A post about absolutely nothing.

Just thought I'd mention how much fun the CD Release party was.

I opted to booze instead of review for this one, but just wanted to mention the quality in the bands that I watched (Quasar and Poubelle International) and wanted to draw particular attention to the David Bowie Knives. Real good stuff, was the first time I have actually caught them on stage, despite seeing members at nearly every show I go to.

Thanks to all who made the night so much fun, and congrats to the UG on another successful CD and night out.

The one with the Chris B interview

Evening Rockstars.

As all of you should know by now, the Underground has released their 2nd compilation CD. The CD features 12 of HK's very own indie bands, and boy are there some great names on this one. Personally I'm looking forward to hearing tracks from Poubelle International, Transnoodle and Quasar.

In celebration of this release, the Underground are hosting not one but two parties. One being last Saturday (06/06/09) and the other taking place this coming Saturday (13/06/09)

I somehow managed to get Underground founder Chris B to take time out of party planning to answer some questions on not just the UG but being a rocker (and mama!) in HK as well.

So let it roll!

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Care to shed the light as to why you go by Chris B as opposed to using your last name, or is this a mysterious secret that will cause the apocalypse if you tell us?!

Well it has much less mysterious origins... Chris is quite a common name and I was once in a band full of Chris's so to distinguish between all of us we used the abbreviation of our surnames. Well that's what I tell people.Actually I was inspired by The Spice Girls and Mel B is so cool, I decided to nick her surname. Next I want her boobs.

I'm sure you've been asked this many times, but for those who haven't heard the news, how long have you had the Underground going for?

Since April 2004, which is over 5 years now!! Over 90 shows. Over 300 different bands have played - phew!

What was your motivation for starting up the UG?

I just wanted to play a gig to try out new songs with a new band, there was never ever any intention to 'change' the face of the live music scene in HK... hahahahahaha. That came later.... ;)

How has putting on a UG show now, compare to putting on a show back when you started?

Great question! Easier in some ways, harder in others! The first 19 shows were free and I had no idea I would do 19 for a start and then I discovered I was rather good at organising shows and motivating bands to play! I think it was easier then than now though....My own fault! Now we have Compilation CDs, Shirts, The Underground crew, people to liaise with, sponsors to keep happy etc. When it all started, I was organiser, photographer, website mistress, in fact everything except Poster designer (although I did make one, which was appalling....)

You've also played in many bands yourself, what instruments do you play?

Guitar but really I'm a singer first. I play the guitar rather simply but you know what, girls with guitars look so cool, so I keep persisting with working on improving my playing, I'd probably be a better guitarist if I wasn't working on The Underground hahahahahaha Oh, I played keyboards for 6 months in the Sisters of Sharon when I broke a finger....

How many UG's have you yourself played?

Wow, no one has ever asked me that, in 5 different bands I've performed at The Underground - let me see which ones - Underground 3, 4, 6, 11, 15, 21, 55, 62, Djizoes in HK, 69 (ahem), CD2 Launch Party A. So that makes 11 of the shows! Hope The UG lets me play some more in the future hahahaha.

On those nights do you switch up between performer and host or is there a "Vice Chris B"?

Well I just had myself cloned so it was quite easy. Actually I usually just ask someone to introduce the band I'm in, at Underground 62 Soler introduced us!! That was very cool! When I wasn't physically at The Underground, I had Yan (Hard Candy) do the MC work for me, plus friends like Manek helped out too. A lot of people have volunteered their time to ensure these shows continue to happen.

Have you ever got to the point where you have run out of bands to put on a show?

No! Waiting list is still bulging....

Whats your favourite memory of the UG?

So many!! Really there are so many. I love seeing bands improve. I love seeing the joy in their faces when they perform (i love that feeling myself). I have some funny ones too.. And some rude memories...

The UG has now expanded out of HK waters, where else are you putting on, and plan to put on shows?

Well you know we are toying with the idea of more Underground shows in China, especially up in Beijing.... However we still need to strengthen Shenzhen and Macau's showcases before we add more cities :)

What are you doing when you are not getting ready for the next UG show?

Just that! Getting ready for the next show!! hahahahahaha Planning things. You know we ran a T shirt design competition earlier on this year and had over 50 entries. We have a winner but I've been too busy to get the T shirts produced. That is my next project, right after talking to you. Oh you mean my day job? I'm a Rock Mum to Chloe & Ashley who are now 2 and half and they seem to like The Underground Compilation CD 2 which they have heard a few times now....

