Surf's up for now laid-back Chang

Veteran singer not yet over the hill

Taking risks in a firestorm

For the new album, he gave up loose pants and T-shirts and wore the traditional clothes of Amis people for photo shoots, with a feather on his head, short fur skirt and boots.

After winning a singing contest in Taiwan two decades ago, Chang made his debut in 1993 with the album I Just Like You, followed by hip-hop Secret Base, electronic Orange and later pop-rock Ok. He was part of super group Super Band from 2008 to 2010 with veterans Lo Ta-yu, Jonathan Lee and Wakin Chau, which led to what he describes as the most exhausting year of his life ever.

"We were constantly on the road or in the air. I couldn't focus on songwriting, which was really a bad thing for me," he says.

Now, Chang is getting used to a slower pace and embracing his new life goals after a 20-year music career. His way of celebrating that anniversary would be retirement.

"I want to open a small inn, a barbecue restaurant and an extreme sports park," he says of his plans after retirement.

He also runs his own fashion label, which he started two years ago. "Hopefully I will realize my plans in five to 10 years."

"I have a great relationship with my girlfriend of three years. She's not part of show business. I also have good ties with my family and I return home often," he adds.

What about music? "It's very convenient to share my music with fans as long as I have a computer. I have tried to release my songs through the Internet, which seemed to be a good way to communicate with fans. That's what I will do in the future," he says.