Jay Chou is a World Music Award-winning Taiwanese musician, singer, and producer. In 1998, he was discovered in a talent contest where he showcased his piano and song-writing skills. Over the next two...

Jay Chou is a World Music Award-winning Taiwanese musician, singer, and producer. In 1998, he was discovered in a talent contest where he showcased his piano and song-writing skills. Over the next two years, he was hired to compose for popular Chinese singers. Trained in classical music, he combines Chinese and Western music styles to produce songs that fuse R&B, rock, and pop genres, covering issues such as domestic violence, war, and urbanization.

In 2000, he released his first album titled Jay under the record company Alfa Music. Since then, he has released one album per year, selling several million copies each. His music has gained recognition throughout Asia, most notably in countries such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and in overseas Chinese communities, winning more than 20 awards each year. In 2007, he was named one of the 50-most influential people in China by the British think tank Chatham House. He starred in Initial D (2005) for which he won Best Newcomer Actor in Golden Horse Awards, and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor by Hong Kong Film Awards for his role in Curse of the Golden Flower (2006). His career now extends into directing and running his own record company JVR Music.

Jay Chou grew up in the small town of Linkou, Taiwan. Both his parents were secondary school teachers: his mother Ye Hui Mei (Traditional Chinese: 葉惠美; Simplified Chinese: 叶惠美; Pinyin: Yè Huìměi) taught fine arts while his father Zhou Yao Zhong (Chinese: 周耀中; Pinyin: Zhōu Yàozhōng) was a biology instructor. His mother noticed his sensitivity to music and took him to piano lessons at the age of 4. During his childhood, he was fascinated with capturing sounds and songs with his tape recorder, something he carried everywhere with him. In the third grade, he became interested in music theory and also started cello lessons. As an only child, he enjoyed being the family's center of attention; he loved to play piano, impersonate TV actors, and perform magic tricks. His parents divorced when he was 14; as a result, he became reclusive and introverted. Although he had friends, he often preferred to be alone listening to music, contemplating and daydreaming. At Dan Jiang Senior High School, he majored in piano and minored in cello. He showed talent for improvisation, became fond of pop music and began to write songs.[1][2]

Chou graduated from high school with inadequate grades for university, so he prepared for military service, which was compulsory for all Taiwanese men at the age of 18. However, a sports injury triggered by an unexplainable and severe back pain eventually led to the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, a hereditary spine inflammation disease; as a result, he was exempted from conscription.[3][4] Meanwhile, he found himself a job as a waiter. Without his knowing, his friend had entered both their names in a talent show called Super New Talent King. Chou played the piano accompaniment for his friend, whose singing was described as "lousy". Although they did not win, the show's host Jacky Wu—an influential character in Taiwan's entertainment business—happened to glance at Chou's music score and was impressed with its complexity. Wu hired him as a contract composer and paired him with the novice lyricist Vincent Fang (Chinese: 方文山; Pinyin: Fāng Wénshān).[2]
Chou's debut album, Jay
Chou's debut album, Jay

Over the next two years he wrote songs for Chinese pop artists, and also learned recording and sound mixing; his dedication was apparent as he even slept in the music studio. There were no plans to make him a singer because his mentor Wu thought he was too shy and not good-looking. Wu's music studio was later sold to Alfa Music, and the new manager Yang Jun Rong asked him to release his own album. Chou already had an arsenal of songs he wrote for others but had been rejected, so among those he chose 10 for his debut CD Jay that was released in 2000. The album established his reputation as a musically gifted singer-songwriter whose style is a fusion of R&B, rap, classical music, and yet distinctly Chinese. His fame spread quickly not only in Chinese-speaking regions, but in non-Chinese countries as well throughout Southeast Asia.[5][6][7] Since 2000, Chou has released one album per year, each selling several million copies (see Discography), and has been recognized with hundreds of awards.[8] In 2003, he was the cover story of Time magazine (Asia version),[2] acknowledging his influence on popular culture. He has held two world tours, "The One" (2002) and "Incomparable" (2004), performing in cities such as Taipei, Hong Kong, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Las Vegas, and Vancouver. Unlike most singers, Chou has an enormous amount of creative control over his music.[2] He is not only the songwriter but also the producer in all of his albums; since 2005 he is also the music director and also directs his own music videos.