Whats it like having twins? Do you have hopes for them to become the next "The Veronicas"

Well I hope they decide to learn to play an instrument. I'm pretty sure they can sing, especially Chloe who is pitch perfect! It's cool having twins cause they play with each other and hang out together. A sister and a best friend at the same time. Cool for them. Hope they don't fight over boyfriends when they are older....

Having seen many bands over the past few years, what style of music seems to be the favoured amongst the HK bands?

Well I would say pop rock. Plus metal is popular. And hardcore. We've only ever had one jazz band play. And contrary to a paid music magazine, we've never (yet) had a symphonic goth metal band play at The Underground.

What would be your biggest complaint about the HK indie band scene?

Singers who cant sing in key and then say "It's my style" or some crap like that. And then second biggest complaint are the promoters who continue to book bands with out of tune singers, what does that tell the singers? hahahah I understand that bands need the experience of playing live but no one would sit and listen to out of tune guitars, so why would we listen to out of tune singing??!?!

Or is it cause I'm not doing the right 'drugs'? Anyway a few lessons to help singers is never a bad idea. Do you know Evanescence's Amy? She was out of tune (horribly in fact) when they got signed to the record company, the company wrote it into the contract that Amy take singing lessons. The rest is history. Even Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson takes singing lessons, I don't see it 'affecting' their style, do you?? Some HK bands have got great songs, great image and a lead vocalist who sings out of key, which stops them from achieving great success... :(

Agreed completely, now this weekend is the 2nd party for the launch of the new UG compilation CD. How come you decided to have two parties for this one?

Two parties are always better than one, we wanted to give all the bands a chance to play and also have a week long promotion! We love parties! Although we're toying with the idea of having a mini-festival for CD 3 when its launched later this year.... 12 bands in one night!! hahahaha

A long haul gig, be sure to stock up on enough Asahi. How did the idea for the compilation come about?

Bless Koya (Mark 1 music Center) he arranged a meeting with me awhile back and then asked me if I would like to release a compilation CD - I of course said yes and the rest is history! He is the easiest man to work with, to record with and talk with. I couldn't have found a better partner for the Compilations.

Where do you see the UG in another 5 years?

Well i hope people will look to The UG for more credibility when it comes to bands, to see it as being cool and having a super duper role in HK's live music scene. We are not a 'charity' we are an organisation created by me and filled with musicians who want to make a difference. We DONATE TO charity. We all want the scene to get better and to have more shows to go to and more different bands to watch. We don't want to watch them in tiny warehouses or with shit sound. We want more HK bands to support overseas acts. We want more festivals.

So I see The UG being involved (in small or big roles) with all these projects/ideas etc. Did I tell you we helped Velvette Vendetta get a slot at Baybeats (Singapore festival) this year? How cool is that? The only HK band to play! Bands that give their passion, music and love to The Underground get our passion and love back haahahhaa Oh god I sound like a hippy...High Five!

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Well I don't know about you guys, but I thought that was a good little chat. See you cats at party B!

FYI

Brokencyde are just plain not good.

oooooooooooooh Party?!

Alright kidlings,

It's summer time, and with summer time comes sexy summer parties. Example needed? well how about the Underground CD2 launch (wait for it) partIES, that's right, so awesome that two parties are needed. That's just how Chris B and co from the Underground rolls. I shall probably be at both and by god so should you. There is actually a possibility you will contract H1N1 if you are a no show ... its true.

Here are the details:

(Taken from the oh so reliable Facebook)
The long awaited Underground Compilation CD2 is finally here! This compilation features another 11 great Hong Kong bands with musical styles ranging from reggae ska punk to rock 'n roll.

