Hong Kong-Canadian singer-songwriter Jay Fung got his start in the entertainment industry in “The Voice 3” in 2012. Since then, he has gained a legion of fans and has recently released a new song, Sweeetly. He tells us about his love for music, how he spends a typical day and more.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I’m a singer-songwriter from Hong Kong. I was born in Hong Kong but immigrated to Canada when I was one and a half years old. At an early age, I would listen to my dad’s cassette tapes, which was how I acquainted myself with music. As I got older, I started to expand my own musical tastes; from listening to pop to contemporary R&B to indie folk-pop music.
After graduating with my business degree, I worked for eight months in the telecommunications industry before coming to Hong Kong to participate in a singing competition known as “The Voice 3”. Shortly thereafter, I was signed to a record label, and in a nutshell, that’s how I got my start into the entertainment business.
What inspired you to pursue music as a career?
I’ve always loved singing even at an early age, and as I got older I had an appreciation for songwriting. When I was about 13 years old, I decided to pick up the guitar and learn how to play simple chords. And during that process, I started covering songs from different artists and bands that I admired. After countless covers, I decided to try writing my own songs. That’s when I knew singing and songwriting was something I wanted to pursue as a career.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I start off my mornings by going for a run or workout then I shower and make breakfast for myself, which usually comprises of three poached eggs, two pieces of toast (one plain, one with peanut butter), a chicken steak and an apple. And then after breakfast, I start my work, whether that’s songwriting or going out to work. But every day I try to reserve some time for myself to do some songwriting – and of course, an hour of TV time.
Who is your role model and why?
My role model would be my dad because he’s always hard-working, continues to provide for our family and takes good care of my mom. And he also cooks and cleans the dishes without making a fuss. I don’t know if I could ever do that. What more could you ask for?
What are your goals for 2022?
My main goal for 2022 would be to have my own solo show. I really want it to happen and I’ve been waiting forever for this, and it would be very special to me since it’s my 10th year in the music industry as a recording artist.
Could you share with us the story behind your new song (Sweeetly)?
2021 was really a big year for me, and I just felt so much love from all my fans, colleagues, friends, and my family, and that kind of inspired me to write this song. I really wanted to give something back to them. And more importantly, I wanted to start off 2022 on a positive note.
How do you make yourself happy and ritzy in life?
I think being happy is a choice. And if you focus and choose to see the good, then even on bad days, you’ll notice the good bits in it. That’s how I try to look at life.
