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Mandopop singers under 30 who will make you feel young and free – Her World Singapore

Mandopop singers under 30 who will make you feel young and free – Her World Singapore

From graduating from school to finding their identity to enjoying youth, the twenty-something talents of the Mandopop scene tackle issues that are relevant to young people today.

Here are eight new works by singers under 30, available on music streaming platforms like KKBox, Spotify and Apple Music.

1. Pop

TO YOUTH 2021 Ariel Tsai For Taiwanese singer-songwriter Ariel Tsai's latest single, the 26-year-old returned to her alma mater, Taipei Municipal Nan-Hu Elementary School, and collaborated with its choir. The result is a heartwarming graduation song that recalls the joys of school life. It comes at a particularly timely time amid the Covid-19 pandemic, when graduates may not be able to attend their own graduation ceremonies and say a proper goodbye to their schoolmates.

FOR YOUTH 2021

Ariel Tsai

For the latest single by Taiwanese singer-songwriter Ariel Tsai, the 26-year-old returned to her alma mater, Taipei Municipal Nan-Hu Elementary School, and worked with its choir.

The result is a heartwarming graduation song that evokes the joys of school life. It comes at just the right time during the Covid-19 pandemic, when graduates may not be able to attend their own graduation ceremonies and say a proper goodbye to their schoolmates.

2. Rap

MY RULES Wang Yibo Although he is only 23 years old, Wang Yibo has already tried his hand at acting, singing, hosting and professional motorcycle racer. Last year (2020), he was ranked ninth on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list, which ranks the influence of Chinese celebrities. His single

MY RULES

Wang Yibo

Although he is only 23 years old, Wang Yibo has already tried his hand at acting, singing, presenting and professional motorcycle racing.

Last year (2020), he ranked ninth on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list, which ranks the influence of Chinese celebrities.

His single “My Rules” perhaps sums up his attitude to life: “Find your own worth/Don’t worry about anyone else/Then your life will have meaning.”

(Also read “Rapper Yung Raja tells us about his fashion and music inspirations“)

3. R&B

PARIS Julia Wu In Paris, 26-year-old Australian singer Julia Wu sings about wanting to let go of a painful relationship. Her detailed, confessional lyrics add real punch to this otherwise laid-back R&B song, showing pure vulnerability and a steely determination to protect herself from being hurt again.

PARIS

Julia Wu

In Paris, 26-year-old Australian singer Julia Wu sings about wanting to move on from a painful relationship. Her detailed, confessional lyrics add real punch to this otherwise laid-back R&B song, showing pure vulnerability and a steely determination to protect herself from being hurt again.

4. Pop

A STORY ONLY FOR THOSE WHO LEAVE HOME Roy Wang Chinese singer Roy Wang expresses the sadness, loneliness and fear of those who have left home, showing a maturity well beyond his age of 20. He also wrote the lyrics for the piece. His tender performance is a balm for the pain of those who have to grow up and long for a true home. (Read also "Singer Huda Shamin talks about growing up with music")

A story only for those who leave their homes

Roy Wang

By expressing the sadness, loneliness and fear of people who have left their homeland, Chinese singer Roy Wang shows a maturity that goes far beyond his age of 20. He also wrote the lyrics for the piece.

His tender nature is a balm for the pain of those who have to grow up and long for a real home.

(Also read “Singer Huda Shamin talks about growing up with music“)

5. R&B

SHE & YOU Z.Tao Known for angsty, blunt numbers like Hater (2018), Chinese rapper Z.Tao's She & You surprisingly reveals the artist's feelings of insecurity and desire for romantic love. On the title track, the 28-year-old sings "I can be so vulnerable"and reveals a different side amidst simple rhymes and instrumentation.

YOU, YOU

Z.Tao

Known for his angsty, outspoken numbers like “Hater” (2018), Chinese rapper Z.Tao’s “She & You” surprisingly reveals the artist’s insecurity and desire for romantic love.

In the title song, the 28-year-old sings “I can be so vulnerable” and reveals a different side between simple rhymes and instrumentation.

6. R&B

FEEL Shou With its bright, summery vibe, Taiwanese singer and rapper Shou's Feel is all about taking it easy and having fun. The music video sees the 27-year-old having a good time with his friends against a backdrop of sun and sea.

FEEL

Shou

With its upbeat, summery vibe, Taiwanese singer and rapper Shou’s “Feel” is all about taking it easy and having fun.

In the music video, you can see the 27-year-old having a great time with his friends in front of the backdrop of sun and sea.

7. R&B

DEEP DOWN Lexie Liu Since the release of Chinese singer and rapper Lexie Liu's first album 2029 in 2018, her music has gained in sophistication. On Deep Down, the 22-year-old takes the listener on a dive into her inner world, presented as an adventure in an ice-cold sea. The sound is dreamy and the images vivid, with lyrics like "My diamonds waste no time, no games".

Deep down

Lexie Liu

Since the release of Chinese singer and rapper Lexie Liu’s first album, “2029,” in 2018, her music has become increasingly sophisticated.

On Deep Down, the 22-year-old takes the listener on a dive into her inner world, presented as an adventure in an ice-cold sea. The sound is dreamy and the images vivid, with lyrics like “My diamonds waste no time, no tricks.”

8. Pop

HELLO! JOYCE CHU Joyce Chu Malaysian singer Joyce Chu, with her doe-eyed, honey-sweet voice, has been playing the cuteness card to great effect. The 24-year-old's new EP features five self-composed tracks, from the playful

HELLO! JOYCE CHU

Joyce Chu

Malaysian singer Joyce Chu, with her doe eyes and honey-sweet voice, has played the cuteness card with great success. The 24-year-old’s new EP includes five self-composed tracks, from the playful “Old Man Old Women” to the joyfully optimistic “Dream”.

It’s hard not to smile when listening to her sweet and unbridled positivity.

This article first appeared in The Straits Times.