Hong Kong's Indie Music Scene

Big or small? Vibrant or stagnant? Sweet-sounding or unpleasant to the ear? For years, Hong Kong’s indie music scene not only has been both the stage and playground for aspiring local musicians and music lovers, but it has also attracted criticism and sparked endless discussions about its standards, diversity and sustainability. As the annual Clockenflap music festival rolls into town, we talk to industry insiders about their career paths as well as the flaws and prospects of our city’s indie scene, and take a peek into three new band venues.

More from this week's cover story

Book ‘Em
Promoters and event organizers talk about their side of the scene.

We Got It Covered
Leanne Mirandilla meets the professional cover bands dutifully keeping the revelers on the dance floor.

We Jammin’
Lisa Cam scours the city for some awesome recording studios and rehearsal rooms.

Homegrown Hellraisers

Who says there’s no talent here on our fair shores? These indie bands of all stripes and sizes tell us what it’s like to be playing on the local circuit.

Noughts and Exes

Folk band Noughts and Exes has been a constant presence in Hong Kong’s indie music scene since its formation in 2007. The band has played everywhere, from smaller venues to big-name festivals such as Clockenflap and The People Party’s Tour.

The current lineup of Noughts and Exes was established in 2009 when we [Joshua and Gideon] began writing new material again as a guitar and keys tandem. It quickly grew beyond minimalist beginnings to a much fuller sound, involving Alex on drums and vocals, along with the two Winnies—known as “Wizza” and “Bago”—on bass and violin respectively. The writing process now is totally collaborative and we think our sound is quite unique given everyone’s varied influences, ranging from Debussy to Wu-Tang Clan—and then some.

[In terms of difficulties in the indie music scene], we know everyone’s trying their best and it’s getting better, but getting a good sound check and the right mix at venues can be difficult. We are a particularly difficult band to sound check since we have so many instruments—and it can be frustrating when we practice hard to get the sound we want, but half of the sound at a gig is out of your control and in the hands of the venue’s sound people. But it’s getting better, and we’ve learned to try and work with the same sound crew when possible and build a familiarity.