Alicia 
Keys makes 
Eric Chou 
nervous

Taiwanese singer Eric Chou will again spend New Year's Eve away from family and friends.

The 21-year-old is part of the line-up of international and local acts for Rock On! 2017.

The Dec 31 event at The Float @ Marina Bay is set to be the largest countdown party in Singapore.

While Chou is excited about ushering in the new year outside Taiwan, what is making him more thrilled is to be able to share the stage with US powerhouse Alicia Keys.

Chou told The New Paper in an e-mail interview: "I am nervous to share the stage with Alicia. She is a singer whom I respect and I really love her songs.

"It is kind of like a dream come true, knowing that I will be on stage with her."

Other acts include Hoobastank, Rainie Yang, Shin, Penny Tai, Kenji Wu, Ferlyn G, Joi Chua and Chriz Tong.

"I think it's very special to have singers from different countries gather at an event and usher in the New Year with all the fans.

GOODBYE AND HELLO

"It's good to share this happy and special moment, to say goodbye to the past year and embrace the new year.

"Hopefully, I get a chance to meet some Singaporean singers because it's always cool to work with different people," Chou added.

It’s good to share this happy and special moment, to say goodbye to the past year and embrace the new year. Eric Chou

"Maybe we can come up with a cool ballad, or one in Mandarin and English."

The dashing singer-songwriter has been making waves in the Asian music scene recently, having recorded two albums in two years.

Chou is also developing his acting chops.

"There is a television drama and a movie that are in the works and, hopefully, everyone can see those next year."

Chou hopes to branch out into the English music market one day. But, for now, his focus is on Asia and he is working on his third album.

"I have been writing new songs since I finished work on my second album, and there are a lot of things I am trying out.

"I really want this album to be something unique. I hope people can hear the difference in each of my albums. I am excited about it," he said.

He cited movies as his main inspiration when it comes to songwriting.

"I am a big fan of movies, be it romance, action or science fiction. A lot comes from myself too, such as my own life experience.

"My friends also provide inspiration. I listen to their love stories and their heartbreaks," said Chou.

Fame is something he is still getting used to.

Chou said: "It is something that is hard to adjust to in the beginning.

"Now, I like to stay at home more because, as a public figure, there is pressure to always dress up and look good.

"So, most of the time, I stay home to write music, watch movies and play games. Home is my comfort zone.

"But, this singing career is my dream. Having people tell me how much they love my songs and how that has changed their lives, that is really awesome."

Count down with them, too

FYI

ROCK ON! 2017

Where: The Float @ Marina Bay

When: Dec 31, 5pm to 1am

Tickets: $48, $68, $118, $158, $218 at www.apactix.com