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Penny Tai, the thief of time

SINGAPORE — Fans of Mandopop will remember how Penny Tai became a star overnight when her song, The Love You Want — also one of the theme songs of the massively successful Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden — became a hit in 2001.

Malaysian singer Penny Tai will be counting down to the New Year in Singapore for the first time. Photo: Rock On! 2017

Malaysian singer Penny Tai will be counting down to the New Year in Singapore for the first time. Photo: Rock On! 2017

SINGAPORE — Fans of Mandopop will remember how Penny Tai became a star overnight when her song, The Love You Want — also one of the theme songs of the massively successful Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden — became a hit in 2001.

Over the last 15 or 16 years, the fresh faced, guitar-strumming girl from Johor Bahru has transformed into a multi-hyphenate with nearly a dozen solo albums, her own record label and hundreds of song credits to her name. And just when you think she could not possibly be cooler, she goes and forms a quirky pop-rock band Buddha Jump, which won Best Band at the Golden Melody Awards in 2015, just for kicks.

Tai, who released her 12th album Thief in August, said the inspiration behind its title comes from how she feels when it comes to the realm of songwriting.

“In the midst of songwriting, I have discovered that I often stop to think about certain scenes from the past before I write. I feel like a thief, stealing moments from the past. In the world of songwriting, I feel like a thief,” she said.

It is no wonder the Malaysian singer-songwriter feels particularly sensitive to the passage of time, and its effects on her life and career. Her understanding of music and its industry has changed over the years, she said, and she has learned the importance of focusing on doing a single task well, and to go along with the rewards and challenges that life brings her.

“I have no official training or background in music, so I feel particularly satisfied that I have been able to spend the last 21 years writing songs, and that I have been able to call myself a singer-songwriter for the last 16. I feel very fortunate that I have been able to record life’s moments, and even help other people get through difficult times, using the power of music.” said Tai.

The 38-year-old continued: “It’s crazy when you think what music can do for us. I’ve used it as therapy for myself, and I am very grateful that I have been able to spend my life making music.”

It seems particularly apt then, that Tai has chosen to welcome the New Year with music. She will perform at the countdown concert Rock On! 2017 at The Float @ Marina Bay on Saturday (Dec 31). Other names on the line-up include Alicia Keys, Hoobastank, Rainie Yang, Shin, Kenji Wu, Eric Chou, Joi Chua, Chriz tong, Ferlyn G, Shirlyn & The UnExpected and Gilded Edge.

“I am very honoured to have been invited to perform at this countdown show in Singapore. It is my first time counting down to the New Year here, and I am really excited about performing at such a special venue with so many wonderful singers. I agreed to come the moment I heard that we’d been invited,” Tai said.

While Tai will not be in her home country to ring in the new year, she said it “doesn’t matter which city” she is in. “Every year, the audience proves just how much they look forward to the New Year, with big smiles on their faces. The fireworks also fill us all with hope. I just feel blessed thinking about New Year’s Eve every year.”

Interview transcript courtesy of Rock On! 2017. Rock On! 2017 will be held today from 5pm to 1am at The Float @ Marina Bay. Tickets from S$48 available at www.apactix.com.

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