TVB dispute gives indie bands a chance to make their mark
Looks like the dispute between TVB and the record labels (over distribution of royalties), which has led to boycotts from both sides, will benefit the independent music scene.
Perhaps looking for musicians to fill the void left by the usual big Canto-pop names, TVB has partnered with online artists community Alivenotdead to produce a series of live gigs featuring local acts.
Sponsored by brewery San Miguel, each show, featuring three local bands and 'celebrity guests', will air on TVB.com and later be packaged for cable programming on television.
Raffi Kamalian of Alivenotdead said the idea originated from San Miguel.
'They wanted to do their music promotion in new media, so they approached TVB about doing Web shows,' he said. 'And [Alivenotdead] were brought in to provide the connection to local bands and experience with new media.'
The first gig, tonight at Langham Place Hotel in Mong Kok, features indie bands To Nick (pictured), Senseless and Killer Soap. Eugene Pao and Jun Kung are special guests. It starts at 8pm; tickets are HK$100 with two drinks.
