Forget mediocre, anonymous house music. A rash of “boutique” parties is putting great music, from drum’n’bass to desi, back on the decks at Hong Kong clubs.
“More pioneers than you’d think.” - Dan F, ageless producer, DJ and bar owner
“Excuse me? Where is Sugar?” - Ali, 26, musician and web designer
“Yumla’s got the market cornered with regard to music policy. It’s hard to rate clubs in Hong Kong because there are so few that have good music policies, good sound systems, and are open to the general public. It would be nice to see more acts come through Edge. That’s a great venue that could well be a proper club, on par with European clubs.” - Magnetic Soul crew consensus
“Yumla nights and Clockenflap prove that consistent nights put on locally are infinitely preferable to crappy, hyped-up, over-priced international-DJ evenings of sweat, misery and disappointment.” – Hayley, 28, teacher
“It’s shit. Good music is hard to find. Clockenflap is a great night; otherwise most places play the same terrible stuff. Too easy-listening. People must be educated!” - Eddie, 24, sound and movie production
“There are a lot of different levels to it. Kee Club’s at the top – it’s unique with its music policy and vintage feel.” - Alex, 28, bartender