July 11-12, 8.15pm, Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre When Wei Juhsuan, former vocalist of Taiwanese folk duo Natural Q, came to Hong Kong three years ago during a break from her singing career, she had the good fortune to meet local electronic duo Pixel Toy. 'When I saw [Pixel Toy's] CDs in Taiwan's record stores, it seemed to me that they were very funny people. And then when I was in Hong Kong I got to know them through a friend,' says the singer, who goes by the stage name Waa. Waa, 25, is back in town to stage two gigs with Pixel Toy vocalist Candy Wu Wing-sze (above left with Waa), and the gigs are named after the French pastry, the macaron. Waa explains why: 'Every time we meet each other, we will go to eat. That's why our concerts are about food too.' During the shows next week the singers will perform interpretations of each other's pieces and also cover some of their favourite tunes. Waa first formed indie band Natural Q with Taiwanese bassist Chico Tsai in 2003, and their signature sound became Waa's sweet vocals over Tsai's folk guitar licks. The duo, who released their debut album C'est la Vie in 2004, were nominated in several categories of Taiwan's version of the Grammys, the Golden Song Awards, in 2005. After leaving the band during her hiatus in Hong Kong, Waa signed to Taiwanese indie label Avant Garden Records last year and launched her solo career. The upcoming concerts, which have Pixel Toy guitarist Ho Shan and Taiwanese musician Chen Chien-chi as musical directors, will feature various local musicians as well as former members of defunct Taiwanese band A Pay. Despite the disparate musical styles, Waa thinks the collaboration will spark some interesting chemistry. 'I've sung a lot of TV commercial jingles with different musical styles and feelings. I still want to explore the possibility of my voice. I want to try singing Candy's songs and even singing in Cantonese. It should be really fun.' 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, HK$200, HK$280 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2858 4015
