Gareth.T

In this Hong Kong name, the surname is Tong. In accordance with Hong Kong custom, the Western-style name is Gareth Tong and the Chinese-style name is Tong Ling-shan .
Gareth. T
湯令山
Background information
Born
Gareth Tong Ling-shan

(1999-12-30) 30 December 1999
Hong Kong
OriginHong Kong
GenresR&B, Pop music, Soul music, Hip hop music, Indie pop
OccupationsSinger-songwriter, Record producer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • violin
  • drums
  • keyboard
Years active2020–present
LabelsWarner Music Hong Kong

Gareth. T, born Gareth Tong Ling-shan (Chinese: 湯令山, born 30 December 1999), is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter[1][2][3][4] and record producer. He is known for his blend of R&B, pop, and soul music, often incorporating English and Cantonese lyrics. Gareth. T gained prominence through his distinctive musical style, honest songwriting, and online presence, leading to a record deal with Warner Music Hong Kong.[5][6]

Early life and education

Gareth Tong was born on 30 December 1999 in Hong Kong.[7] His interest in music began at a young age; he reportedly started playing piano at age three, followed by violin, cello, guitar, and drums.[7] He attended Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School in Kowloon.[5] He later studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, majoring in songwriting and production.[5]

Career

Gareth. T initially gained a following by sharing his original music and covers on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. He is noted for self-producing much of his early work.[5]

He signed with Warner Music Hong Kong in 2020.[6] His debut single under the label was "boyfriend material." He continued to release successful tracks, including "honest" (featuring Moon Tang), which became a major hit with over 17 million streams on Spotify.[5][8]

In 2022, Gareth. T released his debut album, gareth.t 2.0. The album continued to explore his signature sound, blending R&B, pop, and soul.[6] He performed his first headlining concert, "The CUTIE Tour," in 2022.[9] He has collaborated with various artists, including Dear Jane and his former girlfriend, Moon Tang.[5]

Musical style and image

Gareth. T's music is primarily categorized as R&B and pop, with strong influences from soul and hip-hop. He is recognized for his vocal delivery, melodies, and self-produced beats. His lyrics often delve into themes of love, relationships, self-discovery, and the realities of modern youth.[5]

His public image is characterized by a "boy-next-door" authenticity and a refusal to conform to conventional pop idol aesthetics, often sporting a buzzcut and casual attire.[6]

On July 6, 2023, Gareth. T said on the Mill MILK program that Auto-Tune is a super important tool, and the singer's pitch is not important.[10] On July 11 of the same year, Gareth. T posted a post on the social platform Threads listing the reasons why Cantonese songs are slow to become popular, including that "pronunciation is too important". Later, netizens in the LIHKG discussion area criticized Gareth. T for his unclear pronunciation and using Auto-Tune to cover up his lack of singing skills.[11][12]

Discography

Studio albums

  • gareth.t 2.0 (2022)

EPs

  • TIRED (2020)

Singles

  • "boyfriend material" (2020)
  • "honest" (feat. Moon Tang) (2021)
  • "勁浪漫 超溫馨" (Super Romantic, Super Sweet) (2022)
  • "speed limit" (2022)
  • "trust me" (2023)
  • "flossy" (2023)
  • "你是我最愛的" (You Are My Favorite) (2024)
  • "跟悲傷結了賬" (No More) (feat.SKAI ISYOURGOD) (2025)

References

  1. ^ "潛力 R&B 新星 - HYPEBEAST 獨家專訪香港新生代音樂人 Gareth. T". 26 March 2021. Archived from the original on 1 November 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  2. ^ "香港 R&B 唱作人 Gareth. T 推出全新單曲《Speed Limit》 MV". 26 August 2021. Archived from the original on 31 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  3. ^ "獨立音樂人Gareth.T為姜濤作曲 欣賞對方聲線獨特：一聽就知係佢". 香港01. 2021-03-22. Retrieved 2022-01-22.
  4. ^ "ChillClub｜4大樂壇新勢力 Gareth.T唱原版《Master Class》領軍". 香港01 (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). 2021-08-16. Retrieved 2022-01-22.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Fung, Kelly (24 September 2021). "Making honesty a living: Hong Kong rising R&B artist Gareth. T on expressing his true self through his music". Young Post (South China Morning Post). Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d Wei, Sarah (22 September 2022). "Gareth. T Is Making 'Boyfriend Material' Pop For Buzzcut Asian Kids". Vice. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  7. ^ a b Or, Kristy (21 September 2021). "Meet Gareth Tong, the Hong Kong-Born Singer-Songwriter Who Is Revolutionising Cantopop". Tatler Asia. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  8. ^ Thiele, Jaz (2023-03-28). "Gareth. T on loneliness, Sonica Music Festival & more: "I'm bringing something totally unexpected"". umsu.unimelb.edu.au. Retrieved 29 May 2025.
  9. ^ Hall, Amalissa (22 September 2022). "Gareth.T on His Headlining Concert and Coping with Fame". Tatler Asia. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  10. ^ "實測Auto-Tune自動調音可以拯救魔音Chloe？自動調音唔係萬能 走音太遠都會救唔返？Gareth. T、Byejack分享在香港引發的爭議". YouTube. 6 July 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
  11. ^ "Gareth.T出PO力數四個廣東歌行得慢原因 網民反指：要聽眾改變口味去迎合你？". Retrieved 19 February 2025.
  12. ^ "廣東歌行得慢嘅原因? 1.咬字太重要 2.歌手唔夠cool 3.聽眾需要教育 4.聽眾根本唔需要行得前嘅音樂、不同類型嘅音樂 其他原因請喺reply度答問". Retrieved 19 February 2025.
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