Grasshopper Remains as Cantopop Icon

With the proliferation of younger singers in the Hong Kong music industry, many older artistes have slipped from the public’s memories. However, since 1985, Grasshopper (草蜢) proved to be a lasting name that has stood through the test of time, and still serve as a classic exemplar for the younger generation.

Started From Bottom

Remus Choy (蔡一傑) had the strongest performance ambitions as a youth; he recruited his brother Calvin Choy (蔡一智) and friend Edmond So (蘇志威) to join a music talent competition. They came from a poor area in Hong Kong and had no dance or vocal training. Their main opportunity for success was to learn from their seniors and attend concerts of superstars as guests. Fortunately, they were befriended and mentored by Anita Mui (梅艷芳) in the 1980s and Grasshopper became her background dancers in stage performances.

As Grasshopper slowly gained their momentum, they created their own performance style. Grasshopper brought a welcome jolt to Cantopop, which was characterized by mostly staid ballads at the time.  They are best known for their energized and electrifying stage performances, which Grasshopper maintains tight control over. Grasshopper prepares their performances to suit their own taste, from song writing, to choreographing the dance moves, to thinking of concert outfits and stage designs. Calvin compared their efforts as something akin to a marathon, where they are always training and continuously working towards a goal.

Although they have known each other as youths, the three men have very different personalities. Edmond joked, “We come in different shapes and sizes. If we all have the same hobbies, then it would be annoying! We would always fight for the best. A mountain cannot contain two tigers.”

Despite the differences, Remus, Calvin, and Edmond endured through some of the toughest times together, and recall many valuable memories. When they released their third album, the three men decided to share an apartment together. During those times, Remus recalled that they did not have a lot of money, so all of the apartment’s furniture were given to them by friends.

No Shame With Makeup

The K-POP trend brought novelty and fresh ideas, especially in the artistes’ style and looks. On the eyeliner look that Korean men have popularized, Remus said, “Putting on eyeliner is just for the look; Grasshopper has done it. Grasshopper has even tried the smoky eye. But everyone’s presentation is different; men with makeup is something fairly trivial.” Edmond added that if someone has the strength and ability to perform, then everyone would see it as something natural.

Continuing Cantopop Legacy

Although Grasshopper debuted nearly 30 years ago, the band is regarded as an old household favorite. Calvin humbly thanked the fans, “In today’s times, there’s no such thing as not being professional! Through these years, with all the people who have supported us, I’m very honored! If I have to do something in a mediocre way, such as giving a bad show, it’s impossible to do! When I do something, it must be to everyone’s standards! Even if it’s the styling, song writing, rundown, or simply creating atmosphere and souvenirs, we have to put in our best effort. That’s how we’re able to represent the Grasshopper label properly.”

Source: East Week

This article is written by Su for JayneStars.com.