HONG KONG — Singer Ivy So, a member of the Hong Kong-based girl group COLLAR, has released her latest solo single, “Funeral Elegy” (Zang Hua Ci). The track marks a significant stylistic departure from her group’s high-energy dance repertoire, blending a haunting minor-key melody with lyrics deeply rooted in classical Chinese tradition.
A Song Inspired by Literary Tradition
The single weaves together several key elements that give it a distinctly classical flavor:
- A title directly referencing the famous “burying blossoms” motif from the 18th-century novel “Dream of the Red Chamber,” symbolizing ephemeral beauty and tragic love
- A minor-key xiaodiao musical structure, which evokes traditional Chinese folk melodies
- Lyrics co-written by So with veteran songwriter Cheng Man to maintain authentic classical phrasing
- A music video steeped in the visual language of Cantonese opera
So explained that the narrative of a strong woman caught in a doomed romance was immediate. “When I first heard the demo, I felt it perfectly described bitter love and regret,” she said. “The image of a funeral for flowers became the central thread of the song.”
Challenges and Collaborative Craft
Although So has written lyrics for previous releases, she acknowledged the unusual difficulty of this project. “It was my first time trying a style with such a classical flavor,” she noted. “I needed help to make sure the lyrics matched the music’s authenticity.”
The music video amplifies that authenticity. So appears in multiple elegant, historical-inspired looks, but the most personal touch is the inclusion of Cantonese opera visual elements. Having studied the genre as a child, So felt an immediate connection to the director’s vision. “It brought back a flood of memories,” she recalled.
She joked, however, that the hardest work belonged to the hair, makeup, and wardrobe teams, who assembled her costume changes under tight deadlines.
Solo Journey and Looking Ahead
“Funeral Elegy” wraps up So’s solo music projects for the year. While COLLAR focuses on powerful choreography and group harmonies, So treats her independent releases as an opportunity to experiment. She has already chosen her next song, promising a lighter, faster tempo for 2024.
“I select songs I am interested in but haven’t tried before,” she explained. “I want the fans to see a different side of me.”
A Grounded Outlook on Awards Season
With year-end award ceremonies approaching, So remains composed. She views each single release as a “mid-term report card,” caring more about audience reception than competitive results.
“I’m not nervous,” she said. “I value whether people enjoyed the music. I will accept things as they come.”
Through “Funeral Elegy,” Ivy So continues to carve out a distinct artistic identity—one that honors cultural heritage while pushing her creative range well beyond the typical idol framework.
