INFO · Search
· Chinese version · Subscribe

Culture & Leisure

Breaking the mould of pop music

Boys group Heroz tries to break a new path with songs about life rather than love triangles

"I believe that if there is a will, there is always a way out."
-Mr Lucas Chuy, the leader of boys group Heroz

Indie-pop collective Heroz is not yet a known entity in Hong Kong, but the energetic young men who make up this up-and-coming band don't mind gaining public support slowly.

With their debut hit ‘Oranges on an Apple Tree', Heroz has successfully aroused public attention with a fresh fusion of encouraging lyrics and independent-pop styles.

"Our pop music culture is overwhelmed with love songs. That's why we would like to introduce a different kind of music to the local audience," said leader Lucas Chuy, accompanied by fellow members Sam Lo and Janzen Tsang.

The music industry has always been flooded with love songs telling break-ups or love-triangles of doubtful quality, but Heroz aims to turn a new page with their refreshing genre of music.

The band's debut hit has been positively received, probably because of the lyrics' message about life.

"Unwilling to be ordinary, though falling into dire straits, appraisa will still be mine" is a line of lyrics featured in the song, which is about telling people to "live a life of your own".

"I believe that if there is a will, there is always a way out," said Lucas.

It is one of Heroz's goals to start as a band to put social responsibilities on their shoulders by spreading positive messages, but not another tragic love story.

The team wants to bring a positive message to youngsters that they should go for their dreams without worrying about how the others would comment on them.

A line in the chorus perhaps best demonstrates the message: "Outrageous as I may be, like a hawker dressing as a prince; but against all conventions, I prove to you I am who I want to be'.

When talking about their style of music, Lucas said that they had integrated foreign music elements into their music.

To put it more precisely, Heroz are incorporating the British energetic style together with Japanese-pop style that often creates a catchy melody into their songs.

These innovative minds come along with boldness to make a difference. This boy band is named Hero because the image of a hero matches with their music concept and attitude of life.

"Hero is also our attitude of life. We keep moving on even when we face challenges," said Sam.

They want to share their music with all of the people around, hoping them to become immortal throughout ages.

Despite their passion and diligence, becoming a singer is after all a challenging path to walk on. Overcoming one's personal hindrance is no doubt an uphill battle for Heroz.

Janzen was heavily criticized by netizens when he joined a singing contest in 2010. "People said I was too thin and had poor singing skills. All I could do is to do my best and be confident with myself." Since then he worked out extensively and gained 40 pounds.

Public's bitter criticism does not seem to have devastated this blooming boys group. On the contrary, they modestly accept sarcasm and tackle these malicious opinions with optimism.

Hard work pays off. Last Christmas, they were invited to perform at a government dinner party in Macau. While they worried that their choice of songs might not be suitable with such a formal occasion, the reaction of audience turned out to be surprisingly enthusiastic.

Filling the room with laughter during the interview, they become earnest when they talk about their interpretation of singers' responsibility.
In performing in their best condition, they do exercises at gym to train up a fine physique and increase their vital capacity for singing.

Besides, they learn to be more polite and more diplomatic. Lucas said, "We are aware that adolescents may treat idols as role models, so now we are more cautious about what we say and do."

Innovative, modest and blithe may not be the most common perception of a boy band, but it certainly is the best description of the exclusive boys group.
The uprising band is now seizing every opportunity to perform on stage and promote their music online through Facebook and Youtube channel. "At this stage, we are aiming at the best new artist award. We hope that our music would be widely loved and that we can contribute to the Hong Kong pop music industry.

 

Reported by Joyce Wong

Edited by Mak Lawrence Li

《The Young Reporter》

The Young Reporter (TYR) started as a newspaper in 1969. Today, it is published across multiple media platforms and updated constantly to bring the latest news and analyses to its readers.

Comments

Embrace craziness

Think twice about white rice?