While continuing to release an album yearly, he also entered the movie business with his debut role as the lead actor in Initial D, for which he won Best Newcomer at the Golden Horse Awards in 2005.[9] The following year, Chou was cast as a supporting character in the world-wide release of Curse of the Golden Flower, starring international Chinese stars Chow Yun-Fat and Gong Li, giving Chou his brief but formal introduction to North American audiences. In February 2007, he finally fulfilled his childhood dream of being a director in Secret, in which he also played the main character.[10] In March 2007, his 8-year contract with Alfa Music ended. Chou, his manager Yang Jun Rong, and lyricist Vincent Fang co-founded a new record company, JVR Music through which Chou will continue his music career and fulfill his goal of fostering new singing talent.

Other works

Movie career

Chou formally entered the film industry in 2005 with the release of the movie Initial D. He has since acted in three other movies, directed one film and more than a dozen music videos. Chou, who once said "I live because of music",[37] ventured into movies because he felt the need for a new challenge. As fans have grown concerned that movies will compromise his music career, Chou has repeatedly reassured that movies are a source of inspiration and not a distraction; at the same time, he realizes the need to balance both careers and maintain his place in the music field to garner the continued support of fans.[38][39][40][41]

Acting

Entry into acting was an unexpected move for Chou.[39] His high school English teacher thought he was capable of very few facial expressions,[2] and the director of Hidden Track (2003, a movie in which Chou had a cameo role) said that his strong individualistic personality will not make him a good actor.[42] In 2005, Chou’s first role as the lead actor in Initial D served two purposes: to launch his acting debut, and to increase his exposure to Japanese audiences.[43] This film is based on the Japanese manga Initial D, where Chou played Takumi Fujiwara, a gifted touge racer who is quiet and rarely shows expression. Some reviewers criticized his bland acting[44] while others felt he performed naturally, but only because the character’s personality closely mirrored his own.[45][46] His performance in Initial D won him Best Newcomer Actor in Golden Horse Awards and Hong Kong Film Awards.[47][48] Chou’s second film was Curse of the Golden Flower (2006). As a supporting character, he drew much of the attention from the Chinese reporters; Chou’s involvement in this movie was announced in its own press conference,[49] separate from the meeting held for Chow Yun-Fat, Gong Li, and the other actors. Chou portrayed Prince Jai, the ambitious second eldest prince and general of the Imperial army whose personality epitomizes Xiao (孝), the Chinese virtue of filial piety. In this internationally-released film, North American audiences see Chou for the first time. According to Chinese movie critics, comments about his acting ranged from "lacks complexity"[50] to "acceptable,"[51][52] but was critically praised by Western reviewers.[53][54][55][56][57] His performance in Curse of the Golden Flower was nominated Best Supporting Actor in the Hong Kong Film Awards.[58] For his third movie, he is the lead actor in Kung Fu Dunk to be released in 2008.

Directing
Promotional poster for Secret featuring Chou as a director for the first time.
Promotional poster for Secret featuring Chou as a director for the first time.

Chou's acquired his first directing experience in 2004 through music videos. He initially experimented with a song by the group Nan Quan Mama titled "Home" (Chinese: 家; Pinyin: jiā) where he was involved throughout the entire process from research to editing. After learning the difficulties of being a director, he refused to direct again even at the request of his record company.[37] However, his interest resurfaced again as he directed music videos for 4 of the 12 songs in own album November's Chopin in 2005,[59] and later television advertisements.[60][61] By 2006, he had taken responsibility for the storyboard, directing, and editing of music videos for all his songs.[38] It is unclear how the public appraises his work, since music videos are rarely the subject of critical review; however, director Zhang Yimou said that Chou's directing abilities may surpass his own in the future, after viewing several of Chou's music videos.

In February 2007, Chou finally directed his first movie Secret. The story he wrote is based loosely on his relationship with a high school girlfriend, with a plot focused on music, love, and family.[63] He stars as the lead actor of the film with Guey Lun-mei as the female lead, and Hong Kong veteran actor Anthony Wong as Chou’s father. Despite previous experience in filming music videos, Chou admits that movies are comparatively more challenging due to storyline and time constraints.This movie will be released in late July 2007.[64]

Book: Grandeur de D Major

Chou published his first book titled Grandeur de D Major (Traditional Chinese: D調的華麗; Simplified Chinese: D调的华丽; Pinyin: D diào de huálì) on November 25, 2004.[k] This 200-page book features a prologue written by his family, friends, and co-workers; the main section is a compilation of his personal attitudes, philosophies, and recollections of childhood experiences along with pictures from his music videos, many of which have never been released; and lastly, a list of the artist's major awards, musical and lyrical compositions, and discography. For the usually low-profile singer, this book revealed his personality and convictions that has served as the basis of his musical and public image. He demonstrated a strong appreciation of family values with an especially deep connection with his mother and maternal grandmother. His confidence and dedication towards music is evident as he dedicated 2 out of 7 chapters to music: the current state of the industry, his composition methodology, and the importance of individualism to his success in music. This pride is contrasted against his modesty and self-assessed naivety about many aspects in life, particularly regarding relationships and marriage.

