1# Mini Blog Mag Interview with Mr Hanjin Tan -

I first learnt of Hanjin back in 2004'ish after listening to the song 香港地 [Hong Kong Dei] which features him rapping in Mandarin. Then I also learnt he can actually sing and thats not all - Hes a music producer, song writer - for many of Asia's top artists, to name a couple - Jacky Cheung/Eason Chan. Arranger/mixer, the list goes on... But what I want to know is how he got there. -? Lets be real. Nothings ever handed to you on a plate - Unless you're born filthy rich.

J- Let me ask you the cliché question of how did you get into music?

H- Failed grade 7 piano exams. Shun by piano teacher. Sang in the school choir. Learnt a thing or 2 about the naturalist school of singing. Picked up the guitar. Played @ clubs for free booze and some change. Earned some experience points. School of Economics. Got a regular gig that paid the school fees. Got a publisher’s contract to write Chinese pop songs. Got a break as record producer in my final year at University. Started a production team in Hong Kong. Still doing production work for records in Asia.

J- Did you struggle a bit? Was it difficult from the beginning?

H- The struggling was mostly self-inflicted. With ideals, with pragmatic concerns, with parents and social expectations, with materialistic concerns, with greed with procrastination.

J- What kept you going?

H- I’d like to see how good I can be at performing and producing. Long way to go, I hope.

J- What do you like about Hong Kong?

H- If someone wants to rip you off, they often let you know right off the bat.

J- Cool places to hang out in Hong Kong?

H- Home, wherever that may be for you. :D

J- What other Art are you into?

H- I like the idea of photography and painting. It’s still just ideas.

J- When are you most creative? Morning? Night?

H- Mostly, when I’m sleepy, whatever time that may happen to be.

J- Are you into all kinds of music? Which is your most passionate?

H- The life changing music for me was Rock and Roll. It changes from time to time but Rock is it for the most part. For now, I’m really excited about Sa Ding Ding’s music.

J- Which other countries are cool to you?

H- For now, I like big cities, no specific countries per se.

J- When does life start to you?

H- It’s never stopped. When it does, you might like to take a look in the obituaries.

J- What do you think being in your 20’s is about?

H- Finding something to be ballsy about. I feel I might have been quite a failure in that department.

J- Why do humans crave for success?

H- The other options just aren’t quite as attractive.

J- How would you end this interview?

H- Tactfully.

.....but I just flunked that too, didn't I?

J- No - I like it . Your Cool.

Go check out his pipes! Pick up his latest album - "Raw Jazz"

www.tanhanjin.com