Lin has become a pop-music sensation because of his distinctive vocals and masterful interpretations. Provided to China Daily

Taiwan was experiencing a lull in its music scene when Yoga Lin made a splash with his fresh, distinctive voice.

The singer-songwriter was 21 when he won the One Million Star Competition, a popular reality TV singing contest in 2006.

He held a series of concerts around Taiwan before releasing his debut album, Mystery Guest in 2009.

The album won both critical and commercial success, with more than 40,000 copies sold in the first week, in Taiwan.

Then the singer took over songwriting duties for his second album, Senses Around, in 2009 and Perfect Life, his third album, released in 2011.

Although shy off stage, Lin's distinctive vocals and interpretations of songs have ensured he stays popular.

Veteran composer Kay Huang says Lin is a rare good voice in today's down-market music scene, calling him a "magician of music".

He was the lead singer of a high school rock band. Lin experimented with genres and polished his vocal skills at university. He says his success is the fruit of longtime work, rather than instant success.

Lin has won best newcomer awards across Asia and in early 2011 kicked off a tour of the region, including Beijing.

His wide vocal range allows him to interpret the works of female singers, such as pop diva Faye Wong and Taiwan singer-songwriter Mavis Fan.