When rock musicians Chris Bowers and Mike Peart formed a band almost three years ago, they were frustrated by the lack of suitable venues to showcase their material. 'There was just nowhere,' says Bowers, a veteran of the local music scene.
They decided to do something about it and in 2004 launched a night for local bands called The Underground, at the unlikely venue of notorious pick-up bar Joe Bananas in Wan Chai.
The Underground has gone on to host dozens of bands, with 33 events at different venues. On November 10, it will reach the milestone of presenting its 100th band - an impressive achievement in a city where live music shows tend to bomb. Some of Hong Kong's best up-and-coming acts will be showcased, including shoegazers Elf Fatima and laptop rockers Snoblind.
Now residing at Edge in Central and Les Visages in Wan Chai, The Underground has been the starting point for many bands of different genres, from metal to prog rock and guitar pop. 'Just knowing you can prepare a short set has motivated many bands,' says Bowers.
Emilie Lee, a former member of rock outfit Sarasvati, says The Underground was a revelation after playing pub gigs. 'It's totally different,' says the 27-year-old graphic designer. 'The experience was amazing because people had come to hear different music. The atmosphere is good. People stand up, shake their heads and dance. In a pub, people keep quiet.'
Despite many plaudits, keeping the show on the road has been tough going, consuming the organisers' money as well as time. The first 19 shows were free to encourage attendance, but as debts mounted a HK$40 entrance fee was imposed to cover running costs. 'We approached the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong to sponsor us as they're Hong Kong's only songwriting society, but they turned us down,' says Bowers, who spends up to 20 hours a week on The Underground. 'We struggled to have 100 people turn up in the first year. This year's events have seen between 200 and 400 people attending.'