The band SIU2 breaks new ground in the music industry as the group that creates an entirely original sound, challenging the public's perception of the fusion genre.
The group's sheng (a mouth-blown reed instrument) player, Ng Cheuk-yin, explained that SIU2 is a new grouping of band members based on the original SIU, which was named after the band's first concert 'Sheng It Up'.
Before the days of SIU, Ng had played the musical keyboard with conventional fusion and jazz styles with other musicians until he decided it was time to move on. In 2003, he started composing music that featured the unique tones of the sheng, and the original SIU band was born soon after.
SIU disbanded in 2005, but with this year's Hong Kong Arts Festival in mind, Ng rounded up a number of musical talents to form SIU2, and the eclectic band will be performing on March 14 at Hong Kong City Hall.
'We have every intention of continuing on as a group after the arts festival,' Ng said. 'We also have plans to corroborate with other artists for the album we're working on.' The group consists of Ng and Liang Chun-wai, bass guitarist and the only member besides Ng who was also part of the original SIU, pianist Peter Fan, zheng player Jason Lau, san xian player Lam Tin-wai and drummer Melchior Sarreal.
Although the Chinese and western instruments make up an intriguing combination, SIU2 has a lot more up its sleeve. The group is working on creating entirely new sounds in the hopes of establishing an original genre in music.