Reunion with a difference

From left: Chinese rock singer-songwriter Xu Wei performs with Ye Bei during her recent concert at Blue Note Beijing; Chinese singer Lao Lang and Ye Bei perform together in Ye's recent concert in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

With her story-like lyrics and smooth melodies, the audience detect a transition.

In 2008, after releasing her album, I Want My Freedom, Ye slowed down and withdrew from the limelight.

"When fame came, I was young ... But being a public figure made me feel anxious. I wanted to live a real life, like buying food at supermarkets and going to cinemas. So I opted out," says Ye.

For the past nine years, Ye has lived the life she wanted. However, music has always been a big part of her life. Time did not dull her edge and passion for music. She listens to music and writes music every day.

In 2014, she decided to release an album, viewing life like a movie.

"I have the habit of writing down about events in my life. Music is also a way to document life," she says. "It's a kind of departure for me. Each song contains different colors, like the movies."

Then, instead of turning to friends, Ye invited Zhao Zhao to be the producer.

"He didn't know me. We started from scratch," says Ye.

The title song of the album is performed by Ye and rock singer-songwriter Xu Wei.

In a message Xu sent to Ye after the concert, he says: "Whenever I sing with you, I feel warm and happy like a child."

Xu and Ye go back a long way. It was Xu who produced Ye's second album, Pisces, 15 years ago, and wrote a song for her, called Rainbow.

Speaking about the recent concert, she says: "He (Xu) gave me a big yes when I invited him to sing with me," adding that Pisces is the only album that he produced. "I really feel proud about that, you know."

Meanwhile, the latest album also has songs, such as Growing Old Together, which Ye wrote to remember her past relationships; To My Dearest, which she dedicates to her late grandfather, and Red Dragonfly, which is a birthday gift she gave to her friend.

Speaking about her work, music producer Long Long, who produced Ye's third album, The Source of Happiness, in 2004, says: "She is a versatile singer and she has tried many different music styles besides folk music. But what makes her unique is her pursuit of beauty in music. Instead of following any trend, she knows what she wants to say."

Asked about her plans, Ye says she doesn't want to get too busy as she usually does when releasing a new album.

"I feel relieved after singing the songs at the concert. I don't want to set a goal for myself, like another album or tour, but one thing is for sure. I enjoy music and the process of making it.