Twins (group)

Not to be confused with German group The Twins.
Twins

Twins on the red carpet at the MTV Asia Awards in Bangkok, Thailand on 6 May 2006
Chinese name 雙生兒
Origin Hong Kong
Occupation Singers, actresses, models, lyricists, composers
Genre(s) Cantopop, teen pop, bubblegum pop, New wave, indie pop
Label(s) Emperor Entertainment Group
Years active 2001-2008, 2010-present
Current Members Charlene Choi (蔡卓妍)
Gillian Chung (鍾欣潼)
Official Website Twins EEG HK Official Site

Twins are a Hong Kong Cantopop duo that was created in the summer of 2001 by Emperor Entertainment Group (EEG). Twins are made up of two girls, Charlene Choi and Gillian Chung.[1] They were a popular group in Hong Kong and a top band in China. Their fanbase have included Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, United States, Vietnam and Philippines. Their music was generally targeted at young teens, but in 2004 they began to attract a wider audience by venturing into different styles of music. In February 2008 the duo temporarily separated after the Edison Chen photo scandal involving Gillian Chung.[2] After two years the group finally reunited in 2010.[3]

Background

Gillian Chung had also worked as a part-time model during one of her summer vacations in Hong Kong. Similar to her erstwhile partner, Charlene Choi was also a part-time model who had appeared in several advertisements. She became famous after her participation in the Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) television program Y2K. Both caught the attention of EEG manager Mani Fok (霍汶希).[4] They subsequently auditioned for and later formed the duo known as "Twins".

Career

Twins in the 2007 international 6th anniversary concert tour in San Francisco

Singing duo

Twins started their career in the summer of 2001 and were recognized for the song "明愛暗戀補習社". They initially collaborated with MSN to make personal pages and web games.[5] Their first 2001 EP Twins (AVEP) went platinum in its first week of sales.[5] During their first two years, Twins released 3 EPs and 3 albums, all of which sold very well. Most of their songs stayed at the top of many different musical charts for several weeks.

Twins had their first concert in 2002 and three more in 2003, one of which was held in Guangzhou. Between 2001 and 2003, they received a total of 72 total awards.[6] By 2003, they have received a large number of awards from the four major Hong Kong media organizations of RTHK, Commercial Radio Hong Kong, Metro Radio and TVB.[6]

At the 2006 Hong Kong Entertainment Awards ceremony Choi tearfully acknowledged that there have been criticisms of the Twins' singing abilities and that she hoped that they could better improve in the coming year.

In February 2007, they celebrated their sixth year together in the Hong Kong music industry. They released a special Sixth Anniversary New + Best Selection CD/DVD. In September of the same year, Twins embarked on a multi-city North American concert tour, with special guests Sun Boy'Z. International stops included San Francisco, Toronto, and Atlantic City.[7] It was their first time performing on a major tour across several North American cities.

In early January 2008, twins won two major awards at the 2007 Jade Solid Gold Top 10. They earned the most popular group award as well as the most popular Asia Pacific region female artist award.[8]

Advertisements

Apart from their singing careers, Twins have also been involved in a number of advertisements. Companies covering all types of products have advertised with the pop duo with the first advertisement with Whisper (護舒寶) in 2000. Between 2001 and 2005 they advertised more than 10 products each year. Big name companies include Nokia, Epson, Biore, Coca-Cola, LG and many more.[9]

2001-02: Twins (AVEP), Twins' Love and Twins

In the summer of 2001, Charlene Choi and Gillian Chung get together under the name Twins. They initially collaborated with MSN to make personal pages and web games. Twins signed to Emperor Entertainment Group and in August 2001, they released first EP Twins (AVEP) with hit single "Open Love, Secret Love, Tutoring Institute". EP contains 3 music videos and 6 songs. Their first EP went platinum in its first week of selling. In November (just three months later), Twins released their second EP called Twins' Love, which contains 8 songs and 1 music video, for the main and the only single from EP, "Slam Drunking Love". Later, In January 2002, Twins released their third EP Twins. The EP contains one CD with five new songs, and a VCD, with 2 music videos. Since it was near Chinese New Year, the single "Ma Bao 668" was a greeting song for Chinese New Year.

