INDIE FANS won't want to miss this: the chance to not only hear good bands perform but also listen to them talk about their music and the issues that move them. The event is the brainchild of the Young Friends Scheme (YFS), which was established in 1992 as part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival to provide unique arts experiences for young audiences. 'The idea is to arouse interest in people towards performing arts, and to develop that community,' says Andrew Chan, outreach co-ordinator for the scheme. 'The Arts Festival is very keen to promote local indie music. Last year, they held a concert with The Pancakes and Ketchup. This year, we've been able to take the next step and involve the audience.' For the first time, the programme will include a series of performances by prominent local bands that will be open to the public as well as to scheme members. Sponsored by the Edward Youde Memorial Fund, the scheme runs year-round, offering everything from performances to workshops and field trips. Aimed at 12- to 25-year-olds, it has 5,000 members - and it's still growing. 'The programme will be a mixture of performance and discussions, and in an informal style,' says Chan. 'We want young people to really support new music - not just the commercial songs they usually hear.' YFS enlisted record label 89268 to help choose the three acts. '89268 put forward some bands,' Chan says. 'We listened to them and went to some concerts. We chose these three because they relate closely to young people, especially in terms of their lyrics and sounds. It's a sharing experience we are after.' Arnold Fang is one of the artists who met the criteria. Previously signed to a local publishing company, he had only limited success writing songs for canto-pop stars. However, the internet provided more fertile ground for his talents. 'When the online platform started to develop around 2000, I began to sing my own songs, ' he says. 'It was the first time I really ever did that.' His debut album, Rain Dance, was released through MP3.com and introduced him to a wider audience. He was signed by 89268, and released his acoustic mini-album, Hardwood, through the label in December. Hong Kong issues loom large in his music. 'I like to keep the songs socially aware, more than my own stories,' he says. 'Lately, I've been delving into topics such as labour rights. These are some of the newer songs that I'll play at the show. 'For me, personally, it's great to show the youth members that you can really do it on your own if you're willing to try,' he says. 'Hopefully, we'll see future generations of performers coming through as a result of shows like these.' Fang will be joined on the bill by fellow solo artist Wong Cham-hei, who's been going it alone for three years now. He has swapped his grunge edge for a more folk-oriented sound. His debut solo album, Begins, was released in January. 'I write about the things I discover in life,' Wong says. 'About love and the relationships between people. It's a good chance for me and the other artists to promote independent music to a new audience. It's a different sort of show with the speaking, and I was pretty nervous at first about it. This is the first time I've been involved in something like this.' The third and final band on the YFS line-up is In-Love, who released their debut E.P., Dermitin, in April. In-Love features the vocal talents of Lu Shum, with Dickie Wong and Daniel Shum on guitars. Earning critical praise from the Chinese media, In-Love have rapidly become favourites on the local live scene. The band's acoustic pop stylings and delicate demeanour seem well-suited to YFS' intimate setting. The band were eager to be involved. 'Last year, I saw The Pancakes show at the Arts Centre,' says Wong. 'I was so impressed, and dreamt about one day joining the Arts Festival and performing our own show. For us, this is a great opportunity to join the programme.' Usually unplugged, the threesome promise some new elements in their live show. 'It's different this time to our typical performance,' says Lu Shum. 'We'll be backed by a live bassist and drummer, which will all add to our sound. 'We'll talk about us, and our story, and how we came to be doing what we are,' she says. 'Like Wong Cham-hei, we'll also speak on the environment, society and the love between people.' The discussion topics the performers will present were decided months ago. 'We wanted to include themes that were relevant to young people,' says Andrew Chan of the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society. 'We had to strike a balance between personal stories and how they're responding to society today.' 'This performance is different,' says 89268 promotion executive Queenie Yu. 'We have three different acts reflecting similar themes. So, it's really a show comprising three units - not separate, but linked. Many young people are interested in knowing how to do music and produce their own songs,' she says. 'They'll find it valuable to hear from those who are doing it now.' YFS: Indie Music Live, Sun, 7.30pm, Wei Hing Theatre, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong; Aug 14, 7.30pm, Cattle Depot Artist Village, Unit 7, 63 Ma Tau Kok Rd, To Kwa Wan. Both shows are free, but limited tickets for the public. Inquiries and reservations: 2824 2203 or go to afyfs@hkaf.org
