moon tang has built a world that is gentle, intimate, and simply hers, a space where subtle pop melodies, lo-fi textures, and R&B warmth float together. Rising from viral covers and self-written songs shared online, she quickly transformed digital intimacy into real-world presence, earning a deal with Warner Music Hong Kong and a reputation as one of the city’s most emotionally articulate young voices. Whether in Cantonese or English, moon sings with an openness that draws listeners into her late-night thoughts, quiet doubts, and everyday hopes.

That gentleness, she explains, isn’t something she consciously creates; it’s simply an extension of who she is. Her voice and songwriting evolved alongside her personal growth, shaped by diary entries turned into lyrics and emotions allowed to flow without force. Language, too, becomes part of that emotional toolkit: English arrives naturally, like conversation, while Cantonese emerges when life grows heavier, and confusion demands emotional understanding, often in collaboration with trusted lyricist friends. What I truly admire about moon is that, rather than chasing trends, she protects sincerity, balancing softness with emotion.

moon’s emotional evolution comes fully into focus on her 2025 album 25, a project she describes as both a reckoning and a healing. Where earlier releases captured fragility and uncertainty, 25 is a steadier album; not because the cracks are gone, but because she’s learned how to live with them.

The record gathers scattered pieces of her early twenties into something whole and confident, reflecting an artist who no longer feels like she’s searching for herself, but finally standing still enough to listen. Visually and sonically, moon continues to be the creator of her work, drawing on her design background to sketch moods, colours, and an emotional world that brings art and music together. And as she looks towards future projects – even dreaming of short films tied to her songs – it’s clear that moon is building something extraordinary: emotional worlds, one gentle, fearless step at a time.

View of the Arts: Your music mixes pop, R&B, and indie with a beautiful soft tone. How did you develop this singing style, and how do you protect that gentleness while still expressing strong emotions?

moon tang: My voice is just a natural extension of who I am. I don’t think much about it; it evolved as I’ve grown and explored myself as a person, and my voice has grown with me. I’ve always handled my emotions gently, letting them flow freely without forcing them in or out. Writing in my diary and turning them into songs helps me balance that intensity, keeping things under control(kind of :D) while staying true to that softness.

VOA: Your songwriting feels very honest and personal, whether in Cantonese or English. How do you decide which language best fits the feeling of a song?

mt: English songs come to me more naturally; they flow out like a casual conversation, an honest reflection, and a warm hug because I write them myself. But for deeper, heavier topics, especially when I’m grappling with confusion in my life, I like to share them with a lyricist/friend to unpack those layers, and that often feels right in Cantonese to capture the emotional depth.

VOA: Your 2025 album, 25, focuses on growing up and self-discovery. What was the biggest emotional shift you experienced while making this record compared to your earlier releases?

mt: Creating “25” healed a broken part of me from my early 20s – it was like picking up the scattered pieces and putting them back together. The cracks are still there, but they’re beautifully human and full of that youthful energy. For the first time, I felt like I was standing on solid ground, just being myself. My earlier releases were raw and fragile, born from that phase of figuring out who I was and who I wanted to be. This one, though, feels like a safe place, and I’m truly proud of it.

VOA: You started by sharing covers and originals online, and fans still feel very close to you through social media. How do you balance being open with protecting parts of your private life?

mt: I like sharing visuals online more than words; my captions are usually just emojis or simple expressions, letting the picture or work speak for itself. It’s like living as an art piece, open to interpretation. Lately, I’ve been keeping my thoughts and heart to myself to avoid getting distracted by all the outer noise, creating this inner safe space where I can pour everything into music that’s truly me.

VOA: Visually, your projects always feel very “Moon Tang.” How much of the visual direction do you personally shape, and how does your design background influence that?

mt: Just like my singing, visuals are simply part of who I am; music and imagery are just different ways to express myself. My creative collaborators need to know me personally, often as friends, to truly grasp the essence of my identity. I love sketching out lines, colors, and shapes to convey the vibe or energy we’re aiming for with my producer, sometimes pulling in references from movie scenes or books, and even creating mood boards. That habit definitely comes from my design school days.

VOA: Many listeners say your songs feel like late-night conversations with a close friend. When you’re recording, do you imagine a listener, or are you mostly singing to yourself?

mt: I close my eyes and imagine myself naked, singing in the middle of nowhere; just floating there, pouring sincerity into every word. I’m not really thinking about a specific listener; it’s mostly like singing to myself. Oh, and I can’t be hungry, or else I totally lose focus.

VOA: With streaming and social platforms constantly changing, how do you decide what kind of content to share with fans beyond just music?

mt: I love sharing the little things I observe and find interesting in life, because living fully is my main goal – music is just one slice of it. I want my audience to see me as a whole, breathing human being!

VOA: You’ll be performing in London in March – what are you most excited about for this show, and is there anything special you’re preparing for your international fans?

mt: I’m most excited about meeting the audience there – every city vibes like a different colour, and I’m curious what London’s will be. As for any special prep for international fans, I’ll keep that as a surprise!

VOA: How does your performance style change between more intimate venues and bigger stages? Do you prefer quiet, close settings or energetic crowds?

mt: I imagine myself adjusting the show for each venue, calibrating just the right amount of energy to make sure my voice reaches every single person in the room. I really lean into more intimate spaces – they let me see each face as an individual, and sometimes I even get to chat with some of them between songs.

VOA: Your songs often deal with vulnerability and insecurity, yet they sound very comforting. Is that contrast something you consciously aim for?

mt: I love contradictions; they’re everywhere in life. So yes, I unconsciously lean into that, like crafting sad songs that sound happy or upbeat ones with a hint of melancholy. It’s just so fun playing with that irony, and it helps me feel lighter about heavier moments.

VOA: When you think about the next few years of your career, what kind of music or projects do you hope to explore that you haven’t yet?

mt: In the next few years, I’d love to branch out into short films for my songs or albums. My music has this natural storytelling feel that I think would pair beautifully with visuals, but I haven’t mapped out the details yet; it’s still just an exciting spark in my head.

VOA: What can we expect from you in 2026?

mt: Who knows! Hopefully something colder and less warm. That’s all I can say.

Fan’s question – Be honest: what’s the most random thing currently in your bag or backpack when you go to the studio or rehearsals?

mt: CORTIS MINICARDS IN MY MINI TIN BOX.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of Warner Music HK

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to film, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. As we continue to grow, we aim to deepen our coverage of Asian music while remaining committed to exploring and celebrating creativity across the global arts landscape.}