Leo Ku on Concept Albums, AI Collaboration and Creative Evolution

James, the host of Talks at Google in Hong Kong, welcomed Leo Ku, a prominent figure in Hong Kong's music scene. James highlighted Ku's diverse talents as a singer, actor, designer, cartoonist, and entrepreneur, noting that his songs have resonated with generations. The discussion aimed to delve into Ku's creative process, his passion for music, and his enduring drive.

Early Influences and Musical Evolution

Ku revealed that his favorite singer is Leslie Cheung, whom he considers an artist across music, acting, and creative work. Cheung's influence, along with other Hong Kong singers, shaped Ku's musical journey. As he matured, Ku's approach to music evolved beyond simply creating signature songs. He began to view music as a means to document an era, incorporating contemporary themes and personal experiences into his albums.

He cited examples like "Farewell My Lovers," an album documenting his own life, and "Times," which touched on current events. Other concept albums, such as "Game Base" (themed around games) and "Happy Ending" (themed around manga), reflected popular culture of their respective times. His album "Victoria" focused on Hong Kong, featuring songs like "Lovers in Chaotic Times" and "Space Capsule," which explored the lives of ordinary people in the city.

The Shift in Songwriting and Album Concepts

Early in his career, Ku wrote some of his own lyrics and composed music, as seen in songs like "Blue Sky and White Clouds" and "Mr. Reflection." However, as he gained experience, he began collaborating with renowned lyricists like Wyman Wong and Albert Leung. He explained that his initial songwriting was limited by his age and life experience. As he matured, he sought the expertise of masters to develop his music further.

Ku emphasized his preference for concept albums, a practice he adopted to give coherence to a collection of songs. He recalled wondering why ten songs were grouped on an album and decided that a unifying concept was essential. This led him to become a producer of his own albums, overseeing the creative direction from theme selection to lyric writing. He noted that his "Game Base" album, featuring the song "Special Skill," was an early example of this approach.

Albums in the Streaming Era

Acknowledging the shift to streaming, Ku discussed the changing landscape of music consumption. While he recognized the benefits of instant access to every song and the ability to release music with accompanying visuals (like MVs), he maintained his commitment to concept albums. His recent project, "I REALLY LOVE TO SING," involved collaborations with new-generation singers to re-record his "hidden gems." This project, which is still ongoing, aims to blend new talent with veteran producers, fostering an exchange of ideas and musical styles.

He shared an anecdote about his "Human" album, which chronicled a person's life from birth to death across ten tracks. He stressed the importance of listening to such albums in order, as the narrative unfolds sequentially.

Favorite Albums and Creative Packaging

Ku mentioned "Human" and "Victoria" as two of his favorite albums. "Victoria" was particularly meaningful as it explored Hong Kong's identity, with songs reflecting the struggles and resilience of its people. The album's packaging was designed to resemble a film development envelope, complete with photo prints and negatives, a nostalgic nod to a bygone era. Similarly, "Game Base" was packaged like a game found in a store, and "Happy Ending" was designed as a comic book, with each song represented by a comic cover.

"Jade Solid Gold" and Creative Inspiration

Ku discussed his hit song "Jade Solid Gold," which was inspired by George Lam's "10 Minutes 12 Inches." He admired Lam's ability to string together classic songs of an era. Years later, Ku decided to create his own medley, which required significant effort to secure copyrights for each song. The success of "Jade Solid Gold" led to a Mandarin version, "King of Love Songs." He noted that the biggest challenge in creating such medleys was obtaining record label approval due to the copyright investment and the extensive studio time required.

Passion, Perseverance, and Life Lessons

Ku revealed that he did not initially aspire to be a singer. As a child, he loved drawing and dreamed of having an art exhibition. He later developed a passion for singing, using a pencil holder as a microphone and learning songs by ear. He entered the entertainment industry as an actor, playing minor roles before becoming a host. A record label discovered him after hearing him sing on a variety show, leading to his music career.

He admitted to facing moments of doubt and bottlenecks, especially after achieving initial success. He found that overcoming these challenges required time, fresh ideas, and a willingness to explore new creative avenues. His motto, "You never know until you try," guides his approach to new endeavors.

When asked about moments of triumph, Ku cited the birth of his son as his greatest achievement, emphasizing the importance of family. Regarding setbacks, he shared that he has learned to view difficulties as temporary and to approach them with a positive mindset, believing that things will improve.

He also addressed negative online comments, stating that he now considers the intent behind them. If the criticism is constructive, he absorbs it; otherwise, he chooses not to dwell on it. He advised taking a broader perspective, recognizing that most challenges will seem insignificant in hindsight.

The Mission of Music and Adapting to Change

Ku reflected on the idea of singing as a mission. He emphasized a continuous cycle of absorbing and giving back within the music industry. He acknowledged the rapid changes in the world, particularly with the rise of AI, and stressed the importance of continuous learning. He is currently involved in a project called "Blind Audition Singing," which uses AI-generated virtual singers for MVs, allowing talented vocalists to participate without appearing on camera.

He views AI not as a threat but as a tool to be utilized. Drawing parallels to past technological shifts (cassettes to CDs, CDs to digital), he asserted that fear is unproductive. He believes that human creativity, emotion, and warmth in music cannot be replaced by technology.

Advice for Aspiring Dreamers

For those with dreams who are hesitant to pursue them, Ku offered two key pieces of advice: 1. Understand your love for it: If you truly love something, you will pursue it without external prompting. 2. Just try: Embrace the mindset of "You never know until you try" and "Just give it a shot, no big deal."

He shared a personal story of taking the Art exam in secondary school despite being a science student, demonstrating his deep passion for drawing.

Future Plans and Personal Priorities

Ku confirmed upcoming performances and concerts in the US but clarified that a full tour is not yet planned. He expressed his desire to prioritize spending time with his young son, cherishing his developmental stages. He stated that his "happy place" is anywhere his family is, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences with his wife and child.

Overlooked Gems

When asked about overlooked songs he wished more people would listen to, Ku mentioned "Mr. Reflection," "Change in the Weather," "Santa Claus," and "Heartfelt." He noted that his "I REALLY LOVE TO SING" project aimed to give some of these older songs a second life. He also highlighted "Afterlife" and "Black Boy" from his "Human" album, encouraging listeners to explore the deeper narratives within his discography.