Ling Kai
{{Short description|Singaporean singer-songwriter}}
{{infobox person
| name = Ling Kai
| image =
| alt =
| caption = Photograph of Ling Kai
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|10|26|df=y}}
| birth_place = {{Flagicon|Singapore}} Singapore
| occupation = Singer-songwriter
| years_active = 2008–present
| website = http://lingkaimusic.co/
| module = {{Infobox Chinese|child=yes
| p = Líng Kǎi
}}
| module2 = {{infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| origin = Singapore
| genre = Alternative Rock, Folk, Pop
| instrument = Vocals
| label = [http://lempickarecords.com/artists/past-artists/ling-kai/ Lempicka Records] (2009 - 2010)
[http://www.wise-entertainment.com Wise Entertainment] (2013 - 2015)
[http://www.crossratioent.com Cross Ratio Entertainment] (2017 - Present)
}}
}}
Ng Ling Kai ({{zh|s=铃凯|t=鈴凱|p=Líng Kǎi}}; born October 26, 1986), is a bilingual Singaporean singer-songwriter. She won the Indie Artist Of The Year at YinYueTai 2nd Annual V Chart Awards in Beijing.{{cite web|title=Ling Kai 铃凯|url=http://lingkaimusic.co/|access-date=20 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410214530/http://lingkaimusic.co/|archive-date=10 April 2017|url-status=dead}}
Biography
Ling Kai was born in Singapore in 1986. Her father is a Singaporean shipping logistics manager, and her mother is a housewife. She has a brother and a sister.
When she was in Victoria Junior College, she excelled in literature in English, and poetry in particular, and completed Special paper for Literature in English at A levels.
She holds a Bachelor's in Communications from the Nanyang Technological University Wee Kim Wee School of Communications. During her time in university, she was inspired by Philip Larkin's poem "Sad Steps" and wrote "Larkin Step" in 2007 while recovering from a kneecap injury. She posted a grainy YouTube video of her playing her song on Youtube.
The song got over 1 million views on YouTube.{{cite web|title=The Nanyang Chronicle Vol 15 Issue 05|url=https://issuu.com/nanyangchronicle/docs/vol15no05|website=issuu|date=26 February 2014 |publisher=The Nanyang Chronicle|access-date=20 March 2017}} overnight when it was published.
Music career
After Ling Kai uploaded her first original song which is "Larkin Step" on YouTube, the video achieved more than one million views.{{cite web|title=Larkin Step (Original)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUY8iT525yQ|website=YouTube|publisher=Ling Kai 铃凯|access-date=29 March 2017|date=17 March 2012}} Ling Kai released her first English language EP "Honestly" in 2009 with Australian indie label [http://lempickarecords.com Lempicka Records] and toured around Brisbane.{{cite web|title=LING KAI – POWER OF POP|url=https://www.powerofpop.com/ling-kai/|website=www.powerofpop.com|publisher=KEVIN MATHEWS|access-date=22 March 2017}}
On July 23, 2011, Ling Kai performed at Singapore Heritage Festival, one of the song that she performed is her original song titled Growing Old.{{cite web|title=Singapore Heritage Festival: Hilly Happenings @ Fort Canning (23 July 2011)|url=https://alwaysblend.wordpress.com/2011/08/06/singapore-heritage-festival-hilly-happenings-fort-canning-23-july-2011/|website=Blending our lives with different colours|publisher=FLYINGTAZOS55|access-date=29 March 2017|date=6 August 2011}}
In September 2012, Ling Kai was invited by YinYueTai which is one of the major music video sharing sites in China to attend FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL as a special host in Japan.{{cite web|title=音悦人富士摇滚音乐节之行 片段五 - Ling Kai富士摇滚音乐节|url=http://v.yinyuetai.com/video/h5/485534|website=音悦Tai|access-date=29 March 2017|language=zh-cmn-Hans}} At the same time, Ling Kai took part in a major music programme, Red Bull Singer-songwriter contest 《红牛新能量音乐计划2012成长纪》 in China.{{cite web|title=Redbull Songwriter competition|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrWq3uvKp-iW9Op1qB3Ip6L9tL4Jf9SxS|website=YouTube|publisher=Ling Kai 铃凯|access-date=29 March 2017|language=en}}
Back in Singapore performing for Mosaic Music Festival 2011 at the Esplanade, Lee Shih Song chanced upon the outdoor public performance of Ling Kai and her experimental band Ling and the Kings, and signed her under his Beijing-based label, Wise Entertainment. They produced Ling Kai's first bilingual and full-length album "LinK", which was released in 2013 in Beijing, Malaysia, and Singapore and featured "Larkin Step" as well as several new works.{{cite web|title=Introducing Singapore new musician 铃凯 Ling Kai – 首张个人专辑 1st Studio Album LinK|url=http://www.tysoh.com/blog/singapore-scenes/introducing-singapore-new-musician-铃凯-ling-kai-首张个人专辑-1st-studio-album-link/|website=www.tysoh.com|access-date=24 March 2017}} After Ling Kai released her first album《LinK》, she did her live showcase in various regions of the world including Singapore, Malaysia and China.
