Dec 29, 4pm, Hitec The 12th instalment of the City University Band Society's Annual Performance looks set to be their biggest and best, with 14 artists scheduled to take to the Hitec stage for eight hours of quality music. Along with local favourites Soler, Ryan Hui and Hardpack, this year's event will also feature Chui Ball Tong from Guangzhou and the band many are billing as the highlight - Nature Living from Japan (right). 'We began in the winter of 1998,' says Nature Living singer Seiichiro Shimizu. 'Myself and bassist Takashi have been friends since we were just five years old. We met guitarist Konchi and Toru the drummer when we were all at music school 11 years ago. We added our keyboardist Kayo in 2003.' While Shimizu puts his band under the category of emo/screamo, he adds: 'Although I don't really like the term screamo, I know people like to be able to define music categories. 'We regard our sound more in terms of motion and stillness - assembled by both intensity and quiet. That is what is important to us. But our inspiration comes from emo and hardcore bands from the US and Europe. Bands like Texas Is the Reasons, Starmarket, Mineral, Gloria Record, Mock Orange and many more.' Nature Living have released five albums, one split LP and have been featured in numerous compilations. 'We have a strong message throughout all our music,' says Shimizu. 'But with most of the songs, the messages are very personal to me. We just want as many people to listen to our music and make up their own minds about the meanings.' Shimizu says punters can expect to see plenty of passion when they take to the stage in Hong Kong. 'We will play an emotional performance, that's for sure.' The band will be releasing an album of cover songs in March, followed by a split album with fellow countrymen Water Weed in April. 1 Trademart Drive Kowloon Bay, HK$140 Tom Lee. Inquiries: 9125 5939