Tyson Yoshi is authentic and straightforward, just like the new generation he represents. His sights have always been set on a clear goal and there has never been hesitation towards making sacrifices for them. When some people simply focus on his impressive physique, Tyson Yoshi doesn’t think he needs to prove himself nor does he owe anyone an explanation. Simply doing his best is enough— he believes actions are always more powerful than words.
What do you think of today’s shoot location at Kong Ha Wai mansion?
We have a few foreigners among the crew this time. In foreigners’ eyes, Hong Kong, Hong Kong people, and aesthetic beauty is appreciated so differently. Those living in Hong Kong try to portray the least Hong Kong-like side of the city. But with a foreigner, they immediately gravitate towards the sights that characterise Hong Kong best, just like the Hong Kong seen in Wong Kar-wai films. I find that so interesting. Those of us living in Hong Kong don’t appreciate it as much.
What does Hong Kong mean to you?
It’s home. I wouldn’t have given it thought had you not asked because it’s too familiar to me. I’ve spent a lot of time in different places, but there’s something Hong Kong has that other places don’t: Once you get off the plane, you’re hit with a scent of air-con and humidity — it’s the scent of Hong Kong. Sometimes when I smell it, it opens up a cabinet of memories.
Is there a moment in your career that you find most important?
The most important moment would be the “Music Is Live 2021” concert because it made me a household name among high schoolers, university students and even the security guard of my building. To be honest, despite having worked with Mr. [Hins] Cheung multiple times, he still gave me the feeling of being someone that only exists in television when I shot with him today. Another instance is recording “2nd Favourite” with Mr. (Leo) Ku and listening to his raw voice… These moments sound unbelievable, and I never imagined being able to reach this stage with my music.
What does music give you?
It has given me everything. I know that some people know my name but not my music; I know that in Hong Kong, my name is perhaps more famous than my music. Whether it’s good or bad depends on how you look at it, but this is my current observation. Maybe because I always see it on the news.
Do you think this is good or bad?
My goal is to become the collective memory of a generation. I think this is a good thing because there are too many hit songs every year. How do I make sure people still hear my name in 10 years’ time and remember who I am? I’m very clear about my goal and as long as I can get people’s attention, even if only 1% of people click into my songs, it’s still a success. I’m well aware that in this commercial world, it takes that for more people to listen to your music. I know that this is my ultimate goal, and that’s enough.
What kind of music do you want to make?
I actually like Pop, but I won’t limit myself to one genre. These days my music leans towards Band Sound which is dictated by my mood. I make whatever I like to listen to. I hope that one day, even people outside of Hong Kong and Taiwan listen to my music.
What does Hong Kong spirit mean to you?
The ability to do anything. To some extent, I think that for someone who makes so few Cantonese songs, I’m the weirdest person among my fellow cover stars. With a body covered in tattoos and a lack of Cantonese songs…I’m still doing a cover shoot with them. Doesn’t it show the youth that music can be diverse and that it doesn’t just have to just be karaoke songs? I hope people can use me as an example, “Tyson looks like he’s doing okay”. After the first comes the second, third and fourth, or else no one will try and the next ten years will stay the same in style and music. Will anyone still do it?
How does one carry it forward?
Focus on yourself and do well. If things aren’t done well, how will anything be carried forward? Things will naturally move forward once done well. Just take a look at K-pop where even the smallest details are perfected. I spent tens of thousands on the “Self-made” music video and the entire crew was made up of Hong Kongers with no foreigners involved. I want to show people that music videos can reach such a quality. But I wouldn’t brag beforehand and say that I will carry something forward or reach beyond of Hong Kong with the music video. I did it, people have bore witness, and now associate me to the topic. This proves that I have done it without having to say anything. Just like how I sing in Cantonese in my English songs with English subtitles in the music videos, even if I can speak English. Through my work, I want people to go “I wanna know where he’s from”, click in and realise, “Oh, he’s a Hong Konger.”
What message do you have for Hong Kong people?
Shut up and do it. Hong Kong people are all talk, waiting for people to fail. Work without saying anything and you’d suddenly realise others have gone so far… So, shut up and do it.
Photography: Hong Jang Hyun
Fashion Director: Jonathan Yee
Makeup Artist: Carmen Chung
Hair Stylist: Jim Tse @ Myos
Creative Producer: Marina Fairfax
Executive Producer: Second Li
Artist & Creative communication: Lee Kyung Kim @ BL Creative House
Senior Fashion Editor: Kyle Tang
Production Manager: Jacky Liu
Fashion Assistants: Mama Yiu & Naoki Li
Editor
Fung Hiu Kwan