Music & Nightlife
Your guide to the best nightclubs, live music and concerts in Hong Kong
The best gigs in July
K-pop, classical guitar, indie folk and a hefty dose of homegrown and international hip-hop – we're off to a strong start this summer when it comes to low-key and big-ticket acts. There's plenty going on but here are some of our picks for live shows you can't miss this month. RECOMMENDED: Looking to start your own band, why not check out the best studios and practice rooms in Hong Kong?
The best albums by Hong Kong bands of 2018 so far
Ska, rock, indie, rap and pop – despite what many say, it's a great time for music in Hong Kong with a bevvy of genres being represented in quality new releases from bands based in the city. With that in mind, here's our pick for the best LPs that have been released so far this year.
The best songs by Hong Kong bands of 2018 so far
Anyone that says our city's limited with its home-grown music (outside of Cantopop) is in for a pleasant surprise. This list of our favourites runs the gamut from pop and indie to metal and folk. It's been a great year so far for new music and we're proud to share with you some of our highlights. If this has whet your appetite for some live music in Hong Kong, why not check the best gigs on this month?
Hong Kong’s best practice rooms and studios
Suburban America this ain’t. It’s all good and well when Dave Grohl says the best way to get your band going is to take over your mum’s garage and be all DIY, but the harsh reality of Hong Kong is that having sufficient space, and understanding neighbours, is often the stuff of pipedreams in our crowded little city.So, what to do? You and your crew are willing, talented and love playing but don’t have anywhere to practice. Well, worry not. Hong Kong actually has a plethora of spots that cater to most budgets that’ll let you practice, play and even record to your heart’s content. Get out there and make it happen! Need some insipiration? Then check out the best music venues in Hong Kong and our city's best record shops.
Where to buy musical instruments in Hong Kong
Whether you’re looking to start your first garage band (not that many of us can actually afford a garage in Hong Kong…) or you’re a classical musician seeking something a little closer to a Stradivarius, Hong Kong has a huge selection of instrument shops. Here’s our pick of some of the best.If you need some inspiration for your next song, check out our guide to Hong Kong’s best regular live music nights. And in case you’re looking for somewhere to practice, see our guide to the city’s best practice rooms and studios.
Upcoming live music events
Sounds Great! Classical Music in Movies
Under the guiding hand of conductor Jason Lai, hear the Hong Kong Sinfonietta perform stunningly vivid renditions of iconic music like Richard Strauss’s Also Sprach Zarathustra, which entered popular consciousness via 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries, prominent in Apocalypse Now. And of course, music from Star Wars, because it would be weird if it wasn’t there.
Bob Dylan and his Band
Titan, hero, legend – choose your superlative – folk champion Bob Dylan is set to return to Hong Kong for the first time in seven years when he plays the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday August 4.Dylan – who in 2016 won the Nobel Prize in Literature, a first for a musician – is showing no signs of stepping away from the stage despite turning 77 later this month. Expect many all-time classics on the night – personally, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for some lesser-known gems like Tomorrow is a Long Time and Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.
Chochukmo: Reflection
Chochukmo is collaborating with the Sinfonietta in a newly curated, cross-disciplinary performance piece called Reflection. The three-night affair promises an eccentrically engaging amalgamation of the band’s indie sensibilities with the levity of the orchestra’s string and brass sections.
The Killers
The Killers – and their magnetic frontman, Brandon Flowers – have managed to remain in the public consciousness since their 2004 legendary album, Hot Fuss. Their latest album, Wonderful Wonderful – released last September – has received rave reviews and continued the band’s streak of having every single one of their five studios albums topping the Billboard Top 200 chart. As such, expect a robust selection of tunes past and present when they come to AsiaWorld-Expo this September 18. Tickets go on sale May 25 at 10am from hkticketing.com.
Club nights and DJ gigs
The best clubbing events in June
June is an exciting month for dance music lovers with a shed load of events happening if you fancy turning your night up a notch. In case you’re looking to grab some pre-drinks before moving on to the club, then take your pick from our selection of Hong Kong’s 50 best bars or rooftop bars accompanied by great views. Still got some gaps in your calendar? Then check out the best things to do in Hong Kong this month.
The best clubs in Lan Kwai Fong
Oh Lan Kwai Fong – harbinger of revellry and regret, how we love you. While Hong Kong's night out offerings goes far beyond LKF with amazing specialist bars, karaoke and darts bars all readily available, LKF will always be ground zero for having a big night out in the city. And no loose evening is complete without hitting the dance floor and there's plenty of choice if it's a nightclub you're looking for. So without further ado, here are the best clubs in Lan Kwai Fong.
How to be a DJ in Hong Kong
It seems that everyone these days with a laptop is going around giving it the big 'un saying they're a DJ. Nonsesne. Without adhering to our completely accurate/helpful/essential guide – which you can view in all its glory here – you can't really say you're anything but a fraud.
Where to buy DJ gear in Hong Kong
There’s no shortage of places in Hong Kong selling what you need if you want to take up the guitar or violin, but who’s catering to the wannabe superstar DJs out there? Don’t worry, you haven’t been forgotten. Whether you have merely a cursory interest or you’re a fully-fledged pro, there’s somewhere on this list with the equipment for you. And, once you’ve got yourself set up, why don’t you commit some of your creations to disc? Check out our guide to Hong Kong’s best recording studios.
The best classical concerts in Hong Kong
Sounds Great! Classical Music in Movies
Some of the most iconic classical pieces from the world of cinema, brought to life
