Since the end of 2019, after nearly a year of chaotic emotions around the world, the "sense of unknown" in life has increased day by day. Yoyo Shum, who has been described as "the voice of an angel kissing", released a new EP "Bedtime Story" in the fall of 2020. This EP will break the traditional concept of albums, in addition to the four classic songs of Zhang Guorong, Luo Dayou, Zhang Zhenyue and his mother Liu Tianlan interpreted by Cen Ning'er, people will also hear Yoyo personally tell the musical story of himself and these singles, the whole EP is like a "musical prose body" full of temperature and texture, and it is also a "music bedside story" book given to music fans by Yoyo Cen Ning'er.
A 23-minute music bedside story
In fact, since 2019, Cen Ning'er has begun to prepare this work "Bedtime Story" mini album, before the concept was officially released, she used the theme of "Bedtime Story" on the social platform to serialize ten episodes of bedside stories live. In the live broadcast, as a "storyteller", she always holds a thick storybook, and the book shines in her hand. Those funny, relaxing surprises, but really leave some time in the hearts of the listeners, as if this mini album is a prequel.
When the album began recording, the team found it difficult to define it simply as a "mini album or EP", and after listening to Cen Ning'er talk about the original intention of wanting to make this work, the team found that the original work inherited the understanding of her previous album "Nothing is Under Control" - hoping to accompany herself and give herself strength before facing the unknown, so "Bedtime Story" will eventually include four songs that have accompanied Yoyo. And give her a lot of strength of the era of gold songs, I hope that through Yoyo's own heartfelt interpretation, share these warm forces in her memories, so that these musical stories can smooth the wrinkles in everyone's heart.
Therefore, rather than a mini-album, it is a 23-minute "musical prose style" style work, each of which is like a story suitable for reading and listening before going to bed, while Cen Ning'er continues to play the role of "storyteller", through the gentle melody to take everyone into her memories and feel the sincere emotional heart.
Reinterpret the classics and embrace hope
The concept of this mini EP released this time is inspired by the memories of Shun Ning'er telling stories with her mother when she was a child, and she included the precious audio clips recorded for her by her mother for her when she was 2 years old in this mini album.
The four pieces in Bedtime Story represent four different situations and moods. The earliest released lead single is one of Zhang Guorong's classic masterpieces "I", Yoyo's new interpretation sings self-confidence, encourages himself and the audience, just be brave to be true to himself, it is enough; the second work "Dancer" makes reality become fantastic and enthusiastic in the melody of "dancing with hands" through the constantly rotating imagery. After the release of this single, it attracted the original singer Luo Dayou to personally forward, not only recalled his past memories with Roman Fei, but also mentioned that Yoyo's new interpretation made the song "reborn"; "Holding You" has the most determined companionship, if setbacks are inevitable, and believe that there are still candlelight swaying in the wind and rain, through the glimmer of the dark night, people can also visit each other's eyes; the last song "Always Willing" because the original singer Liu Tianlan is Cen Ning'er's mother, making this work appear more intimate and intimate, Through this work, Cen Ning'er hopes to tell fans that the heart that was once held in her arms is now able to guard the hearts of others.
Every song in "Bedtime Story", for Cen Ning'er, has irreplaceable memories, strong and gentle power, in the moment when she needs comfort and companionship the most, reminding her that the most important value still exists, not faded by a momentary cover. These familiar songs, after being rearranged and produced, have grown into unique versions that can best express Cen Ning'er's feelings. With the release of this mini album, Cen Ning'er will also hold a "Bedtime Story" concert in Legacy, Taipei on September 9, allowing listeners to experience the charm of this work up close. I hope that in these four works and the unique power of Cen Ning'er, every uneasy heart will be comforted a little.