By2 | |
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By2 at the Taipei Samsung Running Festival in 2012
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Background information | |
Origin | Yio Chu Kang, Singapore |
Genres | |
Years active | 2008–present |
Labels | |
Website | Official Blog |
Members | Miko Bai () Yumi Bai () |
By2 is a Singaporean duo based in Taiwan and signed under a 10-year contract with Ocean Butterflies International. The duo is composed of twin sisters, Miko Bai and Yumi Bai, they debuted with their first studio album, NC 16.
The duo gained attention at the start of their career with their first two studio albums, "NC 16" and "Twins", but it was not until 2010 when they released their third studio album, "Grown Up" they gained significant popularity, with the album topping Taiwan's music chart, "G-Music" and several music charts in China. The album was responsible for 33 percent sales of albums in the Chinese market and 18 percent sales of albums in Taiwan during the week of 9 April, to 15 April 2010.
Their duo band was named "BY2" after their surname "Bai" and that they are twin sisters. Their father died of cancer in 2007 when Miko and Yumi were 15 years old. Their father had hoped that Miko and Yumi will not give up on their dreams under any circumstances, thus encouraging them to actively pursue their aspiration of becoming singers.
These sisters have been given different hairstyles for easy identification due to their uncanny resemblance. However, they claimed to be different in terms of personality. Miko, Bai Wei-Fen has been described as more introverted and quiet while her sister, Yumi, Bai Wei-Ling, has been described as a more extroverted and outgoing person.
They moved to Taiwan in 2007 to further their career.
Yumi was in a relationship with Mario Ho (何猷君) in November 2014. However, they broke up later in February.
From a young age, both sisters have been exposed to performing arts and have learned the violin, piano, ballet and many other styles of dancing. As they reached adolescence, their passion for performing grew and they picked up more performing skills. They joined the Chinese Folk Dance in their secondary school, Yio Chu Kang Secondary School, as part of their co-curricular activity.
At the age of 13, both of them joined the Ocean Butterflies' Music Forest's V Singer ("非常歌手") training course. The course aims to teach aspiring singers how to perform on stage and techniques in singing and dancing. They graduated from the course clinching a "Best Costume Design" award. Billy Koh of Ocean Butterflies Music noticed their talent and gave them a 10-year record deal. They were sent to other countries such as Japan, China and Taiwan to gain exposure to different forms of dance styles, as well as to enhance vocal training and stage presence.