As the saying goes, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. After all, what looks, or in this case, sounds, amazing to one, might not to another. This was certainly reflected in a recent music video created by local artist Choo Hao Ren (朱浩仁) and friends!
Hao Ren’s latest music video with his group, Steady Gang, is allegedly a tribute to Taiwanese artist Jay Chou (周杰伦). Written by AI after being inspired by a statement Chou had made about the technology, they reportedly have hopes to get Chou’s attention. Unfortunately, it certainly hasn’t impressed any fans.
Early last month, Hao Ren, together with fellow content creators ODD Tomato and ahya (阿亚), got together to create the song “周懂嗎? (Chou, understand?)”. According to the trio, the song was inspired by something Jay Chou had said about AI on his Instagram. The famed artist had supposedly commented that his “special touch of musicality can’t be recreated by a machine“.
Apparently, the boys’ attempt to recreate his musical talent via ChatGPT was to prove Chou’s statement right. “It is (ChatGPT’s) humour that inspires us to express characteristics of Jay Chou’s (music) in our impression,” Hao Ren reportedly explained. “I miss his inarticulate but beautiful songs (which were) done in his own style. So I wanted to reproduce Jay Chou’s (tone) with “Chou, Understand?” This song pays homage to him!”
The trio claim they are only hoping that Jay Chou will see their music video. But, Hao Ren and friends doubt he will criticise their effort. “I believe he will understand our reasoning for creating this song. (Our) intention is actually to go around and tell everyone that we are fans of Jay Chou!” Hao Ren said. Additionally, the boys have promised to perform live for Jay Chou in Taiwan if he likes the MV.
But, netizens aren’t too happy with the song. Despite it reaching over 675,000 views at the time of writing, some of the comments left by netizens are rather negative. Several claim its nonsensical lyrics have spoiled the song. Others feel its a mockery of Chou instead.
“Aren’t you afraid of being scolded by Jay Chou’s fans?” one asked with another saying: “(Jay Chou) look at these three people, they (don’t) respect you, (simply) wrote and sang for you.” However, Steady Gang is still receiving plenty of support on YouTube with several praising their ingenuity.
Hao Ren hasn’t exactly got a clean record for his music career. Just look at his previous music video which displayed blackface. But, we don’t think he meant any harm with “Chou, Understand?”. Still, kudos to the boys for being brave enough to try Jay Chou’s attention. Hopefully, he will give it a listen if it does find its way to him!
Check out “Chou, Understand?” here:
Sources: YouTube, Instagram (1)(2), Tan Tan News
