William So opens up about his 41-year relationship with Capital Artists in the latest installment of “Stardust 55,” the interview series marking the Hong Kong label’s 55th anniversary. In a conversation with host Collin Mak, the Cantopop singer paid tribute to three mentors who shaped his career: Anita Mui, Roman Tam and Leslie Cheung.
From contest winner to label artist
So recalled entering the 1985 New Talent Singing Contest, where he finished as runner-up. He joked that the HK$20 entry fee was money well spent.
“I got to see Leslie and Anita at the first interview — and David Lui was there too,” he said.
After signing with Capital Artists’ management arm, So was told by artist management general manager Li Jin that opportunities might come from outside the label.
“He said, ‘Every year the company has winners and many singers waiting for albums. If another label wants you, go for it — we fully support you.’”
In 1989, So released his debut album, “Insomnia,” under another label, but his ties with Capital Artists remained strong.
A comeback and a birthday to remember
In 2011, So returned to Capital Artists under Peter Lam. “The company was under Dr. Lam at that time, so I naturally went back,” he said.
On his first day in the studio, he recorded “Who Is That?”, the song that later swept multiple awards and revitalized his career.
So also shared a deeply personal memory of Anita Mui. On September 24, 2003 — his birthday, during a difficult period marked by SARS and Leslie Cheung’s death — So was not in the mood to celebrate.
“Anita’s manager called and said, ‘Sister has booked a restaurant and wants you to come. She doesn’t want you to be alone at home,’” So recalled. “Even while she was battling illness, she was still taking care of others.”
Lessons from Roman Tam
So described working with Roman Tam on “The Waves Wash the Sand,” alongside other young singers including Dicky Cheung and Alex To. Tam, he said, treated everyone with generosity.
“Roman taught us stage positions, camera angles, how to dress, how to speak — everything,” So said. “He guided us hand in hand.”
So also remembered Leslie Cheung’s quiet encouragement. “Leslie would take young artists out for meals and made us feel at ease. He had no airs at all.”
More than a record company
For So, Capital Artists remains more than a business. “It’s a treasure trove that nurtured countless musical dreams,” he said. “And my mentors taught me never to forget my roots.”
“Stardust 55” continues to feature artists reflecting on the label’s legacy and the golden era of Cantopop.
