Knowing, Loving and Respecting Yourself: The Choice Is Yours

He’s been the top music composer with Sony BMG (Asia) for three consecutive years. He’s composed numerous hit singles. And he’s collaborated with various highly-renowned artistes. He’s Hagen Troy – songwriter, music producer, artiste, rock star…and Breathe Ambassador.

Most people aren’t aware that Hagen strives to reach out as a role model, not only to his many fans, but also to youth in general. As his close friends will tell you, behind the glamour of the rock star image is a gentle person sensitive to those around him: “My father taught me that possessions don’t matter as much as people. I sincerely believe this and I do my best to always show people around me how much I value them”.

Behind the Icon

A good part of Hagen’s childhood was spent doing what he loved most: music and singing. From kindergarten to secondary school, he spent his time perfecting his singing and his music-writing skills. While doing what he loved most, Hagen always set high personal standards, to do the best he could and not disappoint those who were counting on him, namely, his parents.

His father always supported his artistic aspirations and made sure Hagen grew up in an environment in which creativity was not only encouraged, but also respected. His mother, who grew up with 14 brothers and sisters, taught him the value of balancing professional ambitions and artistic aspirations: “My mother taught me that success isn’t about performance but about mind-set. Even when a situation isn’t ideal, that doesn’t mean there isn’t an opportunity for improving one’s attitude or outlook on life.”

Creative, talented, sensitive and balanced, Hagen has inspired many people around him. As a perfectionist performer, Hagen makes sure he does his part well and always tries to get the best out of his collaborators.

As a young adult his creative efforts have led him to be noticed by some of the biggest names in the music industry for various collaborations (Ocean Ou, Harlem Yu, Wilbur Pan, Jocie Guo, Joi Chua, to name but a few). Hagen’s song, “A Wonder in Madrid” (“Ma De Li Bu Si Yi”), written for Taiwan pop queen Jolin Tsai, led her to be “Best Female Artiste of the Year” and was also nominated for “Best Song”.

Health is Happiness

Hagen’s background tells us a lot about his current views on healthy living.

As a child, being healthy helped him stay focused on his artistic dreams. As a teenager he was confronted by youngsters his age experimenting with cigarettes and alcohol, but he didn’t want to compromise his performing abilities. And now, as a recording and performing artiste, he knows that his looks and emotions can affect his chosen career.

As such, regular exercise has become an important part of his weekly routine: “I like to swim two times a week when I find the time, to jog and to go to the gym at least three times a week, and I play tennis too. Singing is also a form of exercise for the throat!”

Hagen’s lifestyle strikes a healthy balance between regular exercise and smart nutrition choices: “I am quite health conscious and firmly believe in a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables (cooked or in salads) are really important in my daily life. I try not to eat too much meat and I definitely don’t go for any fried food”.

He of course advises against following his exact same diet, as he knows that different people with different metabolisms have different nutritional needs: “Everyone’s diet is a little different and should be suited to their own needs. I think it’s important for people to eat in moderation. Do consult medical and nutrition professionals should you need to.”

The Choice Is Mine

Hagen is an appropriate ambassador for Breathe as he genuinely embraces and displays love, empathy, and respect.

These three values are also at the heart of Hagen’s new song, “The Choice is Mine”. Specially Written for Breathe, the song reaches out to the average youngster journeying through life. Its lyrics reflect the very essence of Breathe – respecting yourself, making the right choices, living life right. Because, at the end of each day, “…. Respect my youth … Will live it right … The choice is mine … I know this is my life … I’ve made up my mind”.

Hagen wrote this song with themes that are both familiar and unsettling for people whose view of the world is progressively taking form. He highlights the risks involved with being influenced by the wrong people for the wrong reasons and he touches on subjects such as growing up, love, sorrow, heartbreak, responsibility, forgiveness, individual choices, pressure, respect, doubt, self-confidence, and integrity.

Hagen’s life experiences have taught him that smoking, drinking, and other destructive behaviours are not the solution to life’s challenges, and that they are avoidable for people who are prepared to counter negative influence and temptation.

The Choice Is Mine by breathesg

For more information on Hagen Troy (upcoming tour dates, albums, concerts, downloadable media), head on to Facebook and Youtube!