Prolific Hong Kong singer-songwriter Endy Chow Kwok-yin has formally inked a deal with Emperor Entertainment Group (EEG), concluding nearly five years as an independent artist, a move signaling his ambition to dramatically increase his musical output and pursue film ventures. The announcement coincided with the release of his first single under the new label, “A Good Grown-Up,” an introspective rock track exploring the pressures and inherent complexity of performing “goodness” in modern society.
Focus Shifts Back to Artistry
Chow, a fixture in the Canto-pop scene since the early 2000s, confirmed that discussions with the entertainment giant had been underway for two years. He explained that the decision to sign with a major label hinged on a singular, pragmatic concern: time management. During his recent independent tenure, Chow enjoyed immense creative freedom—producing critically acclaimed but highly experimental work such as the concept album The Creepy Parade (《百鬼夜行》) without concern for market viability.
However, operating his own studio meant shouldering all administrative burdens, from content creation and music video production and editing to internal accounting and payroll. This breadth of responsibility, he admitted, severely impeded his ability to focus on composition.
“I’m honestly in my 40s now, and time passes quickly,” Chow stated, emphasizing the need to prioritize songwriting. He specified that EEG offered the precise support he craved: an environment where he could dedicate himself solely to creative endeavors while the company’s infrastructure handled all logistical and promotional tasks. The move was further smoothed by the presence of a familiar team, including former collaborators who helped craft his influential “Sometimes Trilogy” a decade ago.
Ambitious Plans for a ‘Prodigious Era’
Looking ahead, Chow is positioning himself as an artistic catalyst within the EEG stable, although he joked about needing to remember to address established artists like Steven Hung as “senior colleagues.” He expressed enthusiasm for potential collaborations across the roster, noting his long-standing friendships and past songwriting contributions for artists including Nicholas Tse, Joey Yung, Kenny Kwan, and Eman Lam.
Chow detailed an aggressive strategy to recapture his earlier “prolific era.” His goals for the current year are substantial: releasing between eight and ten new tracks, delivering a full-length album, and staging a major concert. Acknowledging that the concept of a complete album may seem “old-fashioned” in the age of digital playlists, he firmly believes the LP format holds an irreplaceable significance by honestly documenting a musician’s thoughts and emotional landscape.
Furthermore, the new partnership will open doors to the film industry—a long-held ambition. Chow revealed that EEG’s extensive involvement in cinema was a key draw. Discussions are already underway for a film project, potentially entering production as early as this summer.
New Single Critiques Societal ‘Goodness’
The accompanying single, “A Good Grown-Up,” composed by Chow and featuring lyrics by the celebrated Lin Xi, utilizes driving, British-style rock arrangements. The song functions as a philosophical reflection on what the artists term the modern “Good Person Competition,” wherein society pressures individuals into constantly performing philanthropic acts—from rapid donations to fast seating offers and mandatory overtime work—as if striving for a societal “Certificate of Goodness.”
Through the track, Chow and Lin Xi urge listeners to reconnect with the spirit of youthful fearlessness and mischief. They argue that instead of blindly conforming to an external, often performative definition of virtue, genuine importance lies in striving to become someone who is authentically self-aware and fundamentally true to oneself.