A-mei’s success is matched by a versatility that won’t let her become complacent

By HeyJude
Translation by TC Li

Since launching her debut album Sisters in 1996, A-mei has churned out 15 records that have sold 45 million copies in Asia alone. With hit songs such as Sisters, Bad Boy and Holding Hands topping music charts in native Taiwan and all over Asia, A-mei is not your run-of-the-mill singer. This year, she released AMIT, a name that – at first sight – intrigues many.

“Amit is my aboriginal name from the Puyuma tribe,” explains A-mei. “AMIT was inspired by a certain level of self-reflection and rediscovery.” In fact, the idea of this extraordinary album title has been brewing since A-mei’s homecoming to Taitung three years ago. “It wasn’t until then that I learnt my aboriginal name, Gulilai Amit, from my mother. Then, it dawned on me that I wanted to make music with this other self that has existed but went unnoticed all along.”

To A-mei, producing AMIT was a two-year, soul-searching journey, during which she unveiled the part of her that seemed so familiar yet alien at the same time, so that she was able to instil novelty into her music. “AMIT has a distinct tone, style and mindset. She’s a discrete entity on her own.”

Yet it almost defies common sense why a pop diva who has the world at her feet would crave a drastic start-over. “AMIT is a daring challenge,” admits A-mei. “I’ve always been determined in what I want to do, but I was overly self-conscious about how and what other people thought of me in the past. Now, though, I realise that music should be straightforward. It should be the message I want to convey. And for that I give my best so that I won’t regret.”

For her pluck and genuineness, A-mei credits her family upbringing, her father in particular. “When I was small, I would consult my father when I wanted to do something. Instead of giving me an answer, he would ask if I wanted to do it. To my affirmative reply, he would say, ‘Then do it. If you succeed, I’ll clap for you. If you fail, then you’ll understand it’s probably not your thing and you’ll go and find something else to do.’ My parents have taught me to embrace challenges and to be undaunted by failures.”

And embrace challenges she does. Having just released AMIT, A-mei is currently preparing yet another world concert tour that will tee off in Foshan, China, before moving on to Shanghai, Beijing, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and Taiwan. “Anyone who has worked with me will know that I’m passionate in what I do. But, if it’s something I’m not keen on, I’d rather not do it at all.”

Forever giving her utmost, A-mei was so shattered after the final show of the Star World Tour wrapped in August that she had to be carried off stage. “When I’m on stage, I spare nothing even if it means burning every ounce of energy and zest in me,” she says. “I enjoy singing to a huge audience; it doesn’t matter that their chorus overshadows my own voice.”

The Macau leg of the forthcoming world tour will be especially arranged with rock beats and some of A-mei’s favourite hits given new interpretations. “I hope I’ll get the chance to see the rapidly developing Macau and its exquisite architecture,” she adds. And the iconic Taiwanese singer’s way to unwind? “I normally hole up at home to spend some time with my family and friends.”