bodyType

customContents

entityId

printArticlePageQuery

filter

article

body

urlAlias

articleSectionsContent

articleSeoArticle

articleSourceHeaderArticle

contentSchemaRenderContent

contentSubHeadlineContent

contentHeadlineContent

mainImagePrintArticleArticle

authorBlockPrintArticleArticle

contentSponsorTagContent

articlePianoPaywallContent

scmpYoutubeContent

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

query printArticlePageQuery(
  $entityId: String!
  $customContents: [CustomContentInput]
  $bodyType: BodyFormatTypeEnum
) {
  article(filter: {entityId: $entityId}) {
    entityId
    body(customContents: $customContents, type: $bodyType) {
      json
    }
    urlAlias
    ...articleSectionsContent
    ...articleSeoArticle_3o8td4
    ...articleSourceHeaderArticle
    ...contentSchemaRenderContent
    ...contentSubHeadlineContent
    ...contentHeadlineContent
    ...mainImagePrintArticleArticle
    ...authorBlockPrintArticleArticle
    ...contentSponsorTagContent
    ...articlePianoPaywallContent
    ...scmpYoutubeContent
    ...hooksTrackPageViewArticle
    id
  }
}

fragment articlePianoPaywallContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksPaywallPromiseContent
}

fragment articleSectionsContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  sections {
    value {
      ...helpersCheckIfNewsSectionInFirstIndexSection
      ...entityLink
      name
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment articleSeoArticle_3o8td4 on Article {
  ...hooksArticleSeoArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersGetArticleTypeArticle
  entityId
  publishedDate
  updatedDate
  summary {
    text
  }
  subHeadline {
    text
  }
  body(customContents: $customContents, type: $bodyType) {
    text
  }
  keywords
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  topics {
    name
    entityId
    id
  }
  urlAlias
  authors {
    name
    id
  }
  images {
    style(filter: {style: "768x768"}) {
      url
    }
  }
  readingTime
}

fragment articleSourceHeaderArticle on Article {
  urlAlias
  ...entityLink
}

fragment authorBlockPrintArticleArticle on Article {
  ...defaultArticleDateContent
  ...authorNamesArticle
}

fragment authorNameAuthor on Author {
  ...entityLink
  name
  entityUuid
}

fragment authorNamesArticle on Article {
  authorLocations
  authors {
    entityId
    location
    ...authorNameAuthor
    id
  }
}

fragment blockquoteQuoteContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...contentShareWidgetContent
}

fragment checkersCheckContentContainsStarlingImageContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment contentHeadlineContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  headline
  socialHeadline
  ...contentHeadlineTagContent
  ...helpersUseContentSponsorContent
}

fragment contentHeadlineTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksContentHeadlineTagContent
}

fragment contentNewsletterWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    relatedNewsletters {
      ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
      id
    }
    id
  }
  sections {
    value {
      relatedNewsletters {
        ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
        id
      }
      id
    }
  }
  ... on Article {
    relatedNewsletters {
      ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment contentSchemaRenderContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...blockquoteQuoteContent
  ...hooksInlinePlusWidgetContent
  ...imageContent
  ...inlineWidgetContent
  ...photoGalleryWidgetContent
  ...scmpYoutubeContent
}

fragment contentShareWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  urlAlias
  shortUrl
  socialHeadline
  headline
}

fragment contentSponsorTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...helpersUseContentSponsorContent
}

fragment contentSubHeadlineContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  subHeadline {
    json
  }
  summary {
    json
  }
  ...contentSchemaRenderContent
}

fragment defaultArticleDateContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksArticleDateUtilsContent
}

fragment entityLink on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  __typename
  entityId
  entityUuid
  urlAlias
  urlRedirect {
    toUrl
    id
  }
  application {
    entityId
    id
  }
  ... on Section {
    fullSectionPath {
      entityId
      id
    }
    parentSection
  }
  ...helpersAppBarVariantBase
  ...helpersApplicationBase
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusArticle
  ...helpersStyleSectionContent
}

fragment helpersAppBarVariantBase on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  ...helpersCheckIsLiveArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  ...helpersSectionContent
  ...helpersStyleSectionContent
}

fragment helpersApplicationBase on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusPage
}

fragment helpersCheckIfNewsSectionInFirstIndexSection on Section {
  name
}

fragment helpersCheckIsAmpEnabledArticle on Article {
  entityId
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  disableOffPlatformContent
  sponsorType
  published
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
}