2002-03: Our Sovenir, Amazing Album, Touch of Love and Evolution

In May, 2002, Twins finally released their debut album Our Souvenir with two discs. Disc one, CD contains 10 new songs with single "Er Ren Shi Jie Bei". Disc two is a VCD, with two music videos. Their first album (just like a debut EP) was a great success. In August 2002, Twins released new second album "Amazing Album", consisted of two discs, CD with 11 songs, and a DVD with three videos. In 2002, Twins had their first concert ever, and three more in 2003 (which was held in Guangzhou. In April, 2003 Gillian and Charlene (Twins) released third album Touch of Love. It contains two discs, CD and DVD. Two months later, in June 2003, the second version of the album was released. A new song and its music video "Bian Bian Bian". The song is theme for the movie The Twins Effect and sung by Twins and Jackie Chan. With the brand new look, Twins released 1 disc 10 track Fourth Album named Evolution in September 2003.

2004-05: Children albums, Magic, Girl Power, Samba and The Missing Piece

In 2004, Twins have released four volumes of their kids' album "Singing in the Twins Wonderland", which is released for little children and it contains English nursery rhymes and stories. In January 2004, Twins released fifth studio album Magic, consisted of eleven songs. It was called Magic to emphasise their new musical style and the theme of the album. The Twins' Girl Power is the Olympic-themed album released in June 2004. It comes in a special edition package. Included are: Six mini posters measuring 15" x 20" Twins Effect 2 beverage coaster Lucky draw scratch-and-win card for the music VCD Similar to their previous albums, this album is larger than usual, using a large cardboard book-like package to carry the AVCD and posters. There are six different colored fabric bands wrapped around the package. Included is the theme song for Twins Effect II, (Love is Invincible, track 07.). In early 2005 Twins released first mandarin album Trainee Cupid. In June 2005, one year later than the last album, Twins released their sixth studio album Samba with the songs like Samba Queen and Pink Guitar. Their seventh studio album The Missing Piece, is released in December 2005, after their album 36 Strategems. They make popular concert with the same name where they hug each other and released a DVD live video album "Twins: The Missing Piece Concert".

2006-07: Around the World with 80 Dollars, Ho Hoo Tan and Twins Party

Twins are taking Yahoo! Awards on 23 December 2007
Twins are taking Yahoo! Awards on 13 December 2007
Twins hug each other on The Missing Piece Concert, 2006
Twins hug each other on The Missing Piece Concert, 2006

In June 2006 they released their second mandarin album Around the World with 80 Dollars which was a great success. The tracks "One Time Not Twice" and "I Really Want to Love Him" were nominated, and Around the World with 80 Dollars won Top 10 Gold Songs at the Hong Kong TVB8 Awards, presented by television station TVB8, in 2006. Their eighth studio album Ho Hoo Tan was released in September, 2006. It's consisted of one CD and one DVD with five music videos. In 2007, Twins released their ninth studio album "Twins Party". The album was a good success. It's released in three versions: Twins version, Gillian solo version and Charlene solo version.

2008-09: Twins Language and Break-Up

In 2008, Twins released their third mandarin album called Twins Language. The group was dragged into the fray when images of Gillian were among those which found their way onto the internet at the end of February 2008. With Gillian deciding to duck out of the public eye, Twins announced its "temporary dissolution" in July 2008. Charlene said she was highly optimistic that they would reunite some day in the future.[2]

On 16 January 2009, during a TVB interview on My 2008 (我的2008), Choi talked about how she handled the media. During the 31st RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards hosted in January 2009, Choi said Twins would return.[10]

2010-2013: Twins Reunion, 3560 and 2 Be Free

Two years after the split, many wondered whether Twins had become a myth.[11] In February 2010 Charlene Choi talked to the media about her experience in going solo. She summed up the experience by describing the name of her song "Two without one" (二缺一).[12] She said that Twins was a symbol for their generation, and that they would never break up.[12]

On the night of 27 February 2010 the "EEG 10th anniversary concert" was held at The Venetian Macao luxury hotel. A number of singers were present including EEG and non-EEG representatives. Some notables include Joey Yung, Nicholas Tse, Leo Ku, Vincy Chan, William Chan, Yumiko Cheng, Anthony Wong and many more.[13] Gillian Chung and Charlene Choi appeared on stage together for the first time in two years to do a small performance for the anniversary concert. They sang (風箏與風), (下一站天后), (女校男生), (飲歌), (戀愛大過天) and (人人彈起).[13]

A few days later on 3 March, Twins appeared in public at the Harbour plaza after parading around in a purple Porsche.[14] A public announcement was made that Twins would reunite to perform in a three-day "Nokia Twins 2010 concert" from 16 to 18 April at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom. The last time they performed at the same stage was four years previously.[3][15]

In 2011, Twins released their fourth mandarin album "3560". They release it as a celebration of 10th Anniversary of their first project. The album has many covers. The covers are their photos and covers (like "Our Souvenir") that were re-taken in 2011. In March 2012, Twins released their new, twelwth studio album with name "2 Be Free". Album contains one disc with ten new songs. Album also contains a DVD with 3 new music videos.

