When he made his debut at the age of 17, taking a bold risk, presenting himself in a completely unfamiliar image, he faced sharp criticism from the audience. Even though he endured insults, he was not afraid, only to discover that the passion that should have existed was missing, which made him feel terrified. Therefore, he made up his mind, day after day, planning after planning, spent half a year writing “Zombies”, then spent four years writing “Fenglin Huoshan”, and even today, he takes everyone to Chernobyl, creating a world view that is moving through sound, images, paintings, and words. He conducted a musical experiment, allowing himself, and everyone else, to rediscover the name Juno Mak Chun Lung.
Even though the outside world is chaotic, he still buries himself in creation. This seemingly “dark”, “avant-garde”, “eccentric” individual is actually a person with sensitive senses, like a cat, observing the world keenly. He sees all hardships as life experiences, challenging himself through every experiment to rediscover the passion that moves him. Today, the chapter of Dong Pulin officially closes, and while the end of this vast journey undoubtedly leaves us anticipating future developments, what is even more intriguing is how Juno Mak Chun Lung’s practice in the creative field has led to today’s achievements.
「這個是我對創作、樂壇、歌迷送上的一份禮物」
“Everything is so realistic, how could there be such a thing as a dream factory”
Arriving at the final chapter “the album and the end of it”, the compilation is released in Box Set form, integrating the three planned albums. Juno and the team specially created souvenirs such as newspapers, opera tickets, train tickets, stills, etc., allowing fans to feel as if they were on the scene, experiencing the final journey of the story together, for the longest farewell.
For Juno, these physical items not only symbolize the development of different chapters in the story but also represent Juno’s belief in creation – he hopes that even as the end approaches, he can still use a more diverse range of physical media to more concretely embody the atmosphere created by the project. At the same time, it is also a gift of gratitude he gives to his fans, expressing a sincere thank you to everyone.
Over the course of three years, Juno has shaped a music project with music, imagery, and words. Juno openly admits that his ambition for creation is growing, not just in terms of surpassing the concept album, but also in whether the songs can bring more emotions to fans, whether the copy can reignite the audience’s emotions, and whether the visual production can drive the audience’s emotions. Throughout the creative process, Juno describes it as “heart-pounding and sweaty,” and because the process was so risky, when asked about his feelings at the end, he described it as a weight off his shoulders.
“Every creative process, I pursue a thoroughness.”
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Outsiders may think he is a madman. But without madness, how can one survive? He approaches each creation with an attitude of “once in a lifetime,” and there should be a hint of madness brewing in it. “I believe in being very strict with myself in creation.” It is through this strictness that one can reach the realm of perfection in their heart.
“Today, when you write this scene, you may be satisfied, but when you wake up tomorrow and reread it, if you feel dissatisfied, you must ruthlessly erase it,” Juno continued, “I don’t like Mr. Almost and Miss Almost. Whether it’s in appearance, hairstyle, or clothing, you can’t settle. And when it comes to personal thoughts and behavior, you should never compromise.”
Others may see this as a wild obsession, but it is this dedication that has created the legendary stories of Dong Zhe and Pu Mingxin.
「在甚麼時候做適合的事情，不單是創作，我覺得人生也應如此」
Emerging from the typical style of Xi Shang, love stories can sprout from nuclear explosion nights, and song lyrics can also be structured into a movie-like rhythm. This is probably the rhapsody that Juno’s creative world has always been playing, even with a touch of whimsy, it does not lead to confusion. Behind all the seemingly crazy things, it stems from a fearless determination.
“Maybe I started from a negative point, all my understanding of this industry, including your confidence in yourself, and the media’s confidence in you, has long been shattered.” After many years of trials and tribulations, Juno openly admits to not avoiding the past, even if it’s the lip-syncing scene from “Falling in Love with a Killer” or the bad boy image with blonde hair. Looking back now, he even sees it as a chance for rebirth through fire, still grateful for the “suffering is also an honor” blessing.
However, the world actually treats him well, giving him the most thorough blow, while also giving him strong beliefs. Many years later, a great counterattack came, which can be considered an important milestone in life, and it is also worth being grateful for.
Juno shared that after enduring constant criticism that day, she didn’t take care of herself for a whole year, unwilling to look in the mirror, always wearing a hat. She shuttled between the recording studio and home every day. When she looked in the mirror again, even she was scared by her long hair. But because of this, it actually helped her clear her mind and focus on music. “This not only gives you a chance to be reborn, but also makes me more grounded.” Juno shared her experience of that year, especially the changes in her inner self, gradually becoming a cornerstone in the world of creation.
After crossing the fire basin and starting anew, what follows is entering a whole new realm.
No one should know yourself better than you.
After isolating himself for a year, Juno discovered that his passion for the creative industry has always been there. He also gradually realized that instead of waiting to be assigned songs, it’s better to take the initiative to step out and create things he loves from the heart, including songs and movies.
Even though the creative journey is full of thorns, since ancient times, the more difficult the place, the more treasures there are. The greatest reward of being immersed in creation is that he learns to know himself, as simple as understanding what colors, cuts, designs he likes. As this habit of self-exploration forms, it also catalyzes him to have deeper insights in creation and in life. He uses searching for a cup as a metaphor: “Try not to find ten cups, just find one cup, but its weight, shape, capacity to hold, etc. are all very suitable for oneself.”
