Singer Ai Mengmeng. [Photo: ent.qq.com] Hello and welcome to another edition of China Beat here on China Radio International. I'm your host Zhong Qiu.
Rising from the 2006 Super Girl Singing Contest, Ai Meng-meng (艾梦萌) impressed audiences with her strong vocal and sheer personality. In the following two years after the contest, the artist released singles like小狗Lucy, or Puppy Lucy, through which her record company hoped to promote her as a sweet pop idol. However, the strong-minded girl refused to give up her pursuit in music. Struggling for her beliefs, Ai Mengmeng finally released her album, "My Way". For the rest of the show, we will talk with Ai Mengmeng and find out about her journey through music.
(Ai Meng-meng in Chinese) "Through this album, listeners can find my development in vocal capability and understanding of music. I hope through this album to step into a new musical path, and show others how I feel about music. "
(My Way)
The album opens with its namesake track, 'My Way'. Featuring uplifting dance beats, the song declares her decisive and fearless attitude toward life.
(Ai in Chinese) "I'd like my music to be true to the heart. I don't want to simply please my audience by dressing up like a lollipop girl to hymn something I don't believe in. I don't think a song which can't touch the performer will touch others. This is my way to sing."
(My Way) (Single-Parent House)
As a child of a single-parent family, Ai Meng-meng penned lyrics for the second track, 'Single-Parent House' or '单亲房子'. Rather than to indulge in woeful complaints, the song's message is that home is where the heart is.
(Ai in Chinese) "This song tells stories and feelings not only about me and but also many of my friends who grew up with single parents. There is sadness and confusion in the song. However, you can find even more strength and determination in the lyrics. I want to tell people with the same experience that you should take control of your own life. "
(Single-Parent House)
Growing up with a single parent has helped Ai Meng-meng develop her independence and individuality, ideas which are highlighted in the song 'Material Girl', '物质女孩'.
(Ai in Chinese) "Years ago, Madonna penned lyrics for her signature track 'Material Girl'. Back then, people thought it was a negative term to describe a woman as a material girl. But as time changed the term, it should now be given a new interpretation. In my mind, material girls have more motivation to work hard as they have more desire for a happy life in a material world. Since more and more women are economically independent, it's not wrong to be a self-made material girl. "
(Material Girl)
That was Material Girl from Ai Meng-meng's latest album, 'My Way'. The fourth track, '你要走就走', or 'Take Your Way As you Wish,' is a fusion of rock and hip-hop. In the lyrics, Ai Meng-meng depicts a proud woman who refused to beg for love.
(Ai in Chinese) "It is a song about broken love. When love fades away despite your wishes, just let it be. It is important to pick up your pride and show good will to your former partner. "
(你要走就走)
After the 2006 Super Girl contest, Ai Meng-meng became known for her positive approach toward life. After a couple of years of wobbling in the music industry, this young woman and her music have matured greatly.
(Ai in Chinese) "On the album, the tenth track '恒星', 'Sidereal', touches me the most. The lyrics are straightforward, going as: "my dream is to be free of singing, and thank you for making my dream come true." When I recorded the song, it stirred a lot of reminisces and emotions. I really hope that my dream of music will also come true." (Sidereal) With the song, 恒星, we come to the end of this edition of China Beat. We hope Ai Meng-meng will stop at nothing to release her dream. We'd love to hear your comments and suggestions. You can email us at chinabeat@cri.com.cn or log on to our website at crienglish.com, find China Beat and leave your message. This is Zhong Qiu. Bye for now.
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