Multifaceted artist Karencici — singer, songwriter, and style icon — stands as one of the standout voices defining modern C-pop R&B. Born in Los Angeles, her discography spans solo landmarks 《SHA YAN》 and 《99% Angel》alongside songwriting credits for Mandopop royalty, blending West Coast hip-hop rhythms into Mandopop with laid-back, signature flair.
A year after her last visit, Karencici is returning to Hong Kong for a solo tour that highlights her boundary-pushing versatility. We caught up with the artist to discuss her creative sparks and a few exclusive words for her local fans.
- Note: This interview was conducted in Traditional Chinese and translated into English for length and clarity.
HBX: Your last show in Hong Kong was just last year, and now you’re back again with a brand-new tour! What kind of impressions or creative sparks has Hong Kong given you, and what drew you back to stage a headline show here so quickly?
Karen: I’ve always felt that Hong Kong has a very unique charm—there's just this intangible vibe to it. Every time I visit, I discover something new. That’s why I specifically made sure to include Hong Kong on this tour; I really wanted to connect with the audience here again. I remember everyone being so passionate last time, and the energy in the room was incredible. That’s what made me so eager to come back for another show!
Tracing your trajectory from earlier releases like "SHA YAN" and "99% Angel" to your recent work, there’s a clear evolution from your signature R&B/hip-hop roots toward retro alt-rock and heavier, high-energy elements. How do you strike a balance between experimenting with new sounds and preserving that undeniable "Karencici groove"?
Karen: With every album, I set a new goal for myself because I want to experiment with different things. Previously, people mostly associated me with R&B/Pop, so this time I really wanted to try incorporating more mainstream, pop-leaning elements. While I adjusted my songwriting approach quite a bit, I still stayed true to my core style—the real experimentation came through in the production, arrangements, and instrument choices.
Beyond your solo discography, you’ve penned hit tracks for icons like Jolin Tsai, Hebe Tien, and Rainie Yang. When you sit down at the piano or open up a DAW project to create, how do you determine whether a demo belongs to "Karencici" or is better suited for another artist?
Karen: I usually start with a clear goal in mind before writing. If I’m creating for myself, my mindset is purely focused on what feels most authentic to who I am. But if I’m writing for another artist, I’ll first research their past discography and gauge the direction they’re looking for. From there, I aim to respect their signature style while infusing a few of my own unique elements into the track.
Growing up in Los Angeles and later building your music career in Taipei, your music effortlessly fuses West Coast R&B/hip-hop rhythms with Mandopop melodies. Does your thought process or creative workflow shift when writing in English versus Chinese?
Karen: Because I am capable to speak both English and Chinese, I often find myself applying an English mindset to build flow and rhythm even when writing lyrics in Chinese. It helps make the vocal delivery sound really natural and smooth, which has definitely been a huge advantage for me in the creative process.
Your cross-border collaboration with Korean rapper Loco on "i'm like that" was a fantastic surprise! How did that partnership come about, and were there any fun stories behind the scenes? On that note, Hong Kong's music scene has been booming with new talent—are there any local artists you’d love to work with next?
Karen: That collaboration happened because I was already a huge fan of Loco! I think he's an incredible artist. My team reached out to him, and luckily he had the time and was really interested in working together. We crafted the song virtually; I actually tailor-made it specifically for him while experimenting with a sound I had been wanting to try at the time. As for Hong Kong, there are so many amazing artists here — Gareth.T, for instance! I really hope we get the chance to collaborate in the future.
Your music carries a strong, distinct identity that feels intimately connected to the everyday lives and emotions of Gen-Z listeners. What environment or frame of mind usually sparks your best ideas? And when you hit writer's block, how do you unwind and find your spark again?
Karen: Whenever I don't feel inspired, I don't force myself to write. Whatever comes out of that forced state usually isn't going to be your best work anyway. You have to learn to take proper breaks—only when you give yourself room to rest can you build up enough mental and emotional energy to create a great piece of work.
Looking back at your 16-year-old self—taking that leap of faith to move to Taipei alone—from where you stand today as a headlining artist, what would you tell her? Finally, what upcoming projects or surprises can your Hong Kong fans look forward to?
Karen: I'd tell her, "Everything will be alright, just keep going." Right now, I'm continuously working on new material, so there will definitely be new music to share with everyone soon. I'm also really looking forward to meeting every single listener on this tour!