Hong Kong singer-songwriter Chen Lei has unveiled her latest single “Fan Feng” (Turning Wind), the second release from her new musical project. The song follows her debut track “Human Love Studies” and paints a portrait of someone who stays carefree and independent after a breakup, embracing the freedom of single life. “Fan Feng” was composed and arranged by indie band Pandora, with lyrics by Zhong Shuo and co-production by Pandora and Shu Wen.
Long-Awaited Collaboration with Pandora
Chen Lei had spent two years hoping to work with Pandora, but none of their previous demos matched her vision. That changed early this year when she received a demo from Pandora’s lead vocalist, Tony. The connection was immediate. The singer said the track had a nostalgic city pop sound with a melody so catchy and memorable that she could not wait to release it. That demo became the driving force behind her entire new music project.
“This song was what finally pushed me to start this project,” Chen Lei told reporters. “I loved it from the first listen and told the band I wanted it released as soon as possible.”
The collaboration showcases Pandora’s ability to infuse playful energy into pop music while maintaining a listenable quality that keeps audiences coming back.
Lyrics Bring Colloquial Charm
For the lyrics, Chen Lei again worked with Zhong Shuo, marking their second collaboration after the movie theme song “What If.” The decision to bring in Zhong Shuo came partly from Pandora’s suggestion, as the band felt the song’s lighthearted vibe needed the lyricist’s signature use of Cantonese colloquial phrases. Words like “囉囉攣” (anxiety) and “乾噌噌” (dry) lend the track an approachable, everyday feel.
Chen Lei said she rarely writes about romantic relationships in her music, but this time she wanted to explore that territory. She described the image that came to mind when hearing the demo: someone moving freely, enjoying a sea breeze and living without weight. That vision evolved into a tale of a person who, after a breakup, carries on boldly.
Music Video Showcases Nature Love
The music video was directed by her close friend Gigi Zhang, the sister of actor Zhang Man. Chen Lei said she trusts Zhang’s visual sense and color grading completely, so she gave the director full creative freedom. The result includes scenes of Chen Lei running across a green meadow, flying a kite, and spending time on a boat at sea.
Chen Lei, who loves the outdoors, found the shoot especially rewarding. “I usually love looking at the sea, but I rarely go out on it because it feels like too much trouble,” she said. “Being able to spend a day going up into the mountains and out onto the water, surrounded by nature, was a dream come true for me.”
The video’s visuals reinforce the song’s theme of lightness and liberation, complementing the upbeat arrangement.
Broader Implications for Her Music Project
“Fan Feng” sets an energetic and introspective tone for Chen Lei’s ongoing project. By choosing to explore romantic themes through a lens of self-possession, she offers listeners a refreshing perspective on independence. The willingness to collaborate with bands like Pandora and to include colloquial Cantonese in her lyrics shows a shift toward authenticity and experimentation in her music.
As the project continues, fans can expect more releases that blend nostalgic sounds with modern storytelling, further cementing Chen Lei’s reputation as a versatile artist in the Cantopop scene.