What is creation? For Juno, perhaps it is the process of self-discovery, and the process is heart-pounding and sweaty.
「我想將人生的複雜放於創作當中，而我的生活，只想很簡單」
In terms of personality, I have never been someone who enjoys group living.
Juno, who loves being alone, likes cats. In fact, he also has sensitive qualities like a cat, easily perceiving the complexity between people, and he puts the complexity of life into his creations; but for his private life, he just wants it to be simple.
Spending time with his four cats at home has become his most time-consuming activity outside of work. Cats can be said to be his muse. The dynamic movements in his photos are all imitated from observing the cats’ forms, creating his unique and peculiar personal style. Perhaps because he is too relaxed when spending time with cats, inspiration usually comes during these moments.
However, he, who is reserved and reticent, has always been associated with a “dark” image.
“I like black, doesn’t mean I’m goth.”
Opening his social media, you can’t find a hint of color, and his clothing style is often portrayed in black. Therefore, everyone associates him with “darkness.” He clarifies, “I like black, but that doesn’t mean I am dark.” He explains that he simply doesn’t deliberately sell positive energy. This kind of stereotype is just one way for the audience to receive information, but for him as a creator, it has a different interpretation.
“I think craftsmanship is like ‘black and white’, and craftsmanship must go through day after day, plan after plan of trials. You need to have a black and white mentality in order to accommodate different colors, and my craftsmanship just happens to involve the use of colors.”
Have you heard this confession? Now you know the reason he likes black and white.
「更懂得珍惜。創作令我珍惜了很多身邊的事情。」
Since it is not dark, but his works often present a kind of tragic, heavy theme, it is not difficult for the audience to feel the stereotypical association from Juno. Does this represent Juno’s tragic worldview? “I think life does carry a sense of loss, and what I mean is not about showing off positive energy. In fact, life is filled with many emotions, it’s just that this sense of loss, I express it through different streams of consciousness.” Juno continued, “Perhaps it’s because this emotion itself attracts me, because I think when a person is in this state, you will reflect more, you will have more conversations with yourself; it is neither a burst of sadness, nor a state of high spirits, it is a state called a sense of loss, I think this state is good.”
Because of this state of deepening negative emotions, Juno not only writes different stories, but also stays at home to relax, which allows him to learn to cherish more from reflection.
“When you are alone, that is often when you are the strongest, because when facing a crowd, you can pretend to be sociable, happy, busy or not, but it is only when you are alone that you can truly have a conversation with yourself; being alone is the most precious.”
In a conversation with Juno, let go of the fantasy of “deifying” him, he is just a living person. Behind being described as “eccentric” and “offbeat”, who would have thought that his favorite activities are actually brewing tea, grinding coffee beans, washing dishes, painting walls, and zoning out? Like an ordinary person, his biggest wish is to pursue happiness.
And his source of happiness is creation.
Creating gives him vitality, although he has endured a lot of hardships and countless sleepless nights in the process, he is still immersed in it, and has found the passion for life. Perhaps your hard work and dedication are always misunderstood by others, this helplessness and contradiction Juno also acknowledges and understands, but for him, the most important thing is always, “Hope is not just for me, I hope everyone can blossom in what they love.”
In the world of myriad phenomena, everyone strives to find happiness through different means. Happiness may seem elusive, but in reality, it lies within oneself. If one does not cherish the present moment, they will forever be devoid of happiness. Practicing in the human realm, every problem that arises in life is a place for spiritual cultivation. Juno has experienced all kinds of flavors since debuting, and has also once drifted away from reality, working hard to try to get back on track. However, one’s inner self should not be cultivated through external means. The origin of problems should be patiently learned from and diligently cultivated.
Today, he has been elevated to the supreme position, not just because of his legendary music projects, but also because of his wisdom and pure heart that are desirable yet elusive, living with truth, seriousness, and awareness, seeing through the different stages of life. What path will he open up after the subversion? Please keep your expectations. After all, even a black box can be emotional and pleasant. Hopefully, this creator will continue to cultivate a more harmonious inner self with a transcendent spirit, making himself and everyone else continue to beat and sweat.
In the end, as long as you focus on the present moment, cooking, washing dishes, doing housework, it is also a form of practice. Not just Juno, you and I can become (life) masters.
後記：這是 Juno 訪問後的一席話：
“I am definitely a dream chaser. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have entered the dream factory. And it’s more because dreams are often the first casualties in life’s growth. As people age, they all walk through the world of flowers. Only creation can make my heart beat and sweat time and time again. It broadens my horizons time and time again. Every planning journey is actually just chasing a little happiness, a beam of light. There is no easy road. But if happiness is at the end, I don’t mind working hard to chase it. So all of you must be happy. Be proud of the wonderful things.”
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Producer: Vicky Wai
Photography: Simon C.
Videography: @wootwootvisual
Styling: Vicky Wai
Make Up: Janice Tao
Video Editor: @wootwootvisual
Editor: Carson Lin
Design: Tanna Cheng
Assistant: Mandy Kan
Wardrobe: Dior, CHANEL
