WHILE THE PROS and cons of trying to lure international rock acts to Hong Kong are still being debated, one local event is keeping faith with home-grown talent by providing a showcase for the best live music the city has to offer. The names behind Rock On - an independent music showcase that's now in its eighth year - are Irene Sit, the founder of Puffin Music Management, her sister, Yvonne Siet, and indie music guru Wong Chi-chung. Rock On, which has grown to become a three-day event, has its roots in the 1997 handover and Hong Kong's uncertain future, and was never expected to be more than a one-off affair. 'Because of the handover, I thought there might never be another chance to have a rock concert here,' says Sit. 'I thought we'd better try do one while we still can. I worked with a lot of bands and talented musicians, and wanted to give them a chance to play. 'Technically, the local bands can stand up against international ones,' she says. 'They just needed an opportunity. The following year, I got a call to do another one and lots more bands wanted to play.' At the time, Siet and Wong were involved in a new band competition, and the three decided to pool their talents and resources and concentrate on the Rock On event. More than 170 bands have graced the Rock On stage since the first 1997 concert. This year, 22 acts (including some from Japan) will take part. 'I don't know how we've made it to here, but we have,' says Sit of the event's evolution. It features mostly alternative, underground acts, but the final evening is billed as a crossover night - allowing established pop acts the chance to display their talent on stage. 'We knew of several people in the pop arena who wanted a chance to be able to play live shows,' Sit says. Rock On is 'truly a labour of love, from the organisers to the bands to the sponsors', says Wong, who for years has championed the indie-rock scene in Hong Kong through his radio programmes, in print and with live shows. As well as organising the event, he will act as compere. 'There's a real culture of self-sustainability here,' says Wong. 'A sub-culture of people who release their own records, put on their own shows and have their own websites. It's a phenomenon. The print media is usually supportive, although the electronic media seems generally to ignore it.' Without high-profile promotions and major corporate sponsorship, the event is funded by ticket sales. 'We can't think in terms of how much money we'll make, because it just won't happen,' Siet says. 'Cash sponsors are impossible to get because we aren't the mainstream. We just keep this going because we know it's something good.' None of the performing bands will be paid - which the three say holds back the development of the local live music scene. 'I always say that you can do anything if you put all your passion into it,' says Sit. 'Unfortunately, I don't know how long these bands can do that before money issues make it harder and harder to dedicate themselves totally to it. Most of these musicians will need to have day jobs.' More resources and money should be made available, Siet says. 'Plus more respect,' she says. Wong says: 'These bands really work very hard and usually have to pay their own fares to play. It's really very touching.' Lack of respect is seen as a problem on several levels. 'We always used to put on our show at Ko Shan Theatre,' says Sit. 'This year, we couldn't get it because our booking was bumped out by Chinese opera. Generally, there's no help at all from the government, who always support the same arts. That's not healthy.' Siet says there's the popular stereotype that all band people are on drugs. 'The image isn't good,' she says. 'The reality is that these people are busy practising in band rooms. They aren't the ones going out and causing trouble.' Rock On's new home is the Hong Kong Arts Centre in Wan Chai, an organisation Wong describes as 'very liberal'. 'The people there do love music and will do what they can to help,' says Siet. The organisers say they hope the event will attract a full house of 500 each night. Wong says the demographic of the audiences can be quite varied. 'First, there's a curious young crowd,' he says. 'People in their teens, wanting to try out the band scene and see what it's like. Then there are the veterans and music lovers. They have been to the event before and also want to support us. Finally, there is the music family. From the bands, the spirit spreads throughout to their families and friends, creating a great atmosphere.' For the musicians, the opportunity of being involved appears to be reward enough. 'They want to be part of history in the making,' Siet says. 'If you get to be part of Rock On, then you know you're a good band.' The event has begun a tradition of quality local acts, many of which have gone on to greater success. 'We are fortunate that we have the support of high-profile stars,' says Siet. 'Sai Wing - the Beyond drummer - has played with us for three years now. Jun Kung performed before he became famous. Also, before LMF were LMF, they played here. 'Every year, half the bands who play are veteran bands, and the other half are new ones. Sometimes, people refer bands to me, although I go to a lot of shows to see which new bands are coming up, as well as how the older ones are developing. 'Bands are vital to any successful music scene,' she says. 'In the best music industries in the world, if you look at the best producers or engineers or whatever, almost all have a band background. I also believe that being in a band is good training for getting along with people, in general.' The three organisers remain bullish about the future. 'We want to keep going and attract more people,' says Siet. 'Along with real cash sponsors.' Wong says: 'The challenge is to find a way to coexist with the karaoke and football bars, which have taken over many of the old venues.' Sit says things are improving, though. 'The internet has opened everything up, giving people access to huge song databases,' she says. 'Events like the Rockit Festival, which bring great international bands here, are so important, as well. We have to keep this culture of live music going. 'We'll continue to cultivate the local scene: make sure we start from basics. The bands here are willing to work very hard, they just need a chance.' Rock On 2004, Fri-Sun, 7.30pm- 10.30pm, Shouson Theatre, HK Arts Centre, Wan Chai, $99 from Tom Lee Music outlets and HK Ticketing. Details, visit www.chichungschoice.com
