Gareth.T
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Gareth.T
| native_name = 湯令山
| image = Gareth. T 20250215.jpg
| caption =
| birth_name = Gareth Tong Ling-shan
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1999|12|30|df=y}}
| birth_place = Hong Kong
| origin = {{flag|Hong Kong}}
| genre = R&B, Pop music, Soul music, Hip hop music, Indie pop
| occupation = Singer-songwriter, Record producer
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|violin|drums|keyboard}}
| years_active = 2020–present
| label = Warner Music Hong Kong
| associated_acts = Moon Tang, Dear Jane
| website =
}}
Gareth.T, born Gareth Tong Ling-shan ({{zh|c=湯令山}} on 30 December 1999), is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter and record producer. He is known for his blend of R&B, pop, and soul music, often incorporating English and Cantonese lyrics. Gareth.T gained prominence through his distinctive musical style, honest songwriting, and online presence, leading to a record deal with Warner Music Hong Kong.{{cite web |last=Fung |first=Kelly |date=24 September 2021 |title=Making honesty a living: Hong Kong rising R&B artist Gareth.T on expressing his true self through his music |url=https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/entertainment/music/article/3149996/making-honesty-living-hong-kong-rising-rb-artist |access-date=2024-05-29 |publisher=Young Post (South China Morning Post)}}{{cite web |last=Wei |first=Sarah |date=22 September 2022 |title=Gareth.T Is Making 'Boyfriend Material' Pop For Buzzcut Asian Kids |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/garetht-boyfriend-material-buzzcut-asian-music-pop-rnb/ |access-date=29 May 2024 |website=Vice |publisher=Vice}}
Early life and education
Gareth Tong was born on 30 December 1999 in Hong Kong.{{cite web |last=Or |first=Kristy |date=21 September 2021 |title=Meet Gareth Tong, the Hong Kong-Born Singer-Songwriter Who Is Revolutionising Cantopop |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/entertainment/gareth-tong-hong-kong-music-producer |access-date=29 May 2024 |publisher=Tatler Asia}} His interest in music began at a young age; he reportedly started playing piano at age three, followed by violin, cello, guitar, and drums. He attended Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School in Kowloon. He later studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, majoring in songwriting and production.
Career
Gareth.T initially gained a following by sharing his original music and covers on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. His unique blend of R&B and pop, combined with his raw and honest lyrical approach, quickly resonated with listeners. He is noted for self-producing much of his early work.
He signed with Warner Music Hong Kong in 2020. His debut single under the label was "boyfriend material." He continued to release successful tracks, including "honest" (featuring Moon Tang), which became a major hit with over 17 million streams on Spotify.{{Cite web |last=Thiele |first=Jaz |date=2023-03-28 |title=Gareth.T on loneliness, Sonica Music Festival & more: “I’m bringing something totally unexpected" |url=https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/news/article/7797/garetht-on-loneliness-sonica-music-festival-amp-more-im-bringing-something-totally-unexpected/ |access-date=29 May 2025 |website=umsu.unimelb.edu.au |language=en-AU}}
In 2022, Gareth.T released his debut album, gareth.t 2.0. The album continued to explore his signature sound, blending R&B, pop, and soul. He performed his first headlining concert, "The CUTIE Tour," in 2022, which quickly sold out.{{cite web |last=Hall |first=Amalissa |date=22 September 2022 |title=Gareth.T on His Headlining Concert and Coping with Fame |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/style/fashion/gareth-t-on-his-headlining-concert-and-coping-with-fame |access-date=29 May 2024 |publisher=Tatler Asia}} He has collaborated with various artists, including Dear Jane and his girlfriend, Moon Tang.
Musical style and image
Gareth. T's music is primarily categorized as R&B and pop, with strong influences from soul and hip-hop. He is recognized for his smooth vocal delivery, intricate melodies, and self-produced beats. His lyrics often delve into themes of love, relationships, self-discovery, and the realities of modern youth. He is particularly noted for his candid and relatable songwriting, often using everyday language to express complex emotions.
His public image is characterized by a "boy-next-door" authenticity and a refusal to conform to conventional pop idol aesthetics, often sporting a buzzcut and casual attire. This approach has resonated with a younger audience, who appreciate his genuine portrayal and focus on music rather than manufactured image.
On July 6, 2023, Gareth. T said on the Mill MILK program that Auto-Tune is a super important tool, and the singer's pitch is not important.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qhqlcz7JlCM|title=實測Auto-Tune自動調音可以拯救魔音Chloe？自動調音唔係萬能 走音太遠都會救唔返？Gareth. T、Byejack分享在香港引發的爭議|access-date=19 February 2025}} On July 11 of the same year, Gareth. T posted a post on the social platform Threads listing the reasons why Cantonese songs are slow to become popular, including that "pronunciation is too important". Later, netizens in the LIHKG discussion area criticized Gareth. T for his unclear pronunciation and using Auto-Tune to cover up his lack of singing skills.{{cite web|url=https://hk.news.yahoo.com/garetht%E5%87%BApo%E5%8A%9B%E6%95%B8%E5%9B%9B%E5%80%8B%E5%BB%A3%E6%9D%B1%E6%AD%8C%E8%A1%8C%E5%BE%97%E6%85%A2%E5%8E%9F%E5%9B%A0-%E7%B6%B2%E6%B0%91%E5%8F%8D%E6%8C%87%EF%BC%9A%E8%A6%81%E8%81%BD%E7%9C%BE%E6%94%B9%E8%AE%8A%E5%8F%A3%E5%91%B3%E5%8E%BB%E8%BF%8E%E5%90%88%E4%BD%A0%EF%BC%9F-074108263.html|title=Gareth.T出PO力數四個廣東歌行得慢原因 網民反指：要聽眾改變口味去迎合你？|access-date=19 February 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.threads.net/@gareth_tong/post/CujQXWbvCIm|title=廣東歌行得慢嘅原因? 1.咬字太重要 2.歌手唔夠cool 3.聽眾需要教育 4.聽眾根本唔需要行得前嘅音樂、不同類型嘅音樂 其他原因請喺reply度答問|access-date=19 February 2025}}
Discography
=Studio albums=
- gareth.t 2.0 (2022)
=EPs=
- TIRED (2020)
=Singles=
- "boyfriend material" (2020)
- "honest" (feat. Moon Tang) (2021)
- "勁浪漫 超溫馨" (Super Romantic, Super Sweet) (2022)
- "speed limit" (2022)
- "trust me" (2023)
- "flossy" (2023)
- "你是我最愛的" (You Are My Favorite) (2024)