Wong sounds off

Among the three members of defunct local rock outfit Beyond, Paul Wong Koon-chung has enjoyed the most success as a solo artist.

And the 42-year-old guitarist will continue that evolution at the Hong Kong Coliseum next month.

'It's only rock'n'roll,' said Wong, who has five solo albums under his belt. 'There won't be any gimmicks. It's just hard rock, not nu-metal or metal.'

The musician, who performed in Shanghai yesterday, said he would be very demanding about the quality of the sound at the 12,500-capacity Hunghom venue.

'I want to produce a really nice sound in this concert with the support of a good sound system,' Wong said. 'Of course, lighting is important as well. I'll only have a few costume changes during the show.'

He said he'd allocate most of the budget to the sound system at the Coliseum, which is notoriously bad. 'I think it's because other performers spend a big part of their budget on costumes and stage effects,' he said.

Wong (right) said he would not only be particular about the sound system, but also the technicians who supported the show. 'They have to be there from the first rehearsal until the real show,' he said.

'They have to be very clear about the sound of my music. I'll spend a lot of time communicating with them.'

Musician Jun Kung will be the musical director of the concert. Kung has been collaborating with Wong since they first formed rock band Hann in 2000. Wong said they were still searching for the right musicians to play at the show.

Signed to Universal as a solo artist in 2000, Wong recorded his first disc, Yellow, and set up his production house, Polar Bear, in 2001. Since his last album I Exit (2004), he has been self-financing his releases. 'I insist on being my own boss. If you're not the boss, there are too many restrictions,' said Wong, who will put out an as-yet-untitled EP in October.

'Before you sign the contract, [the record company] will say a lot of fancy things,' Wong said. 'But when you're signed to them, they'll ask you to write stuff for karaoke. It's always like that.

'I understand their position, and that they don't want to take risks. I don't want to argue with them. So, I decided to do it myself. But it is tough.'

Paul Wong Live in Hong Kong, Oct 18, 8.15pm, HK Coliseum, Hunghom, HK$100-HK$400. Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009