LIVE LIFE, NO Rules (LLNR) has become a victim of its own success. The non-profit website allows independent and underground bands across Asia to showcase their talent to the rest of the world, but rising costs brought on by heavier traffic now threaten its survival.
Two fundraising shows featuring the city's top independent bands, including the likes of punk-funk outfit SiQ, metal band Shepherds the Weak and hardcore punk band King Ly Chee, have been organised to rally support for LLNR. And why is the site important for the musical community? It offers web page templates on to which musicians load the likes of songs and band and touring information for the public.
In doing so the musicians are linked to a dedicated network of music fans. Created, operated and supported by music lovers, LLNR aims to present the ultimate portal for music across the continent.
Website founder and owner Bob Wan Sheung-chit says: 'I think this is a good way to expand the underground music scene in Hong Kong and we hope it will catch others' attention.'
LLNR has been operating for about a year and its popularity has soared.
'As the following for the website grows, the server can't support the traffic and the server provider has asked for higher server rental fees, which we can't afford,' says Wan. The crisis is not surprising, as LLNR is run without sponsorship or donations.
'We know many musicians aren't able to afford the service charge, but we have to seek a solution to keep LLNR running,' says Wan. And that solution comes in the form of the fundraising shows this Sunday and on December 18, at the Warehouse in Aberdeen.