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 Lin-shan.

Gareth.T, born Gareth Tong Ling-shan (Chinese: 湯令山, born 30 December 1999), is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter 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.^[1][2]

Gareth.T 湯令山
Background information
Birth name	Gareth Tong Ling-shan
Born	(1999-12-30) 30 December 1999 (age 25) Hong Kong
Origin	Hong Kong
Genres	R&B, Pop music, Soul music, Hip hop music, Indie pop
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter, Record producer
Instruments	Vocals guitar violin drums keyboard
Years active	2020–present
Labels	Warner Music Hong Kong

Early life and education

Gareth Tong was born on 30 December 1999 in Hong Kong.^[3] His interest in music began at a young age; he reportedly started playing piano at age three, followed by violin, cello, guitar, and drums.^[3] He attended Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School in Kowloon.^[1] He later studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, majoring in songwriting and production.^[1]

Career

Gareth.T initially gained a following by sharing his original music and covers on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. His unique blend of R&B and pop, combined with his raw and honest lyrical approach, quickly resonated with listeners. He is noted for self-producing much of his early work.^[1]

He signed with Warner Music Hong Kong in 2020.^[2] 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.^[1][4]

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.^[2] He performed his first headlining concert, "The CUTIE Tour," in 2022, which quickly sold out.^[5] He has collaborated with various artists, including Dear Jane and his former girlfriend, Moon Tang.^[1]

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 smooth vocal delivery, intricate melodies, and self-produced beats. His lyrics often delve into themes of love, relationships, self-discovery, and the realities of modern youth. He is particularly noted for his candid and relatable songwriting, often using everyday language to express complex emotions.^[1]

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. This approach has resonated with a younger audience, who appreciate his genuine portrayal and focus on music rather than manufactured image.^[2]

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.^[6] 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.^[7][8]

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)