Kay on key

Kay Tse On-kay is on her way to the big time. The independent singer has just been signed to Cinepoly, the same label that produces Canto king Eason Chan Yik-shun.

Tse (right), who recently shared the stage with veteran entertainer Shirley Kwan Suk-yee, said: 'My manager and I have considered collaborating with a major record company for some time. We realised that, as a small company, we didn't have the resources to handle bigger projects.

'I like to dream big. I hope that Hong Kong music will take a respectable position in the global market one day. We have some great music,' said the singer, who is also hosting a music programme on TVB's paid channel.

After landing a contract with an independent label after a singing contest, the University of Hong Kong graduate released her debut EP, Kay One, which was distributed last year by Avex Asia. Although it was well received by critics and DJs, it didn't win too many fans.

Earlier this year, the pianist released her second EP, Ksus2, which sold more than 10,000 copies. 'Many fans went to buy my first CD after listening to the new one. I was thrilled when I was told about this,' said Tse, whose debut effort has since been released in a third edition.

'We make sure that the music style and topics we tackle are not what the mainstream demand,' said the 25-year-old singer, whose lyrics touch on subjects including slimming culture and the local pop music scene. 'But that's the music we want to do. I was well prepared in case our stuff was not accepted.'