Music & Nightlife in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s music scene has grown steadily stronger in recent years, not just in terms of the talent, but also the promoters and platforms dedicated to bringing these acts to those who will listen. While high rent and stringent regulations still make it difficult for the local indie circuit to be as big as, say, New York or London, there is an increasing number of live music venues that are giving a voice to the city’s finest performers. Whether it’s a classy cocktail bar like Foxglove that touts world-class jazz, a casual live house like Lost Stars that champions up-and-coming indie acts, or even boisterous bars like The Wanch and Ned Kelly’s that do classic rock and cheap beers, here are some of the best spots in town to catch a great live music show. RECOMMENDED: From the biggest stars to the coolest indie acts, check out our list of the best concerts and gigs that are happening in Hong Kong.

Forefront producer and beat-maker Mndsgn has, for the last ten years, blended “dirty soul vibes”, hip-hop and electric funk. Born Ringgo Ancheta in San Diego to Filipino parents, he came from a culture of b-boying and black churches, and the influence of gospel and funk music translated to beat-making in his early high school years. In 2014, he released Yawn Zen, his debut with California-based indie record label, Stones Throw Records, which he up with electric funk trip Body Wash (2016) and the beat tape Snax (2018). Now based in LA and embarking on an Asia tour, Mndsgn sits down with us ahead of his show at Eaton Hong Kong to talk about the idea of home and the importance of creative expression. How did your upbringing shape your art?I’ve always felt out of place, especially ever since relocating to the southern region of New Jersey at a young age. The demographic was predominantly white and most of my peers were upper-middle class. Even all of my brown friends lived in nice, big houses while I grew up living in small apartments. I did a good job of internalising the alienation, of not being able to relate to the wealth class of my peers. In doing so, I allowed myself to get lost in various forms of self-expression via drawing, dancing and music. Having a creative outlet allows you to tap into a home. What is hip-hop to you, and how does a culture express itself with it?It’s power to the people, utilising resources to rebuild and reinvent. It’s deconstructing what was giv

Your average Hong Kong hip-hop song typically features three common traits: there’s rapping; the rapper is based or born in Hong Kong; and the song likely tackles socio-political issues. But while these traits are certainly helpful in differentiating a Hong Kong hip-hop song from a Cantopop track, are they all that define the genre? After all, although different in style and sometimes subject matter, songs from, say Kwokkin’s HK Estate of Mind and MastaMic’s Jungle both convey, in some form, what it’s like to live in Hong Kong through the filters of hip-hop. Want to know the various styles and artists that comprise modern Hong Kong hip-hop? Read on... By Michael Cheuk

Hong Kong has an incredible music scene. Whether it’s laid-back indie or head-banging metal, an increasing number of local acts are making their voices heard. If you want to listen to these homegrown talents, one of the best ways to do so is at The Week, the longest genre-spanning music fest in the city. Kicking off on March 3, this year’s event sees seven themed nights spread across seven venues across the city. You’ll get to hear everything from Sai Kung-based blues and folk rockers The Pineapple Jam to alt-rock heroes Nowhere Boys and Black Coffee. Special mention also goes out to the hip-hop showcase, featuring stalwarts such as 24Herbs as well as up-and-comers. As a primer for what’s to come, The Week’s co-founder Paul Sedille takes us through some of his favourite tracks performed by this year’s featured artists. RECOMMENDED: Come and support local artists throughout the year at the best live music venues in town. And don’t miss any of your favourite international acts with all the upcoming gigs and concerts in Hong Kong.