Hong Kong superstar Eason Chan ropes in Singapore's JJ Lin for new album

Singer JJ Lin performing at the National Indoor Stadium on Nov 9, 2013. -- FILE PHOTO: UNUSUAL ENTERTAINMENT
Singer JJ Lin performing at the National Indoor Stadium on Nov 9, 2013. -- FILE PHOTO: UNUSUAL ENTERTAINMENT
Hong Kong singer Eason Chan. -- FILE PHOTO: ADIDAS

Hong Kong star Eason Chan makes his return to the Mandopop scene with a double treat for fans.

His new album rice & shine is split into two parts of five tracks each. His last album was 2011's ?.

Speaking at an Asian media conference at The Westin Beijing Chaoyang on Thursday, Chan, 39, said that he wanted to make an record that would "feel free and unfettered".

So he roped in China producing-songwriting duo Radio Mars for Rice and Singapore's JJ Lin for Shine.

Chan added: "I wanted to work with JJ for a long time because he writes beautiful melodies."

He went on to explain that Lin, who also attended the media event in Beijing, had a broad range of styles and could write more than just hummable hit songs.

There was certainly plenty of chemistry between the two on stage as they laughed and joked about.

Quipped Lin: "I was very picky with him - I picked all the songs meant for me to give him. I was planning to release an album in June, July, but in the end..."

While the Rice half is more upbeat. Lin came up with more tunes that took a different turn.

Chan said that he did not want to restrict anyone's creativity and views Lin's works as an "unexpected bonus".

Read Life!'s exclusive interview with him on May 22.

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