Liang

A JACK-of-all-trades is how one can sum up R&B singer-songwriter Liang. Despite being only 28 years old, the ambitious young man has dabbled in a series of jobs ranging from managing a restaurant in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam; a resort in Pulau Redang; and setting up a futsal court in Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur. Not bad for someone who has graduated with a degree in economics and management from the University of London.

Despite having an impressive curriculum vita, one can only wonder why Liang decided to put all things aside to pursue a singing career.

“I have always been passionate about singing. I got my first taste of music after joining the Klang Gospel Hall’s church choir as a child. While studying in a private college in Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, I joined a six-man a cappella group, Legato, that used to perform at various college functions. This fuelled my passion for singing further,” said Liang in a recent interview.

Liang’s biggest break came in 2001 when he decided to help his friend, singer Juwita Suwito, compose a song for a church’s Christmas musical. His composition proved to be a hit, which eventually led Suwito to introduce him to the “right people” in the recording industry.

“Juwita helped me get my first record deal. I was still wet behind the ears and she taught me the tricks of the trade. She was like a big sister whom I could turn to for advice,” said Liang.

In 2004, he released his debut hip hop album 8oz of Soul. The album featured a mix of retro gospel and urban R&B, with influences from classic soul and funk icons.

His first single Silver Linings quickly hit No.1 on the X-Fresh FM’s Carta 20. His two other songs – Show Me Whatcha Got and Nice Girls – secured top spots in Hitz.fm’s Met 10 in 2006 and 2007.

While his peers would prefer to stick to the pop or rock genres, Liang is focused on his own thing.

“Music is an expression of who you are, so it’s only natural to sing what you’re comfortable with. When I was a teen, my peers used to listen to Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails and Radiohead and I would be listening to Chris Cross and old school songs from the likes of Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder.

“I have always enjoyed listening to R&B, hip hop and gospel music. It’s not me drifting away from a particular mode but just an expression of who I am,” said the cheerful crooner, whose full name in Tan Chung Liang.

Liang’s second album, After 8, was released under Forty Four Records last November. The 12-track album comprises nuances of R&B, hip hop with a dash of R&B ballads. It also offers two Malay tracks – Menanti Harapan (featuring Petaling Jaya Glad Tidings choir) and Seakan Aku Jatuh Cinta.

“The album is a representation of who I am as an artiste. It has a more driven sound and comprises relaxing and inspiring tunes. While the first album has influences of Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire and James Ingram to modern urban R&B artistes such as Usher, Destiny’s Child and Alicia Keys, the second is much fresher, relevant and more Chris Brown, Usher and Mario,” said Liang, who composed all the songs in the album.

The album also has collaborative efforts with home-grown rappers Hunny Madu and Trix.

“Hunny and Trix are some of the most talented artistes around. Although lesser-known talents, they are excellent singers. Some may think collaborations tend to dilute a singer’s worth, but collaborative efforts can enhance the track.

“For example, Kanye West’s Gold Digger (featuring Jamie Foxx) was a hit as it was a combination of the singers’ strengths,” said Liang, who worked with V.E.’s Damien Shorty Soul, Pop Shuvit and Nick Lee in producing the album.

When the interview was conducted last month, the singer was in the midst of working on the soundtrack for Christian New’s movie Life Is Good ... Back to School. The movie, slated for release by year-end, will see Liang making his debut appearance as a musician.

“This is my debut acting role and yes, I am excited. It’s a new experience and it should be fun working with actors like Ashraf Sinclair and Sazzy Falak.”