calling, Robot) 4. 玫瑰 (Rose) 5. 想 (Ponder) 6. 狐狸是誰 (Who is Fox) 7. 住在動物園 (Living at the Zoo) 8. 空傷 (Empty Injury) 9. 連結 (Link) 10. 延長線 (Extension)
Jeremy Liu's voice, unfortunately, reminds me of many ABC (American-Born Chinese) singers, such as Wang Lee Hom, in that particular way of pronouncing Mandarin Chinese. Therefore, it does not strike me as being ultimately unique. However, that does not reflect his singing ability, which showcases great range and expressive technique, nor his amazing composition talent, which I find completely enthralling and diverse.
Jeremy Liu - Ponder Song: Jeremy Liu Credit: supernicemusic
Jeremy Liu - Mr. Why Song: Jeremy Liu
Credit: blump3music
Of my favorite picks forBest New Artist at this year's Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan, Jeremy, so far poses the most threat to my other favorite, Million Dollar Star 3rd season winner, songstress Lala Xu. As I'm a huge fan of talented, self-composing female singing artists, and because of the dominance of male winners in this category, I would prefer Lala win this year. Unfortunately, Lala has some stiff competition.
Jeremy Liu - Rose (MovieBarbed HillsTheme Song) Song: Jeremy Liu
Credit: warnertaiwan
As I don't speak any of the other 55 Chinese ethnic dialects, I can not confirm the meanings of the ethnic singing in the background of Rose. However, I really do admire and appreciate the creative fusion of "folk" or "minority" music integrated into contemporary styles. With the rising popularity of minority ethnic stars, or those of mixed Chinese ethnicities, it is no wonder that more and more entertainment arenas are exploring the cultural wonders of these ethnic nationalities.
It's sad, really...to think how high I get off of discovering new, talented potentials, but the truth is... I love it and am addicted to it - that kind of excitement, thrill, delirium that comes with finding the sparkle in new artists. Of course, this also results in my overwhelming desire to share my discoveries. So, here's my first "Potential Alert" for 2010.
JiaHui Wu - I Crazy You Released: 12.25.2009
1. 虽然我愿意 (Even Though I'm Willing) 2. 无家可归 (No Home to Return) 3. 听听 (Listen) 4. 我疯你 (I Crazy You) 5. 一个人白头 (One Person Till Old) 6. 肚子饿了(Hungry) 7. 空缺 (Vancancy) 8. 要你说爱我 (Want You to Say Love Me) 9. 童话傻瓜 (Fairy Tale Fool) 10. 远距离 (Distance) 11. 一人一半 (A Half Per Person)
Jia Hui Wu is not new to the music industry. In fact he's one of the most acclaimed song and lyric writers of his generation. From Malaysia and at the age of 28 (he barely looks like he's 20), Jia Hui Wu has released 150+ songs, obtained plethora of songwriter/music awards, and has written songs for Stephanie Sun, Jacky Cheung, Karen Mok, Leon Lai, Tanya Cai, Joey Yung, Tao Jin Ying (MC Hostess of Million Dollar Star), Vic Zhou, Jerry Yan, among others. Though more people recognize his songs than his face, he's highly sought-after and respected within the industry, and I think finally releasing his own album in Taiwan will inspire more great works from Jia Hui Wu.
Jerry Yan - One Meter (一公尺) Song: Wu Jia Hui
Credit: crystaljerry
What I like about Jia Hui is his modesty yet inspiring individuality. His shy demeanor and slight appearance may strike you as a common bystander, but when he sings, plays his guitar, you're instantly grabbed by his soul-soothing, clairvoyant voice and musical talent. It's as if his musical creations balance and contrast his singing so there is a lot of defining unity to his compositions. Perhaps that's why I lean toward singing artists who write and sing their own songs - it has this unique wholesomeness to it. I absolutely adore this album, particularly its Theme singles - I Crazy You, Even Though I'm Willing, A Half Per Person, Listen, Want You to Say Love Me, Fairy Tale Fool...Ok, you get the point. Jia Hui Wu - I Crazy You (Live) Song/Lyrics: Jia Hui Wu
Credit: orangeshadow0514 *Note the screeching reaction of the female sub-host after his performance - that was mine as well - minus the high lilting voice.*
Jia Hui Wu - I Crazy You Song/Lyrics: Jia Hui Wu
Credit: blump3music
Jia Hui Wu - Even Though I'm Willing Song/Lyrics: Jia Hui Wu
As the entertainment industry gets younger and cross-borders, here are some young’ns who’ve entered my radar; shown much talent and potential as singing artists.
