Cantopop and R&B singer-songwriter Gareth.T looks to the future
Gareth Tong, one of the city’s well-loved new-generation artists, shares what’s next for his career and hopes for Hong Kong music
The beloved new-generation Cantopop artist is pushing forward, sharing what’s next for his career, sound and Hong Kong music. Photo: Edmond SoGareth Tong – better known as Gareth.T – has a plan: leaving his mark on Cantopop. Arguably, he has already taken the city’s genre to new places in his pursuit of seeing Hong Kong music, on the whole, make a global comeback. Fresh off the release of his latest single, “More Than You Know (你都不知道自己有多好)”, Tong sat down with Young Post to talk about his musical growth and what fans can expect next from him.
How would you describe your new song?
This song feels the most like a gift compared to the others. It is a reminder that you are more than what you know – more than what you see in yourself at any given moment. It speaks to all that you have inside of you and what you could become.
This song is also a reminder of who I am, the warmth I can bring to people, as well as the power of music, words and positivity. I hope it can inspire others, too.
If you shift your perspective even slightly and look to the bright side, you will see that there is so much more.
What message do you hope young people can take away from your new song?
A lot of young people doubt themselves. Many tend to overthink and lack confidence. So, I hope that listening to this song helps them realise everyone has their own strengths. As long as you are patient and nurture the things that need it, that good will grow.
Maybe exams are not your strong point, but that does not mean you don’t have other strengths. I believe if you put in the effort and truly believe in yourself, you will excel at what you are good at.
What was it like working with lyricist Wyman Wong?
The dynamic between me and him is kind of like an uncle and nephew at a Sunday barbecue. Our relationship goes beyond just a lyricist and singer-songwriter partnership. It feels more like a friendship or even family.
Whenever he sends lyrics, it is like opening a Christmas present – I never know what is inside. Sometimes, it is exactly what I wanted. And other times, it is something I did not even realise I needed.
How would you describe yourself at this point in your career?
At 25, I am no longer the same person you met in the last interview. I was still a little brash back then; I would be quick to deny or rebut ideas that I did not agree with. Now, I have learned to take advice. For example, if this song had been given to me two years ago, I would have thought, “I don’t need a reminder of how good I am.”
At this point, this song serves as an introduction to all the songs that will come in the future. It is also an introduction to me as a person in my 25th year.
Can you share a future song‘s theme?
I would never have thought about writing a Mother’s Day song two years ago. It’s about actively reminding the people around you how much they mean to you. Sometimes, the people closest to you do not know how important they are.
I am not an overly emotional person; I do not always say things like “I love you”, but I realised that music is a way to express that. Music is magical; it is like a superpower, and I want to use it for good.
Cantopop songs from the past 4 years that every Hong Kong teen should listen to
What does Cantopop mean to you?
Hong Kong music, especially Cantopop, will always live on. I would go as far as saying it’s something we cannot live without. For me, it means cultural preservation. I would like to add my own touch to it. So Cantopop, for me, is like a canvas – a beautiful canvas – that I would like to continue to draw on.
Perhaps, one day, 50 years from now, when people listen to Cantonese music, they will remember this person who tried to push it forward.
As someone with great ambition and a deep love for the Cantonese language, I believe there are still many untrodden paths ahead. If we want to bring back the spirit of the 80s and 90s era of Hong Kong music, we have to keep pushing forward. I hope that one day, Hong Kong music will make its global comeback. So, how do I see Cantopop today? I think it’s good, but there is still a lot more work to do.
What would you say to young up-and-coming musicians in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong people are a very special kind you cannot find anywhere else. We endure long hours; we push through a life of monotony, doing things we do not necessarily want to do.
As a Hong Kong musician, you have to approach music in almost the same way. You are going to face failures. You are going to do things you do not necessarily want to do. Keep pushing forward because being from Hong Kong means something. It means resilience. It means you are capable of more than you think.
Can we expect an album?
Wyman and I will probably put out an album at the end of this year with songs that [mix] a lot of diverse styles. I am also going to release some songs in the middle – maybe one in Mandarin, maybe a few in English. [Expect] a lot of new music this year.
And finally, can you share a goal of yours?
My goal is simple: to do a concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum – to do a groundbreaking, innovative show.
Interview has been edited for length and clarity.