Since the split, Li released four original albums and one cover album, all in his own musical style: soft and warm, earthy and intimate.

The 36-year-old has broken away from the stereotype most people have of pop stars, largely because of his academic background.

Tsinghua University, from which he graduated with a degree in electronic engineering, is deemed by many Chinese to be the country's equivalent of MIT.

While studying at Tsinghua might not have contributed to Li's career musically, it certainly gave his songs a different touch.

Li has never been drawn to the glamour of showbiz. On the contrary, he is reserved in his public appearances and keeps a low profile. He considers himself an intelligent person, so much so that he feels he has to do more than just making music.

A few weeks ago Li visited Beichuan County, near the epicenter of a devastating earthquake that killed 80,000 people.

He says he will write a song to celebrate the courage and perseverance of the quake survivors.

"I have some big ideas. I think it'll be a heart-warming song. I'll keep it far from the clichés of pop music, and I'll keep the lyrics really simple and natural. I'm also considering using some of the tones of the local Qiang ethnic people. I hope music can play a bigger part in consoling these unfortunate people."

Li says ultimately he wants to be a public intellectual, so he can influence society positively.

上一页  [1] [2] [3]