HK teenage singing sensation Feanna Wong on her audition for "She Remembers, He Forgets", and balancing school and singing
The 16-year-old sunny songstress tells Young Post why she took a two year break from recording, and her plans for more covers and global success
Feanna Wong tells us to be persistent in pursuing our dreams.Feanna Wong (黃淑蔓) was just 14 when she rose to fame after lending her voice to We Almost Fly (差一點我們會飛), the theme song to the 2015 Hong Kong film She Remembers, He Forgets. Now, after almost two years of relative quiet, the singer is back, having released her new song If Youth Has No Ends (如果青春不會有盡頭) on her YouTube channel on August 9.
On the day Young Post sat down with Feanna over fishballs and siu mais, a Typhoon signal number 3 was in force. Outside, it was dark and the rain was hurtling down like pellets, but inside Feanna’s lit dressing room at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, the atmosphere, and Feanna herself, were much brighter.
Still a student at Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si College, the 16-year old talked about finding success at a young age, balancing school life with singing, and her plans for the future.
We’re both 16. It’s unusual for a 16-year-old in Hong Kong to be a recording artist and have their own music video. How do you think you’ve achieved this at such a young age?
I think not only I can do it; others can too. There are lots of teens who can sing well, but they don’t get the chance [to show it]. I’m lucky; when I was 14, I went to a casting with a group of people, and I was chosen to sing We Almost Fly. At the same time, I signed a record contract with Media Asia, so I have my company and manager to thank for being able to shoot music videos. But aside from luck, you need to have the courage to chase your dreams. If you persevere in the things you want to do, everything is possible.
Why did you decide to take a break and what have been up to during the last two years?
I was still only 14 when I signed with my label. I am a student and school is important to me, so during term time, I have no time to practise or record new music. I only really focus on music during the holidays. I’ve continued to perform at schools and events over these last two years, but only recently have I had to time to really prepare and record a new song.
There are a lot of YouTube videos which show you like singing and busking. What else do you like to do?
I love travelling. I really hope someday I can travel around world with nothing but a guitar. I’ll perform in each place I visit and once I’ve earned enough money from busking, I’ll move on to somewhere else. And I like watching movies. I’m a big fan of Disney movies. I also like horror movies, and any science fiction films that contain gore. I also love dancing, sometimes to K-pop music.
What are your plans for upcoming year, and for the future?
Right now, I want to continue to perform at secondary schools, as well as charity events because I like being able to do something for a good cause. I also plan on doing some covers of songs for my YouTube channel. Further down the line, I’d to gain success outside of Hong Kong - first in the mainland, then gradually become known internationally. Of course, this is going to be a slow process.
Which kind of animal do you think represents you the most?
Shark babies. They are cute, like me and we are both playful and a bit naughty.
What advice would you give to the readers of Young Post?
Firstly, if you have a dream, you must pursue it. You need to be persistent. This is crucial. Secondly, studying is still important. It’s no good having a talent if you forget all about your grades in the meantime. They might be what hold you back later on. Just remember to ‘add oil’ and strive for your dream!