From Backstreet Boys Fan to On-Stage Introductions: A Journey Through Music and Media
Alyson Hau's life story is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and a little bit of serendipity. Born in Hong Kong in October 1983, her childhood was anything but ordinary, marked by constant relocation and a strong bond with her older sister, Melody, who later became her manager. This unusual upbringing shaped her into the resilient and driven media personality she is today.
An Unconventional Upbringing
Hau's early years were defined by frequent moves. When she was seven, her parents divorced due to her father's gambling problems. Her mother prioritized the safety and well-being of her daughters, choosing to leave behind material possessions to protect them. This led to a nomadic lifestyle, with the family constantly moving to evade her father's attempts to seek financial assistance. Despite the instability, Hau remembers her mother filling their weekends with activities, ensuring they didn't dwell on the absence of a father figure.
Finding Solace in Music
While attending St Mary's Canossian School and later Pui Ching Middle School, Hau found solace in music. Like many preteens, she became captivated by the Backstreet Boys. Her fascination went beyond simple fandom; she immersed herself in their music, using it as a tool to learn English. "I learned English from the Backstreet Boys because I was going to marry one of them," she jokingly recalls. She meticulously transcribed their lyrics, creating her own lyric book and absorbing the nuances of the English language through their songs. She also listened to local radio stations like Metro FM and Kiss FM, further fueling her passion for music and broadcasting.
A Serendipitous Start in Radio
At the age of 16, a chance encounter with a radio station's promotional advertisement led Hau to her first foray into the world of broadcasting. Despite initial hesitation, she created a demo tape, showcasing her abilities in both Cantonese and English. Her mother discovered the tape and encouraged her to submit it. This led to a grueling nine-round competition on air, where she ultimately emerged victorious. Hau never envisioned herself as a DJ, imagining she might, at best, be the voice of an automated telephone system.
Honing Her Skills
Her newfound passion led her to become obsessed with editing and sound engineering. She secured a part-time contract with the radio station, marking the beginning of her professional journey. This decision caused friction with her mother, who wanted her to pursue further education. At her mother's suggestion, she auditioned for a DJ position at HMV's flagship store in Tsim Sha Tsui. The audition involved seamlessly transitioning between songs in Mandarin and English. Her performance impressed the hiring managers, and she was offered a contract to join a new radio channel associated with Commercial Radio. Hau considers those three and a half years at HMV as crucial in laying the foundation for her career.
Balancing Education and Passion
Recognizing the importance of education, Hau enrolled in a two-year drama course at the Academy for Performing Arts (APA) in 2004. While studying drama, she continued to work in radio, taking on a filler gig at RTHK. She studied drama and simultaneously worked on a radio segment called "Backstage," where she packaged interviews for broadcast.
The Backstreet Boys Dream Realized
Throughout her early career, Hau harbored a secret dream: to meet the Backstreet Boys. Knowing they were signed to Sony Music, she took on numerous MC gigs for the label, hoping for an opportunity to cross paths with her idols. These experiences, while sometimes involving less-than-glamorous events like hosting a launch for the heavy metal band Korn, proved invaluable in shaping her into a versatile and skilled MC.
Years later, her dedication paid off. A friend at Sony called, informing her that the Backstreet Boys were coming to Hong Kong and needed an MC for their Asian regional press conference. Hau was ecstatic. The moment came full circle when she stood on stage, introducing the band she had idolized since childhood. She conducted the event with professionalism, translating and engaging with the press. As the band members left the stage, AJ McLean, the member she had jokingly planned to marry, shook her hand and complimented her.
A Career in Broadcasting
Hau's career continued to flourish. She emceed at an IFPI annual dinner, where her trilingual abilities caught the attention of media heads from various organizations, including RTHK. This led to an opportunity to host a midnight-to-2am chat show on Radio 2. Soon after, she landed the coveted role of hosting the "Morning Suite" from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday. This demanding show required her to cover a wide range of topics, from current affairs to finance news to lifestyle. She co-hosted the show with Luke Tsang Chee-wah, a respected figure in the radio industry.
Interviewing Mariah Carey
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique opportunities for radio broadcasting. With travel restrictions in place, international celebrities became more accessible for remote interviews. Hau seized this opportunity and managed to secure an interview with Mariah Carey for Christmas. Despite waiting for five hours, the experience was unforgettable. Carey appeared on screen with a perfectly staged backdrop, complete with a fireplace, wind machine, and cinematic lighting. She even learned to say "Merry Christmas" in Cantonese, leaving a lasting impression on Hau and her listeners.
Alyson Hau's journey is a captivating story of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. From a Backstreet Boys-obsessed preteen to a respected media personality, she has carved a unique path in the world of broadcasting.
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