Acoustic scene is finding its feet in Hong Kong

A reported surge in worldwide sales of acoustic guitars, banjos and ukuleles in recent years, plus the popularity of bands such as Mumford and Sons and Bon Iver, all point to something of a renaissance in acoustic and folk-based music.

Whether it's because of the emotionally charged songs, the diverse and sometimes quirky instrumentation or the stripped-down sound that shifts the focus squarely to songwriting and melody, indie folk and acoustic bands have struck a chord with listeners.

Hong Kong has not been immune to this global wave: while the city has always been home to an abundance of musicians and songwriters, the number of outlets available to folk and acoustic songwriters is on the rise too.

They mostly have to thank events such as Acoustic Angst, a popular acoustic night held at The Wanch, and Crossed Wires, a recently launched monthly showcase. On arriving at the debut Crossed Wires night at Dharma Den in Central, a commotion can be heard even before the elevator doors open. A buzzing din is concentrated around the bar as punters try to get some drinks in before the show starts.

A small line-up of local bands and songwriters are hoping to showcase their talents in the bare-bones format and cosy atmosphere of Dharma Den where a microphone and sound equipment have been set up just off the centre of what is often a dance floor.

The show is due to start in just under an hour and the place is filling up. The people gathering are more than just the usual suspects seen at local band nights, displaying a refreshing diversity ranging from hipsters to lager louts and a good mixture of locals and expats all out to support, sway along or simply survey the acts that have come together for this acoustic showcase.