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Forget Cantopop. Despite it's continued popularity, there's a new local movement growing in its shadow. Spurred by overseas exposure, local record stores and inner creativity, dozens of quality acts are making noise at whatever venue they can find. And they’re doing it without the major record companies. Either that or they've given up on them.
By no means a definitive list, we spotlight 12 emerging local acts who may or may not hit the big time. But for most of them that doesn't seem to be the point. It's more about the writing and recording of original music. In a city where musical mannequins rule, they deserve your attention. They certainly have ours.
ALOK
Lineup: Alok, 32 years old
For fans of: The Verve
History: Formerly of Slow Tech Ridden, Alok has now released three solo albums, the latest being "29 Minutes From The End."
Style: Psychedelic shoe-gazing, combining elements of indie dance, noise and film soundtracks.
Influences: “I used to listen to romantic pop until I heard the Stone Roses, who are my all-time favorite band.”
On the local music scene: "Today's mainstream is too commercial and focuses mainly on packaging. But there seems to be a revival of singer-
songwriters such as Chet Lam, At17 and Pancakes."
Philosophy: "I make music for myself and not society. The amazing thing is that listeners can create their own new world from a song."
Currently: Preparing for a fourth album, which focuses on shorter, faster-paced punk songs.
DEAR JANE
Lineup: Tim, 24, vocals; Howie, 27, bass; Adam, 28, guitar; Jackal, 25, drums.
For fans of: Greenday
History: After coming back from North America, the band solidified their lineupin 2004.
Style: Playful, energetic and humorous.
Influences: American punk pop-rock, such as Greenday and Blink 182
On the local music scene:"There's an art in appreciating Cantopop. In fact, it's quite difficult to make it good because you have to follow a formula, but make it different. As long as the music makes you notice it, it's done its job. As for the indie scene, it seems that bands are only defined strictly by some extreme genre, say, psychedelic, Brit-rock or hardcore. We wish there could be more 'normal' rock bands."
Philosophy: "Stick to what you believe in."
Currently: Working on their debut album, due out before the end of the year. Playing at Edge on July 1 and 8.
ELF FATIMA
Lineup: Elf, 27, vocals and additional guitar; Eddie, 28, guitars; Voodoobee, 26, bass; Dave, 28, drums.
For fans of: Mono and Mogwai
History: They've been together since 1997, when Eddie, Voodoobee and Dave disbanded their goth-metal band.
Style: Emotional, loud and noisy.
Influences: Post-rock instrumental music and shoegazers, as well as psychedelic bands from the 1960s and 70s.
On the local music scene:"We used to think it's possible for mainstream and independent music to blend, but lately we just think it's impossible, especially here. It seems the mainstream industry would rather focus on compilations and the packaging of an artist. The indie scene is quite exciting at the moment as more bands are releasing CDs, yet there are not enough good venues for good shows."
Philosophy: "We have a total devotion to music but can't survive on that. We all have our own jobs and meet every Saturday at a studio in Kwun Tong to make music."
Currently: Planning a new album. They hope to explore more and might have a change of style by adding cello and violins.
FALSE ALARM
Lineup: Ahling (Tsang Hing-ling), 28, vocals, guitars; Billy (Wong Chi-ho), 27, vocals, guitars; Fox (Tam Wing-yip), 27, bass; Kenny (Ng Kwok-wai), 29, drums; Lai (Lau Cheuk-lai), 27, vocals, guitars.
For fans of: The Stone Roses and Sonic Youth
History: "The fear of leaving university" led them to start the group.
Style: "Uncontrolled alarm. The sound of shock and touch."
Influences: F4; Grasshopper; Wind, Fire & Sea; Leopard's Kids; Little Tigers' Team and other local boy bands.
On the local music scene: "Mainstream is the main trunk of a tree, while 'independent' is the branch. Sometimes the branches wither and fall because the tree doesn't have enough nutrients and water."
Currently: Their second album, "The Time Is Coming" will be released this month. They'll also be playing at the Ngau Chi Wan Civic Center on July 1 and 2.
KING LY CHEE
Lineup: Riz, 28, guitar/vocals; Alex, 24, vocals; Andy, 27, guitar; Pong, 26, bass; Ming, 24, drums.
For fans of: Still Remains and The Red Chord
History: "We started in 1999, right in the heyday of the worst type of heavy music ever created: 'nu-metal.' We started this band to give kids a type of music that was about something deeper."
Style: "Hardcore that fuses metal, punk rock, melody, screaming, passion, heart and a love for everything Hong Kong. We scream for change and bring awareness to the underprivileged.
Influences: Still Remains; The Red Chord; Misery Signals; Norma Jean; It Dies Today; Love Is Red; Comeback Kid; lots of Hong Kong bands; and the Black Eyed Peas.
On the local music scene: "The mainstream music industry is a factory that produces hordes of soulless products that are not even written or arranged by the artist themselves. The last time any of these labels ever took an interest in anything decent was with LMF. That's because they knew how it all worked and were able to take full advantage of the situation. The indie music scene is where the true passionate Hong Kong musicians come together and try to create something out of absolutely nothing."
