HONG KONG – Actor Carlos Chan, who entered the entertainment industry in 2003 after competing in the “Global Chinese New Talent Singing Championship,” realized a long-deferred dream Tuesday by releasing his debut solo single, We Are All Nameless. The launch event, held yesterday (March 23), doubled as a mini-concert where Chan performed not only his new track but also his wife Shiga Lin’s signature song, Just Want to Be with You—the same piece he sang at their wedding in 2023.
From Acting to Singing: A Two-Decade Wait
Chan, 38, spent most of his career focused on film and television roles, despite entering the industry through a singing competition. The new single marks his first official foray into music as a solo artist, a milestone fans and industry observers note is long overdue. During the event, Chan admitted he never imagined organizing a private mini-show, let alone releasing a personal single.
“I actually did this thing—I never thought I’d hold a mini show, sing a few songs, invite many new music industry friends to come,” Chan wrote on social media afterward. “Most importantly, I can finally tell people: my first solo single We Are All Nameless is out now. Thank you to everyone who came to support me. Keep walking and we’ll see each other.”
Wife’s Emotional Surprise on Stage
Shiga Lin, herself a established singer and actress, attended the launch wearing a supportive headband. The couple married in 2023, and Chan had surprised her at their wedding by singing Just Want to Be with You—a performance so moving he choked up and could barely finish.
At yesterday’s event, Chan performed the song again. Lin, visibly emotional, rushed to the stage mid-song to join him, creating a warm, intimate moment. She later shared a photo of the couple on social media, revealing she had been just as nervous as her husband in the days leading up to the launch.
“Ah—so this is what being a married couple is like,” Lin wrote. “Watching you go from writing lyrics for the new song, to recording, to actually releasing your first personal work. I’m truly excited, touched, and happy for you, especially knowing this song is so meaningful, so full of story. Today’s new song launch was wonderful—seeing so many people come to support you. Looking forward to October 5th, when more people can hear your new song on various platforms. We Are All Nameless—looking forward. Soooo proud of you!”
Release Date Set for October
Chan’s debut single We Are All Nameless will officially be available on streaming platforms starting October 5. The song, which he helped write, carries personal significance about identity and perseverance in an industry where many remain unrecognized. For an actor known for roles in films such as Vampire Cleanup Department and A Witness Out of the Blue, the move into music represents both a professional expansion and a long-held personal ambition.
Broader Implications
Chan’s dual career shift highlights a growing trend among Hong Kong entertainers who first gained fame as actors or hosts before pursuing music. With streaming platforms lowering barriers to entry, more established artists are exploring independent musical releases outside traditional record labels. For Chan, the support from his wife—a chart-topping Cantopop singer—provides both personal encouragement and professional credibility. His next steps include potential live performances and further recordings, though no official album has been announced. The couple’s collaborative moment on stage underscores a shifting dynamic in Hong Kong celebrity culture, where personal and professional lives increasingly intersect in publicly shared milestones.
