The home of some of Hong Kong's most creative and influential alternative acts, independent label 89268 is celebrating its fifth anniversary this month with a live showcase of its talented stable. From psychedelic noise rockers Alok's 31G to the whimsical melodies of inLove and the urban hip-hop of Ghost Style, the 89268 roster reads like a who's who of the Hong Kong underground. The label's releases have proved to be a genuine alternative to the mainstream world of cookie-cutter Canto-pop. The artists are full of praise for the trailblazer. '89268 has been very important in giving people a chance to listen, understand and know more about the different kinds of real local music out there,' says Meg Fung, singer-guitarist with all-girl pop-punk trio Dzap Dau Dau. 'It's made it much easier for bands and songwriters to promote their music.' Indy Shome, singer/guitarist/programmer with newcomers Fashionista agrees. '89268 are one of the few local labels that have got off the ground and stayed there. It's great they're helping bands, as opposed to just cashing in on them. I see a lot of local bands on record store walls now and that's pretty inspiring.' Unixx frontman Sean Prudent Yung Chun-yin is also full of praise. 'The label has always done more than I could have expected, especially in terms of promotion. I think they're the most aggressive indie label in Hong Kong.' 89268 marketing manager Vivian Yeung Wai-yan says various activities have been held over summer to celebrate the anniversary, including the release of compilation CDs. This weekend's showcase will provide a climactic ending to a series of live shows, she says. 'Over the past five years we've learnt a lot, and can now put that experience to use by doing bigger and better things,' she says. 'We hope that, for the next five years, more people will support independent work - different forms of art, cultural activities, as well as music. In the scene, there are many people producing many styles of music. However, audiences and the media still have a narrow acceptance of these different styles. The scene and industry is very much handicapped because of this.' On Saturday, 23 bands signed to 89268 will take part in the live show, including label favourites My Little Airport, Elf Fatima and The Pliable. For Alok Leung Wai-lok, frontman of Alok's 31G, shows such as this are why 89268 is so important in Hong Kong. 'They make it possible for both old and new bands to perform and have gigs. There's going to be a big crowd, fantastic sound and visual equipment support.' Oliver Ching Ho (of Oliver) will be one of the headliners, but remains rooted in his belief about where real change must lie. '89268 hasn't changed the music scene in Hong Kong. What it does is provide alternatives. The change is up to the audience.' 89268 Live Gig Series No4, Sat, 4pm, Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Kowloon Bay, $80 (includes one Baileys). Inquiries: 2396 2608