fragment helpersCheckIsLiveArticle on Article {
  flattenTypeIds
  liveArticle {
    status
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsMainTopicContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPlusArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ... on Article {
    paywallTypes {
      entityUuid
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPlusPage on Page {
  urlAlias
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle on Article {
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle on Article {
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostiesPage on Page {
  urlAlias
}

fragment helpersCheckIsStyleArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersGetArticleTypeArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ... on Article {
    types {
      value {
        entityId
        id
      }
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter on Newsletter {
  entityId
  name
  alternativeName
  description {
    text
  }
  summary {
    text
  }
  homepageDescription {
    text
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizeArticleTypeEntityIdsArticle on Article {
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizeAuthorTypesArticle on Article {
  authors {
    types
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizedAuthorEntityIdsArticle on Article {
  authors {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersSectionContent on Section {
  fullSectionPath {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersStyleSectionContent on Section {
  fullSectionPath {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersUseContentSponsorContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    sponsor {
      ...sponsorTagSponsor
      name
      type
      id
    }
    id
  }
  ... on Article {
    sponsorType
  }
  ...helpersCheckIsMainTopicContent
}

fragment hooksArticleDateUtilsContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  createdDate
  publishedDate
  updatedDate
}

fragment hooksArticleSeoArticle on Article {
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  ...hooksContentHeadlineTagContent
  ...helpersCheckIsAmpEnabledArticle
  entityId
  headline
  socialHeadline
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  authors {
    entityId
    id
  }
  images {
    generic_og: style(filter: {style: "og_image_scmp_generic"}) {
      url
    }
    styles(filter: {styles: ["og_image_posties_article", "og_postmag", "og_image_style", "og_image_scmp_analysis", "og_image_scmp_explainer", "og_image_scmp_editorial", "og_image_scmp_fact_check", "og_image_scmp_debate", "og_image_scmp_live", "og_image_scmp_obituary", "og_image_scmp_opinion", "og_image_scmp_review", "og_image_scmp_series", "og_image_scmp_generic"]}) {
      url
      style
    }
    type
  }
  urlAlias
}

fragment hooksContentHeadlineTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  __typename
  ... on Article {
    types {
      value {
        name
        entityId
        description {
          text
        }
        id
      }
    }
    ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  }
  flag
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  ...hooksContentHelperContent
}

fragment hooksContentHelperContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...helpersSanitizeArticleTypeEntityIdsArticle
  ...helpersSanitizeAuthorTypesArticle
  ...helpersSanitizedAuthorEntityIdsArticle
  flag
}

fragment hooksInlinePlusWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment hooksPaywallPromiseContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
}

fragment hooksTrackPageViewArticle on Article {
  entityId
  publishedDate
  headline
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  urlAlias
  authors {
    name
    id
  }
  entityUuid
}

fragment imageContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  headline
  ...checkersCheckContentContainsStarlingImageContent
}

fragment inlineWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...contentNewsletterWidgetContent
}

fragment mainImagePrintArticleArticle on Article {
  images {
    title
    url
    isSlideshow
    size_652x446: style(filter: {style: "652x446"}) {
      url
    }
  }
}

fragment photoGalleryDialogContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  __typename
  ...contentShareWidgetContent
}

fragment photoGalleryWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...photoGalleryDialogContent
}

fragment scmpYoutubeContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  urlAlias
  publishedDate
}

fragment sponsorTagSponsor on Sponsor {
  name
  type
  images {
    url
  }
}


sections

types

disableOffPlatformContent

sponsorType

published

headline

socialHeadline

authors

images

publishedDate

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

keywords

topics

readingTime

authorLocations

entityUuid

Justin Sweeting

WHILE THE PROS and cons of trying to lure international rock acts to Hong Kong are still being debated, one local event is keeping  faith with home-grown talent by providing a showcase for the best live music the city has to offer.

The names behind Rock On - an independent music showcase that's now in its eighth year - are  Irene Sit,  the founder of Puffin Music Management,  her sister, Yvonne Siet,  and indie music guru Wong Chi-chung.

Rock On, which has grown to become a three-day event, has its roots in the 1997 handover and Hong Kong's uncertain  future, and was never expected to be more than a one-off affair.

'Because of the handover, I thought there might never be another chance to have a rock concert here,' says Sit. 'I thought we'd better try do one while we still can. I worked with a lot of bands and talented musicians, and wanted to give them a chance to play.

'Technically, the local bands can stand up against international ones,' she says. 'They just needed an opportunity. The following year, I got a call to do  another one and lots more bands wanted to play.'

