Universal Music will release the debut English language album from one of Asia’s most successful recording artists, Karen Mok.
It was announced at a press conference in Shanghai today (January 15) that the album, Somewhere I Belong, will be released internationally through the label on January 18.
Mok said of the release: “This album has been my dream for as long as I can remember, bringing my music to a bigger audience, to the world.
“I’m always trying to do things that are different and have an element of surprise and fun. Jazz is a genre that can cross borders and cultures but we’ve also made sure this album has a Chinese identity - I don’t think there’s ever been the use of Chinese instruments to play jazz music like this!”
Recorded in Shanghai during 2012, Somewhere I Belong features a palette of songs, from Cole Porter to Portishead, Chris Isaak to Sting and from George Gershwin to The Beatles. Mok plays the traditional Chinese instrument the guzheng throughout the album which also features two Chinese songs, including one from the heyday of Shanghai’s jazz scene in the Thirties and Fourties.
Max Hole, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group International, who has headed Universal Music Asia-Pacific region for the last 10 years, said: “Karen is such a star in Asia and with Somewhere I Belong she has created an album that blends beautifully the musical cultures of East and West. We’re thrilled to be able to introduce this incredible and hugely accomplished artist to a worldwide audience.”
From Hong Kong and with Chinese, Welsh, Persian and German heritage, Mok is a multi-lingual singer, songwriter, actress and musician. She has 15 successful albums in her catalogue and 36 million followers on Chinese microblog service Weibo.
Since bursting onto the Mandarin music scene in the Nineties, Mok has been a fixture in the Asian music charts as well as starring in countless films including the 2003 Jackie Chan hit Around the World in 80 Days and the upcoming Keanu Reeves-directed movie Man of Tai Chi.
Somewhere I Belong track listing (International):
Love For Sale
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Funny Valentine
The Face That Launched A Thousand Ships
Wicked Game
Stormy Weather
Sour Times
A Fine Romance
The Man I Love
I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
Moon Over Bourbon Street
Shanghai Nights
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