WITH HONG KONG'S leg of the World Battle of the Bands just over, and the Rockit Festival due in October, the local live music scene is looking healthy. And now local bands are looking beyond the border to reach a wider audience.
Shenzhen's inaugural Hong Kong Underground Festival will take place on August 28 at the True Color Club, and will feature four of Hong Kong's finest - Monogel, Audiotraffic, Tai Tau Fat and False Alarm. 'We want to bring Hong Kong bands over so our own local bands can learn from them,' says organiser Lin Lifeng. 'There are many bands in Shenzhen, but they aren't technically as good and don't play with the same feeling as they do in Hong Kong.'
Given Hongkongers' often-negative view of the local music scene, it's encouraging to hear an outsider's opinion. Lin has just ended his sixth visit to Hong Kong and he's full of praise. 'There are so many talented bands in Hong Kong, and so much variety,' he says. 'In this small place there are great record stores compared with China, and I can find any kind of music I want. Lots of bands from China come to Hong Kong to buy instruments because the shops are so much better.'
Lin began organising the Underground Festival in June. He knows it will take time for it to catch on. 'Our venue can hold over 1,000 people, although we're expecting around 500 on the night,' he says. 'Even if we don't have a good turnout this time, we'll continue with the event because we think it's important for Shenzhen music.
'In China, most people just listen to pop music,' he says. 'We want to educate Chinese people in different styles and lead the way in new music.'
The True Color Club is establishing itself as a venue that does just that for local music. This year it has played host to internationally renowned acts such as Paul Van Dyck, Luis Elliot and Four Tet.
The idea for the Underground Festival was born at the Four Tet show in June. 'It was there that I was introduced to CM,' says Lin, referring to Leonard Lee Chau-man, who said he liked the venue and wanted to bring over his band, Monogel.
