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Neko is a dynamic vocal artist with diverse influences ranging
from traditional Chinese folk music to contemporary American pop,
jazz, and R&B. The result is a silky smooth vocal style that is
uniquely her own. The daughter of classical composer Qj Wenying,
Neko studied musical theory, piano and voice at the prestigious
Nanjing Conservatory. While in China, Neko won awards in singing
competitions seen on National television, as well as an award for
a music video depicting life after the Japanese occupation of her
native Nanjing. She performed with a headlining singing and
dancing troupe, and appeared in huge arenas such as Beijing
Stadium as well as musical venues like Meiqi Theater in Shanghai.
Upon coming to the US in 1999, Neko studied at the NY Speech
Center to improve her English dialect. Singing and acting studies
were also pursued. Neko began performing with other celebrities
from China and Taiwan at venues like Trump Plaza, the Tropicana,
the Claridge and the Sands in Atlantic City, Harrah's in New
Orleans and the Mohegan Sun. In 2002, Neko recorded a song to
accompany a one-hour documentary about the effects on Chinatown of
the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, "There’s a Hole in Chinatown’s
Heart". The song, "There’s A Hole In My Heart" was
performed in English and Chinese for the documentary that aired
locally on WNYE-TV. Neko also has appeared in the movie "Coyote
Ugly" and the HBO TV series "Sex & The City".
 In
2003, Neko began work on her CD "Wanton Desires" with
guitarist/keyboardist Dean Bailin (Rupert Holmes "the Piña
Colada Song"). The CD features several songs with writing by
Neko and Dean such as "Wanton Desires" and "the Yao
Song" (with Brandon Houston). Other songwriting was
contributed by Nashville and New York hitmakers Danny Tate (Tim
McGraw, Rick Springfield), Jerry Barnes (Roberta Flack), and other
talented writers. In 2004 at a Lunar Chinese New Year concert at
Avery Fisher Hall, Neko debuted her original, high-energy pop song
about NBA basketball superstar Yao Ming. Neko's color photo was
featured on the front pages of the World Journal and Ming Pao
Daily News. The article’s tell how Neko's "Yao Song" serves
as an inspiration for not only Chinese-Americans, but for Chinese
all over the world. Similar articles appeared in the China Press
and Singtao Daily. Upon the release in the US of Neko’s CD
"Wanton Desires" by Wellgo Records, featured primetime radio
and TV interviews in New York, Los Angeles and Houston soon
followed. NY Newsday ran a 3 page cover article in it's City Life
section during the July 4th weekend telling about Neko and her CD.
The headline banner stated "Neko Zhang is using her seductive
music to teach American fans that there’s more to China than what
you see on a
restaurant menu".
Early on in her collaboration with the CD's producer, Dean Bailin,
Neko made him aware of many traditional Chinese instruments, and
these sounds became imbedded into the musical fabric of the
arrangements. In songs that make use of power guitars, drum loops,
and jazz influences, ancient instruments such as the Pipa and
Yangchin are employed to add a distinctive flavor. With a vocal
style that has been referred to as exotic, sensual, and soulful,
Neko is a true songstress with a passionate voice that makes
whatever she sings sound vital. Neko believes the time has come
for a native Chinese singer/songwriter to break through to the
American pop music market. With her distinct vocal style, great
songs and musical arrangements, there is no reason why Neko can't
become a major contemporary musical voice for people of all
nationalities to appreciate.
For all inquires and
to reach
Neko Zhang, email:
info@nekoonline.com |
