For over two years, Taiwanese singer-composer Emil Chau Wakin lived like a normal salaryman, working regular hours and spending time with his wife and kids on weekends. His life was so ordinary that six-year-old daughter Anya had no idea he sang for a living!

But recently, when she kept seeing daddy on TV promoting his new album, the curious girl asked: "Papa, are you a star?" After he admitted it, she smiled and gave him a thumbs up: "Cool!" An amused Emil then asked his 11-year-old son Andrew: "Why doesn't your sister know that I'm a singer?" But the boy just shrugged: "How would I know?" Emil couldn't help chuckling as he recounted the story during the celebration party after his concert in Taipei last week.

Due to the kind generosity of one particular person, we were fortunate to be able to attend the Taipei concert on October 20, 2001, and we had a wonderful time! That concert was our very first opportunity to hear some of Wakin's brand-new songs and to see him play his guitar live onstage.

His latest album, Day Lilies, was released earlier this month, two years after his last album, NOW-Wakin 2000.

He said: "My daughter was too young to understand when I was still singing two years ago, so she's a bit surprised. But my son is used to it already."

Wakin's official website was launched in December 2001.

During his break to recharge, the 41-year-old has been a devoted family man. "Finally I could live like an ordinary man. I didn't have to comb my hair!" the chatty singer said. Every morning saw him trekking up mountains to exercise, dressed in track suits that covered up his face so that he wouldn't be recognised. He spent his days writing songs and short stories. And on weekends, he went out with his wife of 14 years, Constance, and his two children.

When asked if Constance appreciated his presence at home, Emil chuckled and said: "We're so happy together that we almost nao chu ren ming (Mandarin slang for conceive) and had another child! Just kidding."

But he said he's not a romantic husband--and he is a strict father.

"My wife and I do quarrel sometimes, and always in Mandarin because then my chances of winning are higher!"

Mrs. Chau is American, but she has since learnt Mandarin and Cantonese.

When asked whether he felt the pinch during the time he was not working, Emil joked: "Do I look as though I starved? It was okay. You just have to be more thrifty."

A. Kurita, WWS

Can Emil Chau ever remember his lyrics?

True to his title "King of Forgetting Lyrics," the jovial singer still scored some misses during his concert in Taipei last week.

But his fans--over 700--didn't seem to mind as they cheered, laughed and crooned along.

During the final segment, the auditorium turned into a lounge where the customers shouted out nostalgic song titles for Emil to sing, like Lonely Eyes, Love Follows Us and Kiss My Baby.

A sentimental moment was when Emil dedicated his new song, Day Lilies, to those who suffered during the war and typhoons in Taiwan.