Wong Kwan-shing, the celebrated drummer of Hong Kong’s instrumental math rock band, Prune Deer, credits his remarkable musical journey to one transformative concert. The concert featured Yui, one of Japan’s leading singer-songwriters, and her drummer, Imamura Mai, at the AsiaWorld-Expo in 2011. Recounting his experiences, Kwan-shing vividly remembers the evening that essentially changed the course of his life.
In his early teens, Kwan-shing found his interest in drumming piqued by his elder brother, a drummer for the school lion dance team. This early exposure to drumming led him to start playing the instrument just before Yui’s concert in 2011. Kwan-shing, also an avid anime enthusiast since the age of 11 or 12, found himself naturally drawn to Japanese music, which frequently featured in the anime shows he loved. Yui’s music particularly captivated him, making him eagerly anticipate the concert, his first live performance of this scale.
The live concert was a revelation for Kwan-shing. He found himself struck by the power of the live music, which was a stark contrast to the calming melodies he was used to at home. While he had expected to be enchanted by Yui’s singing, it was the exhilarating drumming that caught his attention. As the drummer started to play, Kwan-shing was astounded by the profound impact it had on the audience, realizing the critical role a proficient drummer could play in a live performance.
After the concert, an encounter with the drummer herself further bolstered his admiration for the instrument. Despite his nervousness, which made him forget all the Japanese he’d learned, he managed to converse with her in English, expressing his deep appreciation for her performance. This interaction left an indelible mark on Kwan-shing’s life, fostering his aspiration to become a professional drummer.
Today, Kwan-shing continues to share his musical journey with Imamura Mai. He sends her Prune Deer’s latest releases, as a nod to the drummer who inspired his professional path. They communicate via Google Translate, exchanging pleasantries and updates. Although Kwan-shing has invited her to Prune Deer’s performances in Japan, her own shows have precluded her from attending so far.
Wong Kwan-shing’s story is a testament to the transformative power of music. His journey from being an anime enthusiast to a professional drummer reveals how profound an impact a single concert can have on an individual, shaping their life and career in ways previously unimagined. His continuous interactions with Imamura Mai symbolize the enduring bond that music can foster, transcending geographical boundaries and language barriers.
READ MORE: