KUALA LUMPUR: Gloria Tang Tsz-Kei, better known by her stage name G.E.M. (an acronym for ‘Get Everybody Moving’) is no stranger to the Mandopop scene.
Often compared to American pop singer Taylor Swift, the 25-year-old Shanghai-born singer-songwriter also plays a musical instrument -- the piano – and she pens her own tunes about love and relationships.
Two years ago in Kuala Lumpur, Tang pulled off a two-night concert at the 10,000-seater Putra Indoor Stadium in Bukit Jalil, before returning to our shores later in the same year for another two-night showcase, this time at Genting Highlands.
With her over-the-top vocals and bubbly personality, it is hard to give this Hong Kong-based, petite singer a miss.
Tang, who was recently in KL to promote her new documentary film titled ‘G-Force’, said: “The difference between Malaysia and all the places that I’ve been to promote the new film is the weather. Malaysia is the only location where I don’t have to lounge around in a thick jacket.”
Some may wonder what Tang has achieved to deserve a biographical documentary before even hitting 30. Speaking in Mandarin at the film’s press conference in Petaling Jaya recently, the ‘Someday I’ll Fly’ singer said the film was part of a natural process of putting her life on record, prior to her big break, her dreams and passions.
“I was a ‘nobody’ once. And to be heard by so many people in the world right now has been a great experience. The response is beyond expectations,” she said.
“Like most people my age, I have dreams and I work hard towards achieving them. Through G-Force, I hope to inspire my peers and fans to do the same and to never give up on dreams and continue working hard,” she added.
Also included in the documentary is rare footage of Tang as a child, her school performances and personal life.
Most people first came to know of Tang through her appearance on the much-talked about Chinese reality competition, ‘I Am A Singer.’ She won the hearts of many, including her fellow competitors, Shila Amzah, Gary Chaw and veteran singer Han Lei, with her stirring and emotive singing. Her popularity skyrocketed after her performance of ‘Bubble’, an emotional song which she wrote and composed herself while on a short break in New York.
The young star’s success on the show has opened up endless possibilities. Her fanbase extends as far as the US (where she performed at The House Of Blues in West Hollywood in 2015), Canada, Australia and Southeast Asia. In 2014, she won the Favourite Asia Act award at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
Last year, she concluded her two-year-long world tour, ‘X.X.X. Live.’ She is the only Asian artiste to have been featured in Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30: Music’ – an annual celebration to honour individuals across 20 categories on their achievements in the spheres of art, style, education and music.
“My fans are my biggest motivation. I’m especially grateful for their endless support and words of encouragement. They are the ones who cheer me up when I am down. They’ve been my emotional support all these years,” she said, smiling.
“But music is my main passion. It’s the first thing that’s on my mind and I cannot imagine myself doing anything besides music. Only through hardship and challenges can you learn about yourself and be better,” she added.
Her positivity also extended to the way she dealt with having her heart broken by Taiwanese pop singer Yoga Lin, her ex-beau of four years.
“Sometimes, things are just not meant to be. Since the break-up, I’ve not been in contact with him,” she said.
Last Nov, Lin announced that he will be tying the knot with his Taiwan-based designer girlfriend, Kiki Ting this year.
“The break-up gave me a different perspective on relationships. And I dislike discussing relationships in public,” she said.
Well, is Tang, who is currently single, seeing anyone?
Laughing, the multi-award winning singer said: “I will only reveal it when the time (is right). I prefer to keep it to myself.”
Now that she has her own docu-film under her belt, is she slowly venturing into becoming an actress?
“I have had offers in the past, but I’ve declined them due to my lack of acting skill. When it comes to acting, it is better to leave it to the professionals,” she said.
However, Tang said that she is now considering giving it a try.
“I would love to work with Malaysian directors, if such opportunities arise. Whether he or she is someone established in the industry or otherwise, I wouldn’t mind getting myself involved in a good script,” said Tang, who came up with the Mandarin theme song for sci-fi adventure film ‘Passengers’, starring Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. Titled ‘Light Years Away’, the singer produced and also starred in the music video.
This year, Tang will make her Hollywood debut in Ross Venokur’s animated film ‘Charming’, in which she voices Sleeping Beauty. Other cast members lending their voices include Demi Lovato, Wilmer Valderrama, John Cleese, Sia Furler and Avril Lavigne.
Tang is currently working on some new material, as well as planning her upcoming world tour concert.
“I can’t reveal much about it yet, but rest assured that Malaysia will be one of the stops,” she said.
Directed by Nick Wickham (he has worked extensively, creating concert films for popular international artistes such as Madonna, Rihanna, Beyonce, Metallica and Katy Perry), the 90-minute docu-film will be screened this weekend at selected TGV Cinemas (TGV Bukit Indah, TGV Kinta City, TGV First Avenue, TGV Sunway Velocity and TGV Jaya). Tickets are priced at RM20, which comes with a complementary bottle of mineral water. Viewers also stand a chance to win an exclusive autographed poster by Tang.
For more information on showtimes, visit www.tgv.com.my