2014-present: New album

In late 2013 Twins started recording new album, set to release sometime in 2014 or 2015.

Splits

2005 Split rumours

In December 2005 a rumour mentioned the splitting of the two singers.[16] However, they attended the May 2006 MTV Asia Awards in Thailand together. They were nominated for and won the Hong Kong Favorite artist award.[17]

2008 Edison Chen photo scandal

The group was dragged into the fray when images of Gillian were among those which found their way onto the internet at the end of February 2008. With Gillian deciding to duck out of the public eye, Twins announced its "temporary dissolution" in July 2008. Charlene said she was highly optimistic that they would reunite some day in the future.[2]

On 16 January 2009, during a TVB interview on My 2008 (我的2008), Choi talked about how she handled the media. During the 31st RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards hosted in January 2009, Choi said Twins would return.[10]

Twins reunion

Two years after the split, many wondered whether Twins had become a myth.[11] In February 2010 Charlene Choi talked to the media about her experience in going solo. She summed up the experience by describing the name of her song "Two without one" (二缺一).[12] She said that Twins was a symbol for their generation, and that they would never break up.[12]

On the night of 27 February 2010 the "EEG 10th anniversary concert" was held at The Venetian Macao luxury hotel. A number of singers were present including EEG and non-EEG representatives. Some notables include Joey Yung, Nicholas Tse, Leo Ku, Vincy Chan, William Chan, Yumiko Cheng, Anthony Wong and many more.[13] Gillian Chung and Charlene Choi appeared on stage together for the first time in two years to do a small performance for the anniversary concert. They sang (風箏與風), (下一站天后), (女校男生), (飲歌), (戀愛大過天) and (人人彈起).[13]

A few days later on 3 March, Twins appeared in public at the Harbour plaza after parading around in a purple Porsche.[14] A public announcement was made that Twins would reunite to perform in a three-day "Nokia Twins 2010 concert" from 16 to 18 April at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom. The last time they performed at the same stage was four years previously.[3][15]

Community work

The Twins have also been selected to promote several social campaigns in Hong Kong, such as summer activities for the "Hong Kong Home Affairs Bureau" in July 2003.

Discography

Main article: Twins discography
Cantonese Studio albums
Mandarin Studio albums

Film Collections

This list of songs or music-related items is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

Featuring Both Charlene and Gillian:

Concerts

This list of songs or music-related items is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

Photo Albums

This list of songs or music-related items is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Twins (band).

References

  1. ↑ Kar, Law. Bren, Frank. Hong Kong Cinema: A Cross-Cultural View. [2004] (2004). Scarecrow Press.ISBN 0810849860. pg 249.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Clara Mak (5 July 2008). "Twins will reunite, says Choi". South China Morning Post..
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Startribune.com. "Startribune.com." Hong Kong actress in sex photos scandal reunites with Twins bandmate as her comeback continues. Retrieved on 2010-03-03.
  4. ↑ Be My Guest, 2007 episode featuring Mani (霍汶希).
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 EEGmusic. "EEGmusic." Other information. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 EEGmusic. "EEGmusic." Awards. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Yahoo. "Groups.yahoo.com." Article. Retrieved on 2008-03-14.
  8. ↑ Jade solid gold. "Jade solid gold." 2007 additional awards. Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  9. ↑ EEGmusic. "EEGmusic." Advertisements. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Sina.com.tw. "Sina.com.tw." Twins要回來了！　阿Sa坦言沒有阿嬌不想唱. Retrieved on 2009-01-22.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Mingpao.com. "Mingpao.com." Twins新蔡卓妍. Retrieved on 2010-03-04.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Mingpao.com. "Mingpao.com." Twins永不拆伙. Retrieved on 2010-03-04.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Yahoo.com. "Yahoo.com." 英皇盛世10年騷 紅白對決 Twins首度復合表演手心冒汗. Retrieved on 2010-03-03.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Mop.com. "Mop.com." Twins合体为下月个唱造势 跑车接驾兴奋弹起. Retrieved on 2010-03-04.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Mingpao.com. "Mingpao.com." Twins 互擋緋聞有默契. Retrieved on 2010-03-04.
  16. ↑ China Daily. "China Daily." HK pop Duo Twins to split? Retrieved on 2008-03-11.
  17. ↑ MTV asia awards. "MTV asia awards." The winners of the MTV Asia Awards 2006. Retrieved on 2008-03-14.

External links