Hong Kong performer and actress Chen Songling, widely known as Adia Chan, ended a hiatus from the music scene with the release of her new song, titled “Songling.” Appearing on RTHK’s Metro Broadcast program, Yuan Lai Sheng Huo Hao Kuai Le, hosted by Kenny Cheng and Eric Mak, Chan provided insights into the intensely personal nature of the track which is set to resonate deeply with listeners reflecting on life’s inevitable struggles and resilience.
The new single is described by Chan as a labor of love, drawing directly from her extensive life experiences. The track features music composed by Terence Cheung and lyrics penned by renowned lyricist Keith Chan Siu-kei. Chan revealed the surprisingly close working relationship she shares with Siu-kei, noting they are neighbors in Beijing. The collaboration began with an emotionally charged, two-hour phone call during which Chan shared anecdotes and history she had previously kept private.
“I told Siu-kei some stories he didn’t know,” Chan recounted. “We spoke for two hours until I physically couldn’t speak anymore, fearing I would become too emotional. After hanging up, I still sent him 20 voice messages.”
Siu-kei later confessed to being moved to tears while crafting the lyrics, recognizing that the narrative, though rooted in Chan’s life, speaks to a universal human experience. Chan emphasized the song’s core message: everyone faces challenges, but support systems are critical. She stated, “Everyone’s life has ups and downs. But there are many hands ready to hold you up. Giving up is merely a choice; this song reminds everyone to reclaim their life force.”
When asked about her life’s most difficult period, Chan offered a humorous evasion, suggesting that a detailed discussion would require a private, inebriated conversation. However, she highlighted one line within the song that particularly resonates with her: “One understood life before one had even grown tall.”
Despite the highly emotional source material, Chan, a seasoned performer, adopted a disciplined approach during the recording process. Recognizing the financial constraints of studio time, she focused on maintaining control.
“I’m an experienced, professional actor and I know the recording studio charges by the hour,” she explained. “To avoid any mishaps, I was diligent about containing my emotions.”
Chan spent a month intensely processing the song before recording. Initially, reading the lyrics alone brought her to tears, repeating the emotional response over 30 times. It was only after this period of catharsis that a “rational self” entered the studio. Despite her control, the final recording session spanned three days.
The artist is currently spending three to four months in Hong Kong for the recording and promotional cycle. She maintains a rigorous schedule to balance career commitments and personal life, noting a mutual understanding with her husband to meet every two weeks, supplemented by frequent video calls.
Chan also touched on her remarkable physical transformation, crediting her husband—whom she jokingly refers to as her “demon husband”—for her improved fitness. He encourages daily gym visits and they adhere to a strict, non-traditional diet that involves skipping breakfast, relying solely on coffee, and delaying solid food until an hour later, opting for nutrient-dense meals featuring eggs, beef, quinoa, and millet. This regimen helped Chan reduce her weight from 70 kilograms to 56 kilograms over two years.
Looking ahead, Chan revealed plans to star in a musical next year, preferring the stage’s unforgiving nature to the lens. She believes the stage offers fewer flaws in delivery and allows her to embody characters ranging from 26 to 60 years old, a versatility that might be unattainable on screen. Chan’s return to music with “Songling” signals a powerful new chapter, transforming personal trials into a message of universal endurance.