At the time, Siet and Wong were involved in a new band competition, and the three decided to pool their talents and resources and concentrate on the Rock On event.  More than 170 bands have graced the Rock On stage since the first 1997 concert.  This year, 22 acts (including some from Japan) will take part.

'I don't know how we've made it to here, but we have,' says  Sit of the event's evolution.  It features  mostly alternative, underground acts, but the final evening is  billed as a crossover night - allowing  established pop acts the chance to display their  talent on stage.

'We knew of several people in the pop arena who wanted a chance to be able to play live shows,'  Sit says.

Rock On is 'truly a labour of love, from the organisers to the bands to the sponsors', says Wong,  who for years  has  championed the indie-rock scene in Hong Kong through his  radio programmes, in print  and with live  shows.  As well as organising the event,  he will  act as compere.

'There's a real culture of self-sustainability here,' says Wong. 'A sub-culture  of people who release their own records, put on their own shows and have their own websites.  It's a phenomenon.  The print media is usually supportive, although the electronic media seems generally to ignore it.'

Without high-profile promotions  and major corporate   sponsorship, the event is funded  by ticket sales.

'We can't think in terms of how much money we'll make, because it just won't happen,' Siet says. 'Cash sponsors are impossible to get because we aren't the mainstream. We just keep this going because we know it's something good.'

None of the performing bands will be paid - which  the three say holds back the development of  the local live music  scene.

'I always say that you can do anything if you put all your passion into it,' says  Sit. 'Unfortunately, I don't know how long these bands can do that before money issues make it harder and harder to dedicate themselves totally to it. Most of these musicians will need to have day jobs.'

More resources and money should be made available,  Siet says.  'Plus more respect,' she says.

Wong says: 'These bands really work very hard and usually have to pay their own fares to play.  It's really very touching.'

Lack of respect is seen as a problem on several levels. 'We always used to put on our show at Ko Shan Theatre,' says  Sit. 'This year, we couldn't get it because our booking was bumped out by Chinese opera. Generally, there's no help at all from the government, who always support the same arts. That's not healthy.'

Siet says there's the popular stereotype that all band people are on drugs.  'The image isn't good,' she says. 'The reality is that these people are busy practising in band rooms. They aren't the ones going out and causing trouble.'

Rock On's new home is the Hong Kong Arts Centre in Wan Chai, an organisation Wong describes as 'very liberal'. 'The people there do love music and will do what they can to help,' says Siet.

The organisers say they hope  the event will attract a full house of 500 each night. Wong says the demographic of the audiences can be quite varied. 'First, there's a curious young crowd,' he says. 'People in their teens, wanting to try out the band scene and see what it's like. Then there are the veterans and music lovers. They have been to the event before and also want to support us. Finally, there is the music family. From the bands, the spirit spreads throughout to their families and friends, creating a great atmosphere.'

For the musicians, the opportunity of being involved appears to be reward enough. 'They want to be part of history in the making,' Siet says. 'If you get to be part of Rock On, then you know you're a good band.'

The event has begun a tradition of quality local acts, many of which have gone on to greater success.  'We are fortunate that we have the support of high-profile stars,' says Siet. 'Sai Wing - the Beyond drummer - has played with us for three years now. Jun Kung performed before he became famous. Also, before LMF were LMF, they played here.

'Every year, half the bands who play are veteran bands, and the other half are new ones. Sometimes, people refer bands to me, although I go to a lot of  shows to see which new bands are coming up, as well as how the older ones are developing.

'Bands are vital to any successful music scene,' she says. 'In the best music industries in the world, if you look at the best producers or engineers or whatever, almost all have a band background. I also believe that being in a band is good training for getting along with people, in general.'

The three organisers remain bullish about the future. 'We want to keep going and attract more people,' says Siet. 'Along with real cash sponsors.'

Wong says: 'The challenge  is to find a way to coexist with the karaoke and football bars, which have taken over many of the old venues.'   Sit says things are improving, though. 'The internet has opened everything up, giving people access to huge song databases,' she says. 'Events like the Rockit Festival, which bring great international bands here, are so important, as well. We have to keep this culture of live music going.

'We'll continue to cultivate the local scene: make sure we start from basics. The bands here are willing to work very hard, they just need a chance.'

Rock On 2004, Fri-Sun, 7.30pm- 10.30pm, Shouson Theatre, HK Arts  Centre, Wan Chai, $99  from Tom Lee Music outlets and HK Ticketing. Details, visit www.chichungschoice.com



Indie beginning