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My parents are amateur classical singers. They have had a great influence on my musical development.
I started playing the piano when I was six, and I sang in the church choir at around the same age.
I was nine when I first heard the Carpenters. They were performing “Yesterday Once More” on TV. I was so excited when I heard her [Karen Carpenter’s] voice. I had to ask my parents who she was.
I memorized all their songs, and that’s how I got into pop music.
My aunt got me a summer job when I was around 20. I worked at HSBC in the computer department, which is so not my style. There was really nothing I could do. During office hours, I would write poems and put melodies to them.
A colleague happened to know that I was into music, so he introduced me to established writer, Harry Ng. It was Harry who encouraged me to write a song for CASH [Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong]
I wrote my first song, “I Am Really Hurt” while I was at that job. It turned out to be a hit.
I studied Economics at university, as it seemed to be what everyone did at that time. That’s why I went for it without really considering if it was really what I wanted in my life.
I did not graduate. I hardly went to school, but I was doing well in my [elective] art classes. That’s a small regret, I would say.
I took a lot of classes in my spare time, such as drumming, studio operations, singing, and dance classes. I was still in Canada and I didn’t want to come back to Hong Kong with an empty head. 
When you’re a creative person, you can’t stay in a certain mode or environment for too long.
I am sentimental. But I can also be quite stubborn sometimes.
When I travel, I have to bring one of my dolls with me. It gives me a sense of security and helps to put me to bed. I buy them toys and seasonal outfits.
I used to have a Barbie. When summer arrived, I cut her hair because she was too hot. I waited for her hair to grow back, and when I found out it wouldn’t I was 
so upset.
I was described as a naughty boy. That’s boy, not girl. People say I walk like a man.
I have become more mature when it comes to relationships, communication with people and problem solving. Because as you grow up, you see more of the world, and then you care much more about how people feel about you.
“I Love You Because” is translated from a Broadway musical. During the process of translating, the director, actors and scriptwriters all had a lot of difficulties in interpreting the cultural differences.
To me, it was a huge challenge because there are only six actors onstage. I am the only one without any traditional and professional acting training. 
There is an interesting song in the musical that I have to tackle—It’s a rap. Once I received the lyrics, I practically couldn’t sleep for a whole week. Wherever I went , whoever I spoke to, I asked them: “can I perform a rap for you?” I even stopped the deliveryman and asked if I could rap in front of him. He said “OK.”
My first show in the Hong Kong Coliseum is coming. It’s titled “Water. Lilies”. I would prefer the dot between the words to be a flower. I wouldn’t like to see a big dot on a big poster. 
The nature of water is unpredictable. It gives a sense of fragility, but it can also be very colorful. It can be icy cold but it can also be very hot, so I think it’s a good representation of my music style. My favorite flower is the lily, and my favorite painting is ‘Water Lilies’ by Monet.
When I see people getting married, I want to get married too. But I am just too busy and I am having so much fun with what I am doing. I don’t want to get married now! 
I think that means I am not stable and mature enough for that stage of my life.


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First Person: Ivana Wong

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Having just completed a stint in the musical “I Love You Because,” up-and-coming singer Ivana Wong is soon to take the stage at the Coliseum with her first solo concert. She sits down with Emily Wu to talk about her path to stardom.