Artist: Charice, 17 Country: Phillippines
Charice – Listen
Credit: 2welve4ever
Most of you have probably heard of this Youtube sensation that guested on a popular Korean variety program called Star King, who then went on to Ellen, Oprah, and slew of big-time talk shows across the globe. Not only is she recognized in her natural market, Asia, she’s been well-received by North American and European countries as well (I hear the Italians are quite crazy about her).
I have yet to see such a young, Asian singer be so widely hyped and accepted by audiences world-wide. Perhaps it’s because of her unrelentless passion for singing despite her down-trodden circumstances growing up that has captured people’s hearts, or that her voice strikes a cord with listeners, but whatever it is, it seems like this young singer is going to be an international phenomenon, if not already. *Her version of Listen never gets old – it’s always goosebump-inducing.*
Charice-Torete
Credit: scubajoe12
Charice – The Climb
Artist: IU, 16 Country: Korea
IU – Gee, Lies, & Sorry Sorry
Credit: VivianCJ
Perhaps it’s the over-packaged, and over-gimmicked (in trying to differentiate them) presentation of Kpop artists/groups by companies, that I’ve become immune to the Kpop scene. So I was pleasantly surprised to learn of IU; a young, lyrically-emphasizing, music-writing, guitar-playing, indie-soul singing, non-Kpop-cookie-cutter-presented talent. IU’s debut in mainstream music sparked talk of a revival in the industry, and a new generation of teen singers. From the second album it seems IU’s label is still tweaking on how to “image” her to be accepted in mainstream Kpop; But many are waiting to see if, and how, this young artist survives and revoluntionizes a growing indie-Kpop segment of mainstream Korean music. For an introduction to IU - Read Here *I love the above video, not only for her renditions but also for the host of the program. lols. I wish she would release an album with her renditions/covers – it would be an instant seller.*
IU – Officially Missing You
Credit: lemonlove9
IU – Mia (2008 Debut)
Credit: modfactory
IU - Monday Thru Thursday
Credit: kpopcornchicken
Artist: BY2, 16 Country: Singapore
BY2 – Don’t Go Away Song/Lyrics Contributions: BY2
Credit: e2jiayou
Singapore has long been known as a place that cultivates talents and rear innovative musical artists. Many of their notable singers gained popularity because of their creative leanings, industry acclaimations, Chinese “Grammy” winnings, and critical hype. So I was surprised to discover a new, identical-twin duo (Miko & Yumi), who shows diverse potential in singing, musical creativity, dancing, and transcending borders when they’ve been mundanely marketed. They’ve trained in Korea and Japan for various styles of dance, studied piano and violin, learned various languages (touting Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, etc.), and sing well (despite their “idol” image). Of course, their youth, prettiness, and maturity also contributes to BY2’s star potential, but I’m more intrigued by their expansive repertoire of talents. Not partial to how their company has imaged them (or outfit-ed them – too sexy), and their pop-y song selections (they are capable of diverse genres), but I guess that’s a trend in Asia hard to bypass.
As many of you know, I love discovering new potentials; by which I define as young or newer artists who have displayed enough talent, charisma, and/or character for me to expect their transformation into brilliant “stars” in the near future. In no particular order, and at the moment (ATM), here they are…
1. Song Joong Ki
First Discovered…as a handsome cameo in A Frozen Flower. However, it wasn’t until his role as ‘Joong Po’ in Triple that I “fell in love” with this older-but-baby-faced new actor. His cameo in My Fair Lady got me further anticipating this newbie, though it was too short a cameo, and the drama left much to be desired. ‘Potential’ Points…well, other than looking adorably squishy and honest, the guy has won me over with his natural protrayal, and chemistry with his co-stars. It’s hard to find young and new actors who consistently & convincingly performs, generates great chemistry onscreen with all co-stars, and showcases charisma - when he only appears for maybe less than a couple minutes at a time. Currently, he’s MC-ing and acting. Dramabeans posted a great interview on him — Read It Here. Keep a lookout for this cutie as he enters mainstream Korean entertainment.
