Li Yuchun performs with 300 dancers at a New Year's Eve gala aired by Jiangsu Satellite TV Station on Dec 31, 2016. (Photo provided to China Daily)
One of the producers, Chen Weilun, also wrote songs for Li's new album, including Sense of Presence and Fig. Chen, who was a music producer for indie musicians and films, is keen on blending traditional Chinese music with modern sounds, such as rock, jazz and electronic music.
"She is not afraid of trying new things. The song, Fig, is not a conventional love ballad or dance music. The song is longer, nearly 6 minutes, and she sings like murmuring, which is different from her usual performances," says Chen.
In support of the new album, Li launched a national tour, entitled Growing Wild, which visited five cities around China, including Beijing, Shenzhen and Nanjing, attracting more than 50,000 fans.
It has been more than a decade since Li, a once unknown 21-year-old music student from Sichuan province, appeared on and won the televised singing competition Super Girl in 2005. The TV show attracted a nationwide audience of 400 million and fans voted for the young singer with a neutral style and deep, soulful voice. Her powerful individuality made her a phenomenon in the country.