In 2014, Ling Kai was invited to compete on Chinese reality TV singing show Sing My Song 《中国好歌曲》which aired on CCTV.{{cite web|title=Making the most of both worlds|url=http://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/music/making-most-both-worlds|website=TODAYonline|publisher=HON JING YI|access-date=24 March 2017|language=en}} She appeared as the only one Singaporean and the only female singer-songwriter candidate to make it to the finals, and she was mentored by singer-songwriter Tanya Chua.{{cite web|title=22 Singaporean artists that have made us proud|url=https://www.msn.com/en-sg/entertainment/gallery/22-singaporean-artists-that-have-made-us-proud/ss-AAaG6wy#image=18|website=www.msn.com|access-date=24 March 2017}}
On April 15, 2014, Ling Kai attended YinYueTai 2nd Annual V Chart Awards at 10,000 seater Mastercard Center Wukesong in Beijing. She won Best Singer Songwriter 2013. She performed with Chinese artistes Li Rong Hao, Cui Long Yang 崔龙阳 and Liang Xiao Xue 梁晓雪 during the show.{{cite web|title=第二届音悦V榜年度盛典 - 音悦台|url=http://vchart.yinyuetai.com/awards2014/winners|website=vchart.yinyuetai.com|access-date=29 March 2017|language=zh-CN}}
On September 1, 2014, Ling Kai was invited as the musical guest for Project Superstar Season 3. She performed "随机播放" which from her new album "LinK" in Project Super Star Week 3.
In year 2014, Ling Kai was nominated as the best newcomer in YES 933 Singapore Hit Awards 2014. Other than that, Ling Kai won SPH Media Award - Best New Artiste from Singapore E-Awards.{{cite web|title=第 6 届新加坡 e 乐大赏得奖名单 Singapore Entertainment Awards 2014 Winners|url=https://www.sph.com.sg/system/assets/1389/Appendix%201-SEA%202014_FullResults%20(Final).pdf|website=Singapore Entertainment Awards 2014|access-date=27 March 2017}}
On June 18, 2016, Ling Kai was invited to perform at "AL!VE SINGAPORE" 2016 which is presented by IMC live. It is a charity concert featuring 13 music acts from Singapore and one guest performer from Hong Kong.{{cite web|title=[EVENT] AL!VE Singapore 2016 set to take place on 18th June featuring MICappella, Ferlyn G and more! - KAvenyou.com|url=http://kavenyou.com/event-alve-singapore-2016-set-to-take-place-on-18th-june-featuring-micappella-ferlyn-g-and-more/|website=KAvenyou.com|access-date=12 April 2017|date=22 May 2016}}
On August 27, 2016, Ling Kai performed with Diya from the Freshmen as a duet at Singapore Rhapsodies - The Concert 2016.{{cite web|title=Singapore Rhapsodies - The Concert 2016|url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/gigs/singapore-rhapsodies-the-concert-2016|website=Singapore Rhapsodies - The Concert 2016 {{!}} Gig {{!}} Bandwagon - Live music, bands and concert guide for Singapore, Manila and Jakarta|access-date=12 April 2017|language=en}}
On August 5, 2017, Ling Kai performed in the SKETCHERS Sundown Festival 2017.{{cite web|title=SKETCHERS Sundown Festival|url=http://www.sundownfestival.sg/|website=sundownfestival.sg|date=5 August 2017|access-date=18 August 2017}}
On October 5, 2017, Ling Kai held her 3rd EP "Unlearn" Launch Party with a live showcase.{{Cite web|url=http://singaporegigs.com/gigs/6708|title=铃凯 全新 Ep《本能》试听会 Ling Kai Brand new EP 'Unlearn' Listening Party {{!}} Singapore Gigs|website=singaporegigs.com|language=en|access-date=2018-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727054551/http://singaporegigs.com/gigs/6708|archive-date=2018-07-27|url-status=dead}}
On November 4, 2017, Ling Kai was part of the lineup for Starker Music Carnival 2017, headlined by Taiwanese vocal powerhouse, A-Lin.{{Cite web|url=https://2017starkermusiccarnival.peatix.com/?lang=en-sg|title=Starker Music Carnival 2017|website=Peatix|language=en|access-date=2018-04-10}}
TV appearance and live performances
=TV appearances=
- Ling Kai appeared on CCTV-3 for a singing competition which is《Sing My Song》中国好歌曲.{{cite web|title=Singers fly Singapore flag|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/showbiz/singers-fly-singapore-flag?page=0%2C2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412231558/http://news.asiaone.com/news/showbiz/singers-fly-singapore-flag?page=0%2C2|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 12, 2017|website=AsiaOne|publisher=Bryna Singh|access-date=12 April 2017|language=en}}
- On April 12, 2014, Ling Kai attended 《Global Chinese Music Charts》which was live broadcasting on CCTV-15 Music Channel.{{cite web|title=[全球中文音乐榜上榜歌曲展播]歌曲《一个人》 演唱：铃凯_CCTV节目官网-CCTV-15_央视网(cctv.com)|url=http://tv.cctv.com/2014/07/09/VIDE1404877561749629.shtml|website=tv.cctv.com|access-date=29 March 2017}}
- On April 15, 2014, Ling Kai attended YinYueTai 2nd Annual V Chart Awards at 10,000 seater Mastercard centre Wukesong in Beijing.
