Music Matters LIVE

Tomorrow, Sat, various times and venues

For the past five years, movers and shakers from the Asian music business have assembled in Hong Kong every summer for the Music Matters conference, where they discuss issues such as innovation, collaboration and transparency within the industry.

Representatives of more than 300 companies are now meeting at the Grand Hyatt in Wan Chai for the annual session, where Music Matters president Jasper Donat says participants are focusing on getting 'more music for more people delivered legally in more ways - digitally, live or otherwise - and with artists and all stakeholders getting a fair share of an increasing pie'.

The three-day forum winds up tomorrow with a performance by Grammy-winning singer Jason Mraz, but those unable to get on the guestlist can still get a taste of the action at Music Matters LIVE - two nights of shows at venues in Lan Kwai Fong by 36 local and international bands.

Apart from some of Hong Kong's best up-and-coming talent, bands are flying in from Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and as far afield as Canada and Australia - and best of all, the shows won't cost you a cent to attend.

Highlights of the festival would have to be the One Movement for Music Australia Showcase at the Beer Bar from 8pm tomorrow, the Canadian Blast gig at The Cavern from 9pm on Saturday - where hotly tipped R&B singer Jully Black (above) will be performing - and the strong lineup of local bands including Ignite the Hope and Shotgun Politics playing at di LUX Ristoranti & Bar from 9pm on Saturday.