Singapore-born singing sensation JJ Lin is ready to get back on stage for JJ World Tour 2009, a little more than two years after his successful Just JJ World Tour in 2006, which was his first.
The tour opens in Singapore on March 28, a day after Lin celebrates his 28th birthday. “This concert tour is a birthday present to myself,” he says. “I get to celebrate it with my fans — it’s meaningful.”
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| PHOTOS: Gary Sim |
Lin’s management, Ocean Butterflies, has promised fans “a birthday surprise”. “We want to keep it fresh,” grins Lin.
Widely touted as one of Singapore’s most talented and versatile talents in the Chinese music scene, and certainly this island’s top male music export, Lin’s wide-ranging talent spans singing R&B songs, dance pop numbers and moving ballads. He is also an accomplished songwriter: he has penned hits such as A*Mei’s “记得” (‘Remember’), Twins’ “我很想爱他” (‘I Really Want To Love Him’) and Elva Hsiao’s “你是我心中的一句惊叹” (‘You Are What Excites My Heart’).
Fans can expect to party to their favourite JJ Lin hits, such as “豆浆油条” (‘Soy Milk and Dough Sticks’), “编号 89757” (‘No. 89757’), “江南” (‘River South’), “杀手” (‘The Killer’), “一千年以后” (‘A Thousand Years Later’), “只对你说” (‘Only Told You’), “木乃伊” (‘The Mummy’), “曹操” (‘Cao Cao’), “西界” (‘Westside’), as well as songs from his latest album Sixology, which sold 280,000 copies in seven days when it was launched last December.
While his first tour was a visual extravaganza of fancy footwork and stylish staging, this time round, fans will get to experience the heart and soul of JJ Lin.
“When you take away the lights and special effects, what’s left is the music,” says Lin. “That’s what I want to do, to bring it all back to the music and that feeling that great music gives.”
But far be it that this concert is going to be boring — JJ Lin’s funky dance moves will definitely be on display as well. “There’s going to be power moves, a sexy vibe,” he promises. “It’s different, fresh yet familiar.”
Adding to the excitement will be special guest performers Fan WeiQi (范玮琪) and BY2. Lin reveals that Fan and her boyfriend Hei Ren are good friends of his that he hangs out with. “Fan Fan and I have collaborated, and her music’s great,” says Lin of his guest. “My only condition for her to appear is, she can’t wear high heel shoes and look taller than me!”
2009 is looking up for JJ Lin. He has just launched his new clothing store at Ann Siang Hill, a partnership with a few friends which has been in the planning for two years. The store carries JJ’s own design line, SMUDGE.
“I hope this year I can also confirm a movie role — there have been discussions,” he says.
With so much talent and fortitude, there’s little doubt JJ Lin will get where he wants to go, this year and beyond.
Catch JJ Lin at the opening show of his concert tour, JJ World Tour 2009. March 28, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 8pm. Tickets at $148, $128, $108 and $78 are available from SISTIC (www.sistic.com.sg)
