BeatingHeart is a music space located in and industrial building in Shek Tong Tsui. They serve the music community in Hong Kong by offering high quality rehearsal and audio facilities, and providing a cool space for live performance. It’s a perfect place to experience and support some of Hong Kong’s growing talent. HKXO7 took place here and shortly after, they held a free event where members of the famous Libertines gave HK some love.

It’s a great place with a great location (between Sheung Wan and Kennedy Town) to check out!
Find out what’s happening next at BeatingHeart.

On 12th Jan, Forgotten Dreams Carnival took place at the Kwun Tong Promenade. The carnival was another Feel Music Experimental Lab event by Wikitopia/Videoatge with the mission of connecting experimenting and exploring through music.

“we wish to widen Hong Kong’s music scene, build up unique music style and find new music directions/ideas.”

With a line up of local bands, along with a mini flea market, some visual installations, and face painting, this was one of those events that aimed to bring the diverse people of Hong Kong together to have fun and relax while witnessing homegrown talent on a hazy Saturday afternoon.

Something I’ve noticed about events in HK however, is that people aren’t willing to travel a little further than they normally would despite the fact that this city is so tiny! For the HK islanders, Kwun Tong is too far. Either that or many people intend to go (Facebook RSVP), but don’t show up because of last minute engagements. There’s always something getting in the way. Though this event felt a little disjointed and lacking in numbers, the organizers still did a great job in terms of the quality and the willingness to bring something personal and fun to the Hong Kong community.

But this still begs the question. What should we do to get more people out of their homes and into the city to experience the up and coming music HK has to offer? More promotional efforts to get people excited? Perhaps things like this just take time, but kudos to the organizers for building up momentum.

Tell us what you think!

HKXO has an awesome vision:
“HKXO is a crossover. In a city famed for its blend of west and east, there unfortunately remains a divide between two parallel music communities. Whilst, the musical landscape of HK has never looked as bright as it has coming into 2012; HKXO aims to further close the rapidly narrowing gap between musicians in the territory; exposing as many people to as much beautiful, local, independent and genuine music as possible along the way. 

1 show. 4 bands. 2 east, 2 west. Every month.”

Noticing the divide between western and local musicians in the city, HKXO wants to do what music does best, and bring people together. Leaving behind any notion of prejudice or unfamiliarity, HKXO creates a space and sets the stage for a fusion of the city’s diverse musicians and the creative live experiences they deliver.

I had the chance to go to HKXO 7 in late 2012, and I must say I was truly impressed by the talent! Not only does HKXO organize the shows, but they give you access to the bands’ music (usually available for free download), and help you discover talent you may not yet have known about. They also let musicians and music lovers know about opportunities (venues, recording studios, promoters etc.) in the area. It’s another great step forward in the development of Hong Kong’s independent music scene.

Keep up to date with the latest HKXO events and news by visiting their blog!