Hailing from Taiwan, Edison Song has mesmerised audiences with his performances across various mediums. From his breakthrough roles in popular drama TV Shows, HIStory1: Stay Away From Me (2017), Brave to Love (2019), Moonlight Romance (2020) and I, Myself (2020), to his music career, where he has proven his versatility time and time again. With his blend of charm, charisma, and undeniable talent, Song has won the hearts of many around the world.

As an actor, Song has graced the screen with his ability to breathe life into a wide range of characters. From intense dramas to light-hearted romantic comedies, he effortlessly transitions between roles, captivating viewers with his depth and authenticity. His commitment to his craft is evident in every performance, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. In his latest role in Bad Education, he explores the depth of his character’s, Han, psyche and delivers a thought-provoking performance. Working alongside talented actors, Kent Tsai and Berant Zhu, Song found himself immersed in a dynamic chemistry that enhanced the film’s narrative. 

Not content with conquering the world of acting alone, Song has also made a name for himself as a singer. With a beautiful soulful voice – just listen to St. Lover or Cause U – he has released great songs, showcasing his musical prowess. He describes his musical style as a calming force amidst the chaos of the world, drawing inspiration from his jazz guitar background which he uses to infuse his music with a touch of jazz harmony. The guitar serves as his primary instrument, shaping the colours of his compositions and adding a heightened sense of performance to his music. 

Looking ahead to 2023, Song promises his fans a new album, fuelling their anticipation for his musical endeavours. As an artist, his long-term goals revolve around breaking free from the constraints of societal expectations, embracing change and challenges, and accompanying others through their emotions and anxieties with his creative works.

I recently attended the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy, where we watched Kai Ko’s Bad Education, and it was one of my favourite films at the festival. Can you tell me more about your role as Han in Bad Education? What attracted you to this character and the overall story? 

Edison Song: Han is a “wall grass” that bullies good and fears evil; he has his own wisdom, but he is not independent enough. Whenever Chang Bo-wei wants to spoof [someone], Han tries to keep up and maintain his position in the group. What attracted me to the story was that it is a very concise and powerful one, full of metaphors. It does not preach and there is no black-and-white worldview either. 

The film features a talented cast, including Kent Tsai and Berant Zhu. Can you share your experience working with them and how their performances contributed to the overall chemistry of the film? 

ES: Berant Zhu was a surprising force, always injecting unexpected elements into the scenes, while Kent Tsai provided stability, grounding the performances and guiding the ensemble.

As the director of Bad Education, Kai Ko brings a unique perspective to the project. What was it like collaborating with him, and how did his vision influence your portrayal of Han? 

ES: I was surprised by his on-site guidance ability. I originally thought he would be [one of those controlling] filmmakers. However, as a [first-time] director, I didn’t expect that he would give us a lot of space and also the story itself was tight and completed. [Having said that], he was happy to see [unscripted moments], which made me feel more comfortable [on set] and helped me to give a more diverse performance. 

Bad Education explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and personal growth. How did you approach portraying the complexities of Han’s character and the dynamics between him and the other main characters? 

ES: I tried to make the character simple. In the first half, [the power dynamic between my character and Chang made] everything I did, stuck in the middle [of all three of us main characters]. Maybe, I didn’t really want to [play the character like that], [as] I had to have such a personality that was actually similar to myself, with a hesitation. In the second half of the madness, I imagined using physiological pain to break through the psychological switch. It was a risk. 

Shifting gears to your music career, how would you describe your musical style and the influences that have shaped your sound? 

ES: As a metaphor, I imagine that my music is like a beauty product called “astringent lotion”. There are already too many stimulants and various emotions overflowing the real world and the drama world. However, music has always made me calm and made me slow down as well. I used to spend a lot of time practising jazz guitar, so I still have a little jazz taste in the colour of the tune and harmony.

You play the guitar, which adds another layer to your musical performances. How does your instrument of choice enhance your music, and what role does it play in your creative process? 

ES: My guitar has always been there, you know, since the beginning of my career. It is my main instrument that helps me shape the harmony. Because of my experience in instrumental performance and orchestra, it has increased the sense of performance in my music as well. 

Your music falls within the pop genre. What draws you to this particular genre, and how do you infuse your own unique style into it? 

ES: I have loved listening to a lot of music since I was a child. In addition, I like to explore new sounds very much. I’m not daring to say that I have integrated [all] styles into it, but I am definitely on the way to experiment [with them].

Are there any specific themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music? What drives you to connect with your audience on a deeper level through your songs? 

ES: In the current era when samples and even AI are popular, I think the artificial flaw, which can even be said to be “imperfect”, is a way to get closer to the audience. However, putting aside the technical thing, what I want to convey is the emotions after all. I want to find the depth of happiness, sadness and anger, and then record them. [Expressing all those feelings], would make me feel very happy. 

When you are not working, what do you do to relax? 

ES: Take a walk, watch movies, drink and chat with friends! 

As an artist, what are your long-term goals and aspirations? How do you envision yourself evolving and growing both in your acting and music careers? 

ES: Asia’s social atmosphere advocates seeking career stability. Now that I have multiple identities, I want to be more braver to face different challenges. Let everyone know that every change or choice can become a nutrient. Then, I wish to accompany people to relieve their sadness or anxiety while [making my music]. If one day I can do those things well, that will be the best development [as a person and an artist] in my mind.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

_{View of the Arts is a British online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}