Upclose with Pixeltoy

HK: What makes PixelToy unique?
Candy: It’s hard to explain. I think what really sets us apart is how we work—it’s just Ho San and I. For example, we each write our own songs and then come together when we’re finished to combine the lyrics. The sound itself is also different, seeing as we can’t really do the whole guitar-bass-drums-singer thing.

HK: Why the name “PixelToy”?
C: There was a competition for local youth bands, and we had to think of a name right on the spot. We both liked the word “pixel” a lot, and it had to do with our creative media majors at university. But we couldn’t stop there, since I have a weird thing about bands with just one word as a name—it’s got to be two. So “toy” came in.

HK: Would you call yourselves a strictly electronica band?
C: I think it’s important to be open-minded when it comes to music. We’re playful and we like to have fun with what we’re doing. That’s the essence of what we’re trying to capture.

HK: You guys recently had a lot of success on your Asian Mini Tour. Which was your favorite city to perform in?
C: I can’t possibly pick just one. I loved all the cities; they were all awesome in their own way. But I have to say performing here in Hong Kong, where it all started, felt amazing. The interaction with the audience, the energy of it all, it just felt like home. Passion really adds a lot to a show. That said, Shanghai and Beijing were great as well.

HK: Anything we can look forward to at your HK Live! gig?
C: We’ll be trying out some new covers, and we’ll even be dragging along a few friends to form an actual band. No synthesizers, just instruments, which is very different compared to our usual gigs.