Philosophy: "Hong Kong is our home. It's easy to sit back and bitch and moan about how much this sucks or that sucks, but at the end of the day you don't live unless you put yourself out there and try to make a difference."
Currently: Playing as a special guest at World Battle Of The Bands on July 14 at Edge before touring in Korea at the end of July. They hope to record a new album, which would be their third in addition to their DVD.
MY LITTLE AIRPORT
Lineup: P, 24, guitars, Casio, programming; Nicole, 24, vocals.
For fans of: Stereolab.
History: "We wrote little funny songs for people around us. We thought the idea was interesting so we kept on writing new songs. After several recordings named after schoolmates' names, we finally put them on an album."
Style: "We use cheap, vintage Casio keyboards and programming with punk guitar and female vocals, creating sweet, soft yet violent tunes."
Favourite Albums: Zhang Chu's "Lonely People Are Shameful"; AMK; Peter Stuart; The Radio Dept.; The Libertines; The Strokes; The Yeah Yeah Yeahs; The Concretes; Tindersticks; Mum.
On the local music scene:"The mainstream is mature but boring. Independent music if funnier but not mature. Cantopop is very developed, but it's formulaic. But indie music isn't better than that because it's just a copy of Western music. Indie music has a lot of potential if it got financial support from the big record companies."
Philosophy: "It's the communication between hearts that is essential in boosting everyday power. And never repeat ideas."
Currently: Working on their second album about the "feelings of little people. There will be more post-punk elements (a la The Libertines) and we hope to release it this summer."
OLIVER
Lineup: Oliver Ching, 23, singer and composer.
For fans of: Beck
History: He started playing music with Little Beautiful Brand. After they broke up, Ching went solo and released two albums.
Style: "Electric rock combining elements of guitar pop, British rock, progressive rock, goth, post-punk, electronica and psychedelia."
Influences: Nirvana; Dou Wei; Radiohead; The Smashing Pumpkins; Primal Scream; Garbage; Beck; Suede; Marilyn Manson.
On the local music scene:"Given the high costs of 'producing' a pop song, many mainstream music companies are more interested in indie songwriters/singers/bands, as they can produce music by themselves. The boundary between the indie and the pop scene is blurring now."
Philosophy: "To feel, to enjoy, to play, to live."
Currently: A Taiwanese tour at the end of July before recording his third album (and his first Chinese album). All this while studying for a master's degree at City University.
QIU HONG
Lineup: Jan, 28, vocals; Lun, 27, guitar; Hala, 21, guitar; Hippo, 23, bass; Hin, 29, guitar.
For fans of: Soulfly and Glassjaw
History: All members played in different bands before coming together in May 2002.
Style: Heavy and emotional, with frequent tempo changes. "We hope you feel your heart beat at the same pace as us, and hope our melodies can touch you."
Influences: Anodize and Beyond, but they claim their music isn't similar to any other act.
On the local music scene: "These days, it's good to see that the mainstream has more singer-songwriters, but people still concentrate too much on the image and look rather than the music itself. We hope there will be more of a demand for indie music in the future."
Philosophy: "Go do it! Have 'no limitation' as your limitation."
Currently: Competing in the World Battle Of The Bands and recording their debut album, tentatively scheduled for release later this year.
WILSON TSANG
Lineup: Wilson Tsang, 37, vocals, instruments, recording and mixing.
For fans of: Tom Waits
History: Started making music in 2002. Debut album "Stuck In Traffic" was released in 2003.
Style: "Spontaneous, poetic, ambiguous, unharmononic, inward, free, dark, sad, nocturnal, scenic, colorful, emotional, indulgent, spacious, dreamy, impulsive, peaceful, sustaining, introspective, elusive, personal, brief, reflective, mobile, organic, chaotic, down-to-earth, casual, private, intimate, diversified, subconscious, narrative, conceptual, playful, expressive, circus-like, bitter sweet, serious, child-like, provocative, sensual, uncertain..."
Influences: Tom Waits, Jim Morrison, Lou Reed, Bjork, Jimi Hendrix, Billy Joel, The Box, Elton John, M. Ward, Shirley Kwan and John Lennon.
On the local music scene:"Hong Kong’s mainstream music is really a recycling industry of reusable ideas and gimmicks. On one hand it's getting more sophisticated in terms of technology, packaging and promotions, but on the other, it starts wearing thin on the charisma of the individual artists, both music-wise and personally. But the indie circle is a little trickier to describe as it often easily falls into rebelliousness. That might be part of its real function though..."
Philosophy: "A. Never say never. B. If you don't have anything nice to say, say it anyway... but say it real quick, and say it nicely. C. I feel therefore I am."
Currently: "Sleeping, eating, drinking , feeling and trying to be mobile in thoughts and action."
WHENCE HE CAME
Lineup: Joshua Wong, vocals, guitar, keyboards; Ephraim Bano, guitar, vocals; MC Tse, keyboards, effects, tambourine; Ben Tse, bass
For fans of: Mew, Kent or Muse
History: Released two albums since forming in 2000.
Style:"We find 'rock' to be the most convenient description of our music. It doesn't restrict us or box us into a specific style."