- On September 1, 2014, Ling Kai was invited by Project Superstar to be the musical guest in Episode 3 of Project Superstar.
=Live performance=
- In Jan 2010, Ling Kai performed at different Starbucks in Singapore to promote her first EP 《Honestly》.{{cite web|title=Starbucks Singapore|url=https://www.facebook.com/pg/StarbucksSingapore/photos/?tab=album&album_id=429251325135|website=www.facebook.com|access-date=29 March 2017|language=en}}{{cite web|title=Ling Kai performing at Starbucks - DKSG|url=http://blog.dk.sg/2010/01/13/ling-kai-performing-at-starbucks/|website=DKSG|publisher=Darryl Kang|access-date=29 March 2017}}
- On July 23, 2011, Ling Kai performed two songs at Singapore Heritage Festival.
- On April 3, 2014, Ling Kai went for [https://web.archive.org/web/20170410220025/http://www.sxity.com/newsen/index Sound Of The Xity] (SOTX) Music Festival in Beijing, China. This is her first live show following her TV appearance on Sing My Song.{{cite web|title=Welcome to SOTX!|url=http://www.sxity.com/articleen/detail/64|website=www.sxity.com|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411054645/http://www.sxity.com/articleen/detail/64|archive-date=11 April 2017|url-status=dead}}
- On June 18, 2016, Ling Kai was invited to perform at "AL!VE SINGAPORE" 2016 which is presented by [http://imclive-group.com/home/ IMC live]. It is a charity concert featuring 13 music acts from Singapore and one guest performer from Hong Kong.{{cite web|title=IMC LIVE PRESENTS "AL!VE SINGAPORE" 2016 {{!}} IMC Group|url=http://imclive-group.com/concert/imc-live-presents-alve-singapore-2016/|website=imclive-group.com|access-date=29 March 2017}}
- On August 27, 2016, Ling Kai performed with Diya as a duet at Singapore Rhapsodies - The Concert 2016.{{cite web|title=Listen, eat and make at Singapore Rhapsodies – The Concert|url=https://www.scape.sg/online/singapore-rhapsodies-the-concert/|website=www.scape.sg|publisher=SARA JANE ONG|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410215951/https://www.scape.sg/online/singapore-rhapsodies-the-concert/|archive-date=10 April 2017|url-status=dead}}
- On August 5 2017, Ling Kai performed in the SKETCHERS Sundown Festival 2017.{{cite web|title=SKETCHERS Sundown Festival|url=http://www.sundownfestival.sg/|website=sundownfestival.sg|date=5 August 2017|access-date=18 August 2017}}
- On October 5, 2017, Ling Kai held her EP "Unlearn" Launch Party with a live showcase.
- On November 4, 2017, Ling Kai was part of the lineup for Starker Music Carnival 2017 which headlined Taiwanese vocal powerhouse, A-Lin.
- On 19 January 2018, Ling Kai performed at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre TGIF Music Station.{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/catch-free-performances-by-singapore-singers|title=Catch free performances by Singapore singers in the CBD|last=hermesauto|date=2018-01-05|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2018-04-10|language=en}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.singaporeccc.org.sg/galleries/tgif-music-station-19-jan/|title=TGIF Music Station (19 Jan)|website=Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre -|access-date=2018-04-10}}
Discography
=EP=
| class="wikitable" | |
| Year
!Album Title !Label !Track Listing | |
|---|---|
| 2009
|Honestly |Lempicka Records |
| |
| rowspan="2" |2017 | rowspan="3" |本能
Unlearn | rowspan="3" |Cross Ratio Entertainment | rowspan="3" |
|
=Album=
| class="wikitable"
!align="left" width="75px"| Album !align="left" width="350px"| Information !align="left" width="200px"| Track listing |
| bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"| LinK |align="left"| LinK
|align="Centre" style="font-size: 90%;"|
|
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable"
! Year ! Award(s) ! Category ! Result |
| rowspan=3|2014
| YinYueTai 2nd Annual V Chart Awards | Indie Artist Of The Year | {{won}} |
| YES 933 Singapore Hit Awards 2014 YES 933－第十九届《新加坡金曲奖》 | Best Newcomer | {{nom}} |
| Singapore E-Awards e乐大赏 | SPH Media Award - Best New Artiste (Female) | {{won}} |
| 2019
| Star Awards 25 | Best Theme Song | {{nom}} |
| 2021
| Star Awards 2021 | Best Theme Song | {{won}} |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{facebook|iamlingkai}}
- {{instagram|iamlingkai}}
- [https://www.youtube.com/user/ling86?hl=en-GB&gl=SG Ling Kai's channel] on YouTube
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20170410214530/http://lingkaimusic.co/ Official Website]
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ling, Kai}}
Category:Singaporean singer-songwriters
Category:Singaporean people of Chinese descent
Category:21st-century Singaporean women singers
Category:Singaporean Mandopop singers