What are your plans for this year? Do you intend to release any new albums or stage any concerts? I am now busy preparing for a series of concerts on March 7 and 8 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and from March 10 to 14 at Hong Kong Coliseum. I will start on a new album after the concerts. Was it your ambition to be a singer since you were young? Did you sing in the bath a lot? I think I may have inherited a passion for music from my father who used to be a saxophone player. In addition, my family had run a karaoke business when I was young, so this could have aroused my interest in singing. But interestingly, I never thought of being a singer when I was young. Some people say you could have fared better if you did not win the New Talent Singing Contest, after which you signed an eight-year contract. Do you agree? No. Winning the contest in 1985 was a stepping stone to my singing career. It also broadened my horizons about life outside school. I was very excited when I won because it was such an important singing contest at that time. Actually, I don't care what commentators say about me. I just want to do my part (singing) well. What kind of music do you like and why? I do what I like, mixing and matching different genres of music from jazz and rock to rhythm and blues. But I rather like jazz actually. What are the favourite song(s) from your past albums? The song I like most is The More You Kiss, The More You Sadden , composed by Eddie Ng who is one of my best friends. Actually, the song's composer, lyricist and arranger are a perfect team. Following that hit, do you think you will sing more love songs because there is a bigger demand for such numbers? The More You Kiss, The More You Sadden was my biggest achievement last year because it won numerous awards. However, I think it is just a turning point, definitely not a peak. Of course, I will keep singing more love songs because such songs are proving to be a huge commercial success. You were quite a success in the popular TV series, Healing Hands . Would you prefer to concentrate on your acting or singing in the future? Honestly, I would prefer to concentrate on singing because that is my real profession. I was very happy that Healing Hands was so popular last year. I have to thank Tang Tack-hee, the programme's executive producer, who gave me a lot of encouragement. What kind of characters would you like to play? Would you want to act in movies, rath er than just TV dramas? There's no specific character I like to play. If the characters are not similar to mine and full of challenges, I will accept the offers. I like acting in both movies and TV dramas because it will help maintain my profile which in turn benefits my singing career. What are the most memora ble events in your life so far? The large number of awards I won for the song, The More You Kiss, The More You Sadden . Do you like dancing? Why is it that your shows do not fea ture any dancers? It is very hard to say why I don't like dancing. Maybe because it doesn't suit me. My forthcoming concerts next month will feature professional musicians; right now I am still considering whether to include dancers. Besides Hong Kong, have you thought of testing other markets in Southeast Asia? Actually, since becoming more involved in promoting my music in Taiwan in 1995, the results have been very encouraging. My Putonghua albums were very popular in the island. I have already released an impressive number of best-sellers there. In addition, I am also confident of developing my business in China. Of course, love songs will feature prominently, based on commercial demand. Who are your favourite mov ie stars/singers? Maggie Cheung Man-yuk and Sylvia Cheung Ai-ka are my favourite artistes. They are beauti ful, elegant and noble. Besides, they are both excellent actresses. How do you spend your lei sure hours? Do you like sports? I often go to the gym and work out for about two to three hours. Describe your ideal woman. What are the qualities you would like your girlfriend to have? My ideal girlfriend should be clever, smart and independent. Do you think it is a problem for Canto-pop stars like you to publicly admit to having a girl friend? Do you think you could lose many female fans if you had a girlfriend? If I am a teen idol, having a girlfriend may have an effect on my image. But I am a singer who relies on my skills, so it doesn't matter whether I have a girlfriend or not. Are you bothered by papa razzi? How do you feel about the intense public interest in your private life? I believe nobody likes to be shadowed by paparazzi. In fact, their behaviour not only affects me, but also bothers my friends and relatives when they are with me. It is very inconsiderate and unfair to them. If there was a next life, who would you like to come back as? I would still like to be a singer. How seriously short-sighted are you? How many pairs of glasses do you have? My short-sightedness is not serious, just around 100 degrees. As I like to collect glasses, I have about 100 pairs at present. Would you describe yourself as successful? What are your goals? I don't think I am successful enough right now. My goals are to become more successful, stage well-organised concerts and compose more quality Canto-pop songs. Name: William So Wing-hong Birthday: September 24, 1967 Nationality: Xinhui, China Occupation: Singer
