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for top 40 cover bands. But as long as you have
realistic expectations, you’ll find a really nice little
community where everyone is very supportive of
each other. As far as venues go, the one I’d bring
up above all others is The Wanch as they give
almost all local bands a shot. It’s where we got
our start and to this day it’s our home base. If you
can get a bit of a bigger following happening, the
next big step up is Hidden Agenda, which is a total
DIY venue in an industrial building. It’s actually a
really badass place, but it’s always under threat of
being shut down by the cops.
ART - One of the high points is that I don’t really
see a division in terms of genre for the bands that
hang together. We’ve played shows with folk
singers, electronic acts, hardcore bands and we’re
all real good friends. It’s not something I really see
in other places. In my opinion it makes for better
shows.
MAGGIE - Hong Kong is a good city for live
music. Although the Hong Kong government
doesn’t bother much to promote local indie
music, individual parties here work hard to make
it happen.
If someone from the mainland was heading
over for a few days, what would be the best
way to spend time? What’s the best bet for a
live show?
STEVE - The Wanch always has a live band on,
and the people there are pretty chill. Can’t go
wrong with that. Otherwise, there’s a nice little
bar called Club 71 in Central where you can just
sit and have a beer. Personally, I recommend
finding a nice 7/11, and getting smashed with the
first person you meet.
MAGGIE - I would personally suggest the person
to pay a visit to Tai O in day time and Wan Chai
at night. Tai O is a pretty little place built on water
and people are super friendly there. It shows you
a good time in Hong Kong without inhaling too
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much exhaust gas and knocking people with your
elbows. When it comes to party, people always
recommend Lan Kwai Fong. But I personally hate
Lan Kwai Fong because of its fancy ass atmosphere
where rich and business people or kids hang out
with their fancy dress.
ART - If you can jump the great firewall there’s a
facebook group called Hong Kong Gig Guide, it’s
pretty comprehensive with the big and small live
gigs. And everyone who isn’t a total douchebag
never gets too big for The Wanch.
Who are some of your favourite bands in HK?
STEVE - I love the Sea Monsters. They don’t play
very often but they’re worth seeing, if only once.
Logo is also a big favorite. Those guys have a style
all of their own, and some quality songwriting.
Otherwise, The Bollands are one band guaranteed
to put a smile on your face and a big local favorite.
MAGGIE - My favourite Hong Kong bands are
Dadababa, Hard Candy and Logo. Logo’s nonstop paradise is my favourite song.
ART - I really like Cleen. They’re actually a downtempo electronic group. Very eclectic stuff,
mind-blowing live show with some killer visual
projections. They rarely ever play. I’d say keep an
eye on PONYBOY as well. They’re sweethearts,
shred like beasts and they’re just happy to play
their tunes. They’ll have just as much fun at a
party or at their practice space as they will a bigger
show.
•
Say Mosquito and Tigerbombers play at
Harley’s Bar (B1,265 Nandan Dong Lu nr
Caoxi Bei Lu) as part of Rat On Swamp Dog
on November 23 alongside Dead Farmers and
Round Eye. 9pm, 50 RMB)
The Wanch: 54 Jaffe Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Hidden Agenda: 2A Winful Industrial Bldg, 1517 Tai Yip St, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
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