Endorsements
Chou's 3rd album, 8 Dimensions includes the song written for Warcraft, titled "The Orcs" 半獸人
Chou's 3rd album, 8 Dimensions includes the song written for Warcraft, titled "The Orcs" 半獸人

In contrast to the United States where a negative connotation is placed on celebrities who endorse commercial products ("selling out"), in Asia, acquiring endorsement contracts with major brands are positive testaments of star-status.[65][66] Chou has been a spokesperson for popular brands such as Pepsi (2002–2007), Panasonic (2001–2005), Motorola (since 2006), M-Zone/China Mobile (since 2003), Levi's (2004–2005), Deerhui (sporting goods, since 2003), and Metersbonwe (casual wear, since 2003), Colgate (2004–2005), popular computer game Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002), science and nature magazine National Geographic (2005).[67][68] To maximize the celebrity branding effect, advertisements are nearly always linked to his music and TV commercials are occasionally directed by him.[60][61] He acted as the tourism ambassador for Malaysia in 2003.


Profile
General Information

English Name: Jay Chou
Chinese Name: 周杰倫
Nickname: Director Chou (周董)
Date of Birth: January 18, 1979
Place of Birth: Taiwan, Taipei
Blood Type: O
Birthplace: Taiwan
Chinese Zodiac: Year of the Horse
Horoscope: Capricorn
Height: 173 cm
Weight: 60 kg
Shoe Size: 10.5
Languages: Mandarin, Taiwanese
Education: 1997 High school (music major)
Weird Habit: Doesn't like wearing underwear
Strengths: Compose, write songs and play basketball
Music Instruments: Piano, cello, guitar, jazz drum
Family Situation: Only son, Father (Biology teacher), Mother (Middle School fine arts teacher)
Friends in the Industry: Luo Zhi Xiang (Xiao Zhu), Liu Geng Hong
Slogan: Diao bu diao (屌不屌)
Agent: Jacky Wu
Person he is most thankful to: Jacky Wu
Work Experience: 1997 DW Italian resturant piano player
Ambition before Releasing an Album: Piano teacher, music in movies
Jay Dislikes about Himself: He is shy and soft-hearted
Good Qualities: Strong ability to compose songs and write lyrics. The new e-generation musician

Interests

Favourite Sports: Basketball, exercise, practise nun-chuks
Dream when he was Little: To be Bruce Lee
First Love: The girl in next door's class in High School
The Type of Girl he Likes: Long haired, oval face, classic beauty
Favourite Comic: Doraemon
Favourite Movie: Any cartoon by Miyazaki Hayao
Favourite Music: R&B and hip-hop (actually he likes any kind of music)
Favourite Clothing: Natural, comfortable, hip-hop (Simple T-shirt and shorts, not much different to people on the street)
Favourite Colour: Blue
Favourite Food: Fried chicken, anything to do with chicken steak and chicken (he especially likes Hong Kong Tai Ping Guan's Swiss chicken wings), also he likes to drink sweet things
Favourite Musicians: Frederick Chopin, Li Si Te, YO-YO Ma
Favourite Actor/actress: Jet Li
Favourite Basketball Player: Michael Jordan
Favourite Artist: Usher, Babyface
Most Want to Visit Place: The feeling of France is very romantic, but if there's a chance he'll go to Shanghai or Beijing
Ambition: Travel to every corner of the world
Favourite Things: Cap, different kinds of musical instrument, black peoples' music, silverware, chewing gum
Collects: Sports shoes, caps and different metal plates (door plates, license plates and commercial boards)
Hobbies: Writing songs, watch movies, play basketball, play video games

Music

Music Style: R&B
First Lyrics and Composition: In high school, song was called "Everlasting"
First Published Song: "Three Nights, Three Days"
First Individual Album: "Jay" published by BMG November 2000
Most Respected People: Maternal grandmother, mother, father
Best Writing Partner: Vincent Fang

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