New music with meaning

Singer-songwriter Zhou Bichang held a concert in Beijing on Oct 7, which attracted nearly 10,000 fans. Photos by Ma Yiting, Ji Jianpeng and He Chenlong/ For China Daily

Indeed, the image the audience had about her became a driving force for Zhou.

For a very long time, she has been trying to make changes, such as taking off her glasses and wearing skirts.

Most importantly, she did what she does best: staying faithful to her music.

The music style of the new album is mainly retro electronic, which is Zhou's favorite genre, though still a minority taste among Chinese music fans.

The new album was recorded in London early this year, which allowed Zhou to work with an international team.

"I was particularly impressed by the engineer. We are about the same age and it was really a great experience to work with someone, who shares your ideas," says Zhou.

Taiwan songwriter Ke Da-wei, who wrote four songs for Zhou's new album, including Daytime Forever and Obsession, says: "She is a singer, who knows clearly what she wants and she knows what best suits her voice."

Zhou composed two songs, Not Typical Girl and Nothing to Do.

She spent about 10 days in Hokkaido early this year to seek inspiration.