2. Shin Se Kyeong
First Discovered…with Moon Geun Yeong in My Little Bride. The girl did not catch my attention for her looks, nor the role she got, but rather the expression in her eyes and contemplative protrayal. There seems to be a melochany and pensive shadow in her eyes when she’s looking at the camera. ‘Potential’ Points…I’ve seen her in 2 1/2 movies (I only saw snipets of Five Senses of Eros - her baring protrayal will leave an impression on you); and 2 dramas, Queen Seon Deok, and recently airing, High Kick 2. In all her works, she displays befitting eye expressions, realistic protrayals, good transitioning, and relays the characters’ emotions well - right from the start. I have expectations that this young actress is going to do well in the artistic arena, but don’t know about her popularity marks with the audience. Let’s see how she does capturing viewers’ hearts now that she’s in a daily drama.
3. Jung Il Woo
First Discovered…in High Kick, which I only skimmed a couple of episodes before dropping because I found it to be rather silly and lacking plot. I really discovered him in his breakthrough drama, The Return of Iljimae. ‘Potential’ Points…As his first leading role, his protray of Iljimae did not disappoint. He showed good eye expression, great chemistry with his female lead, transitioned complex emotions well, and sincere acting. There is no doubt, however, that the role, his looks, and the production values of Iljimae buoyed his likeability and appropriateness of his protrayal. Il Woo’s new role in My Fair Lady lacks substance/development in comparison, but there were a few scenes in a few episodes that showcased his ability to relay subtle emotions. He seems to have the talent, popularity, and luck going for him.
4. Kim So Eun
First Discovered…in a CF with Super Junior’s Kim Ki Bum. At the time, I had no idea who she was, but I found her to have incredibly natural, and varied facial expressions. It would be years later that I re-discover her in Boys Over Flowers. To be honest, I was prepared to like her, since I’ve liked all of the actresses who’ve played 'Yuuki' in Hana Yori Dango, but I was knocked-over by her instaneous chemistry with Kim Bum. Not only did she not disappoint, she shined in front of the camera despite her limited screentime. ‘Potential’ Points…KSE did exceptionally well as young 'Chun Chu' in Empress Chun Chu, so great that I could not get used to the adult version of the Empress and had to drop it. So Eun’s role in Man Who Can’t Get Married had more screentime, but lacked real character development. I found the show’s script disjointed. I was not disappointed with her performance though, as once again, she convincingly delved into the character right from the gecko, and generated great chemistry with both of her male love interests – even when one of them was older by 20+ years (I was expecting awkwardness or a disconnect). Kim So Eun may not be the most artful in acting amongst the ‘potentials,’ but shows great character and promise because of her natural expressiveness and innate perceptiveness of her roles. KSE turned 20 on Sept. 6. To track KSE, check out soeun-angels
5. Jung Ui Chul
First Discovered…alongside Jang Geun Suk in DoReMiFaSo and boy, did he instantly grab my attention. It was the dark, brooding expression in his eyes that caught me – the same set of eyes that seized me when I saw him on top of the roof, ready to jump, looking at Jandi, as he cameo-ed in Boys Over Flowers. ‘Potential’ Points…Charisma. Simply put, the guy just impacts the screen – you can not dismiss his presence nor that soulful, pensive, sometimes condescending expression in his eyes. Much of the time, he doesn’t even speak onscreen. Rather, he uses body language, facial expression, and eyes to relay his characters, and transition from thought to action. That to me, is the epitome of acting – not acting. Of the 5 potentials, he seems to be the least active in getting into mainstream K media - you’ll be hard pressed to find his interviews, variety appearance, drama roles, scandals, or even MVs/CFs. Keep an eye on this one, he may just be the dark horse. ^_*
And the product?
Three of the above mentioned ‘potentials’ are in this artistic, sexually explicit movie. There are tons of other actors that I really like in here, but I haven’t been able to get my hands on a HQ version of the full movie. For more info on the film - Read Here.
As a note, this is not my complete list, just some ATMs that have left great impressions and expectations of artistic development in the near future. Also, I do not include ‘potentials’ who I have not seen in at least 3/4 different roles because I’m a firm believer of brilliance comfirmed by consistency. I highly suggest checking some of these actor’s related works, especially their breakthrough productions, and the below movie.
Quirky, open-minded yet stubborn in our convicted thoughts. The J-Prints of two randomly combustile individuals dedicated to the holiness that is Asian Entertainment.
Age: Need to know basis Sex: Tomboy Location: Debatable Personality: Practical, Critical, Frank, Realistic, Fickle, Compassionate, Resolute, "Sweet"
Jessica, The Ray of Light (ROL)
Age: 27 going on 16 Sex: Princess Location: In The Clouds... Personality: A Mass of Contradictions, Optimistic Realist, Drama Queen, Capricious, Loyal, Empathetic, Oblivious, Excitable, "Pink"
