Zhang Chu Photo: Courtesy of Zhao Chang

As one of the pioneers of rock music in China, he witnessed the climax of Chinese rock music in the 1990s; once popular nationwide with millions of fans, he remains a big rock star and idol to numerous young people in spite of his years of silence.

However, despite his huge connection to rock music, during an interview with the Global Times last week, the former rocker refused to discuss "rock music," explaining "When talking about music, concepts like that are just confining."

This is Zhang Chu, a maverick musician who is welcoming the changes that time has brought and looking to better himself when it comes to both music and life.

Changes

The setting sun is slipping in hot air

millions of stars are drinking fire in the night sky

wind is blowing leaves on the dune and faint laughter is drifting from the distance -

These are some of the lyrics from "Corner of the Sky," which can be found on Zhang's new album Clear.

The poem-like lyrics from the new album are typical of Zhang's style. Regarded as China's most literary singer, his lyrics are famous for their heavy touch of modern poetry; reserved and yet profound.

Listening to these songs, however, you will notice that the music is not quite so typical of what you would expect from a rock'n'roll idol.

Unlike his previous songs such as "Westward out of Yang Guan," "Sister," and "Loners Are Disgraceful" that are sentimental, desolate and create a feeling of loneliness, the songs in Clear are soaked with warmth, beautiful scenes and hope for tomorrow.

Fan reaction has been mixed. Noticing this change and that his songs have become more positive, fans have posted reviews both praising and criticizing his new songs. 

For some, this change has been a bit unexpected, but considering that it's been 17 years since his last album Plane Factory, this change doesn't seem out of the ordinary to Zhang.

"What is the point of repeating what you've done or following the expectations of others? I want my songs to make people more positive and reasonable. Judging from people's reactions, I think I reached my intended goal," Zhang told the Global Times.

Expanding beyond labels

A representative figure in the world of rock in China, Zhang is a member of the renowned Moyan Sanjie (Three Heroes of Moyan Records) together with Dou Wei and He Yong. The three rockers' concert in Hong Kong 20 years ago created a huge sensation, marking the peak of Chinese rock music.

Born in 1968 in Hunan Province and moving to Xi'an, Shaanxi Province at 8, Zhang has traveled quite a bit since his childhood, leading many of his songs to be created while on the road. His poet-like temperament and penetrating music has distinguished him from other singers, making him an idol to numerous fans who fell in love with his music during the 1990s. His songs "Sister" and "Ants, Ants" are unshakable classics that continue to resonate with fans even today.

However, after producing three albums, the last one in 1997, the singer fell silent during the new millennium with fans only catching the occasional glimpse of him at various concerts or music activities.

This led his fans to enter a frenzied state when news of his newest album reached their ears. Given that some rock fans were looking to him to carry on the future of Chinese rock music, the style of his new album may be something of a let down.

"What I'm doing today may be considered different from 10 years ago. Everything is constantly developing and changing," Zhang said. "Instead of rock music, which is really just a label, I'd like to regard myself as having a mission involving music at large.

"I've been exploring the more essential and more meaningful side of life, in the hopes that my music can reach people's heart more directly," he added.

Zhang explained that the new album, which comes out in a month, is more the result of his growing restraint than any actual change.

"Unlike me, most people get married, have children at a certain age and follow certain rules of society. They need to return to reality after listening to music," Zhang told the Global Times. "So I thought about how my music might affect the audience and tried to control things to a mild degree."

Maturing as a musician

"I've gotten much more mature over the years and become clearer about life and what can solve problems and what cannot, what can only exist in your mind and what can be put into practice," he said, explaining why he choose Clear as the name of his album.

Rising to fame in the late 1980s, Zhang became a household name when songs like "Westward out of Yang Guan" and "Sister" circulated wildly among young people.

"It is a good thing to be mature. I feel more independent than before and I'm closer to the things I like," he said. "There was a time, after I became successful, when I was affected by society to a great degree."

Now, Zhang owns two companies, one focuses on his music, which according to Zhang allows him more freedom and independence when it comes to creativity, and the other specializes in producing music lessons for the public. Zhang explained that this company mainly focuses on music education for children for different kinds of music. The company has finished five classes so far.

"As a man of music, this can be my way to give something back to society," he laughed.

In addition to creating music, Zhang has also involved himself in several charitable activities in recent years, such as performing at charity concerts and holding fund-raisers.

Looking forward, Zhang said he'd like to travel more and experience different sides of life, including being a father.

"As a father, I will be a man of love and responsibility, and my music will become more loving too," he said.