Taiwanese music icon Chen Hsiao-hsia wins Jury Award after decade-long album production
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Taiwanese musician Chen Hsiao-hsia received the Jury Award at the 37th Golden Melody Awards for her album "Old Wings."
- She spent 10 years producing the album, expressing gratitude for the patience of her record label and supporters.
- Chen Hsiao-hsia is a renowned songwriter whose music has been performed by numerous top artists in the Chinese-speaking world.
Taiwanese music veteran Chen Hsiao-hsia, often hailed as the "godmother of creation" in the Chinese music scene, was honored with the Jury Award at the 37th Golden Melody Awards for her album "Old Wings."
Upon receiving the award from jury chair Huang Yun-ling, Chen expressed her deep emotion. "In the past, I would be on stage during concerts, but this might be the first time speaking on stage. Thank you to the judges for their affirmation; this award is very significant," she said, prompting a standing ovation from the musicians in the audience.
Thank you to the judges for their affirmation; this award is very significant.
Chen extended her thanks to her record company and copyright firm, acknowledging their decade-long patience. "They waited 10 years for me; I spent 10 years producing this album, and they waited 10 years. Thank you very much for their support. Thank you to everyone in the company for their support, allowing me to continue doing what I love with a clear conscience. To receive this award at my age, I am very happy."
Reflecting on the 10-year production of "Old Wings," Chen attributed her success to the supportive environment of Taiwan's golden era of pop music. "I am very fortunate to have grown up in the best era of Taiwanese pop music and participated in the music industry during that time. I thank everyone who has supported me, including my listeners, who have embraced 'Old Wings,' which is not exactly mainstream music on the market. Thank you all for your support. I am very happy, thank you."
They waited 10 years for me; I spent 10 years producing this album, and they waited 10 years. Thank you very much for their support.
Chen Hsiao-hsia's extensive songwriting credits read like a history of Chinese pop music, with her songs performed by legendary artists such as Liu Wen-cheng, Faye Wong, Leslie Cheung, Jiang Hui, Yoga Lin, and Rene Liu. Her ability to perfectly tailor melodies to singers' voices makes collaboration with her a coveted goal for lyricists. While she has penned numerous hits, her first Golden Melody Award for Best Composer was for Guo Jing's "Singing in the Tree" at the 21st awards ceremony.
The album "Old Wings," which took 20 years to complete, was praised by the judges for its "pure A&R, complete structure," and for telling a story with an "old soul." The album's gentle, warm tone and self-deprecating lyrics showcase the profound skill of a seasoned artist without pretension.
I am very fortunate to have grown up in the best era of Taiwanese pop music and participated in the music industry during that time.
Chen shared her philosophy behind the album: "I believe everyone, regardless of age, possesses 'wings.' They are the undiscovered strengths in our lives. Once we learn to let go of past burdens, we can rediscover our ability to fly. Even if your wings have become 'old wings' when you take flight again, please don't forget that you can still fly."
In addition to the Jury Award, the title track "Old Wings" was also nominated for Song of the Year.
I believe everyone, regardless of age, possesses 'wings.' They are the undiscovered strengths in our lives. Once we learn to let go of past burdens, we can rediscover our ability to fly. Even if your wings have become 'old wings' when you take flight again, please don't forget that you can still fly.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.