Influences: "We all write the songs together, and each one of us is inspired by different things... to say we're inspired by one thing would be so wrong. Other people have compared us to a lot of different bands over the years such as U2, The Smashing Pumkins and Coheed and Cambria. Our music's always changing."
On the local music scene:"Whenever something's in a young, exciting and blossoming period it's the most fun, and that's where we are in Hong Kong now. The scene isn't big enough for bands to get too callous or cocky. Many bands are still just excited to be playing and making music. Though it would be great if more venues and promoters were more supportive of local bands."
Philosophy: "Make the music you love, for the people you love."
Currently: They’ve said goodbye to drummer Stephane and bassist Ken and found replacements. Now they’re experimenting with a new sound and hope to record a third album early next year.
Beyond the Alternative
Our local scene isn't just dominated by guitar rockers and electronic noisemakers. A few artists are exploring decidedly different genres and sounds. While many of the groups in the local scene seem to be trying to follow in the footsteps of shoegazing heroes My Bloody Valentine or the Stone Roses, many others are finding inspiration on a different path.
TOMMY CHUNG AND THE ALL BLUES
Lineup: Tommy Chung, 45, guitar and vocals; Lee Yat-ding, 19, drums; Tsui Wing-wai, 19, bass.
For fans of: Muddy Waters with a modern touch
History: "Law was what I was trained to do but music is what I love in life. Packing in the legal practice was turning a new page in my life." Chung saw the two teenagers at his bar on 48th Street Chicago Blues and immediately spotted their potential. They have played together for a year now.
Style: Blues with a modern touch.
Favourite Albums: Muddy Waters' "Hard Again"; Johnny Winter; Elmore James; Robert Johnson; John Mayall's Bluesbreakers featuring Eric Clapton; early Fleetwood Mac.
On the local music scene: "The local music scene is dominated by Cantopop music to the exclusion of everything else. Young people are deprived of the chance of being exposed to different kinds of music. It is not up to one individual to change the music scene. There are business interests and vested interests in the music scene. As long as record companies and the media are unprepared to open up their minds, nothing can be done. It has been like that for the last 10 or 15 years and I believe it will be like that for next 50 years."
Philosophy: "Music is all about attitude. There is always a better player around, so the important thing is to share not to compete. Music is not a Holyfield and Tyson boxing match. Work hard, and practice, practice and practice."
Currently: About to tour Japan where he plans to do a live recording.
JENNY JENNY
Lineup: Jenny Tong, 34, keyboards, vocals, composing and arranging.
For fans of: Madredeus and Keren Ann
History: She was signed by a small local label in 1999 to produce local talent. Created background music for commercials in Hong Kong and China. Released debut album in 2002, followed by December's album "Love Is Blind."
Style:"A fusion of East and West, modern and traditional. I'm a free spirit who follows my heart to realize my dreams."
Influences: Chopin, George Winston, Morcheeba, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Philip Glass, Michael Nyman, Sting, Madredeus, Air, Uri Caine and Keren Ann.
On the local music scene:"I think we need music that is more international, interracial and culturally rich so people outside Hong Kong can also understand, appreciate and value our music."
Philosophy: "To feel and express. Follow your heart and be happy."
Currently: Hoping to publish her first book together with a remix of her latest release "Love is Blind" by the end of the year. Plans to play the Bohemian Lounge in July.
JOVES
Lineup: Jovelyn Fuego, 40, acoustic guitar, vocals, composing and arranging.
For fans of: John Mayer or Dave Matthews
History: "While teaching myself the guitar in August 2003, I heard songs in my head and obsessively tried to play them. Funnily enough, it worked and I started writing my own songs." Her first performance was at the Fringe Club Open Mic Night in 2004. Since then she has played in New York, Boston and at the Rockit Festival.
Style:"Acoustic, Jazz/bossa nova influences fused with contemporary rock/pop."
On the local music scene:"Why doesn't anyone here make an effort to write something from the heart that's real and honest, instead of a copy or translation of something else? We should add more venues that are happy to have any type of performer hone their craft and develop their abilities (especially if they're starting out)."
Philosophy: "Live with passion, love with soul, listen with heart.
It's never too late to do the heart thing."
Currently: Playing on Tuesday nights at 9pm at the V13 Vodka Bar (13 Old Bailey Street, Central). Plans to play at the Fringe soon, as well as finish an album.


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Magazines

Here's a primer on some of the acts contributing to a vibrant and creative independent music scene.


Sound of the Underground

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Here's a primer on some of the acts contributing to a vibrant and creative independent music scene.

ALOK

Here's a primer on some of the acts contributing to a vibrant and creative independent music scene.