PARTY A @ Cavern

* Thinking Out Loud (alternative pop rock)
* Homeless Alien (emo rock)
* Bone Table (indie roots rock)
* Kissing on the Dance Floor (dynamic indie pop)
* Gong Wu (funk driven rock n rolll)

Admission: $150 (includes one Asahi, one CD and one lucky draw chance)

Lucky draw prizes: Thai Airways two return tickets to Seoul (Korea) and one night in the Executive Suite at The Fleming Hotel (Hong Kong)


(Bone Table)

PARTY B @ California
* F.T.T. (brit pop)
* Quasar (rock n roll)
* Poubelle International (garage indie)
* The David Bowie Knives (sexy rock n roll)
* The Ember (all girl emo grunge)

Admission: $150 (includes one Asahi, one CD and one lucky draw chance)

Lucky draw prizes:
Epiphone LES PAUL electric guitar


(Quasar)

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See ya there!

International Music Buzz

This post takes us away from our HK shores. Here's a little bit of whats going on in the music world:

- Our first bit of news comes from ambient hero's Sigur Ros. They are currently in the studio recording a new LP (While not preparing to perform for the Dalai Lama when his holiness visits Iceland on June 2nd) that is said to be "slower" and "more ambient" than their last release which saw them venture into the realm of more uptemo indie pop. Check out the article and more at Pitchfork



-For anyone who is as obsessed with Guitar Hero like myself, you will be happy to know that the creators have various titles scheduled for release before the end of 2009. The current major one in the works is Guitar Hero 5, which will feature both new songs and all time favourites from acts such as : Blink 182, Muse, The White Stripes, Tom Petty, Jimi Hendrix and many many more. For the current list of who is reported to feature on the next game, head on over to NME. Guitar hero will be adding to their artist series (Aerosmith, Metallica) with Guitar Hero: Van Halen, which is also set for release before the end of the year. Needless to say I am super stoked. For those following the Rock Band franchise, The Beatles edition will be available from around September. I might actually switch up allegiances and purchase a copy just for that. Oh sweet world of virtual rockness.



-This one perhaps is not that MAJOR news to the average rock listener, but the band Finch, brings me back to my high school days and will always have a special place in my cholestoral filled heart. Head over to their Myspace, to check out a new song (and songs from their recent EP, yes they are back together!)


-For all you Placebo fans out there, the eccentric trio have been kind enough to release their album to a special site where you can go listen in full for free. There DO seem to be alot of rules, such as, only 5 playbacks allowed and registering for 1337 passwords to get to it, but it's worth it. I wouldn't call myself the biggest Placebo fan, but I definitely enjoyed listening to the new album "Battle For The Sun" from start to finish and look forward to its release. If you are interested in also listening, click here.


-As many of us know, Hong Kong was recently treated to an epic performance in Coldplay's Viva La Vida 2009 tour. Pause for flashbacks. The band have decided to thank fans for their support by releasing a free live album of the Viva La Vida tour. It of course cannot compare to actually being there, but it absoutely helps in replaying the night in your head. Plus its free, so go grab your copy of LeftRightLeftRight


-Right Ozzy fans. The dark prince is suing former band mate/friend Tony Iommi over the trademark that is "Black Sabbath" For those interested , here is the article courtesy of Rolling Stone.



-TRV$ (Travis Barker) fans. Here is a video of Travis jamming along to the current Eminem single 3Am. Not as cool as the Soulja Boy jam, but still awesome.

5 minutes with.......

Rain Rain go away.

How about this weather folks? To counter the double punch of a Monday and rain. Chill for 5 minutes with Po Kei of the Good Fellas'!



Name Please:
Po Kei
Day Job:
Stylist, philosopher, song writer, beer drinker.
Band Currently Rocking Out In:
Good Fellas
Instrument:
Guitar & Vocals
Instrument You Wish You Could Play:
Piano so that I can cover John Lennon's "Oh My Love"
What's The Worst Band Name You've Been Part Of?
Good Fellas ?!?!?! no no no ... of course not
What about a different band name?
'Night of Threesomes' - This one I used in May with El Destroyo, Poubelle International and the David Bowie Knives (for the name of a show held at Backstage Restaurant Live). What about 'Sgt. Pepper's Horny Heart Club Band'? Let me think about it!!!
Your Band In Three Words:
Three-Chord-Geniuses !!!
Favourite Summer Anthems:
Morrissey - 'Last of The Famous International Playboy' (for hip shaking in the morning)
The Teenagers- 'Home Coming' (for light jumping after lunch)
These New Puritans - Elvis (for head banging at night)
Who Should We Check Out?
The Beatles - Origin of everything I am doing.
The Smiths - Has the best combo in rock history.
The Cribs - My current favourite band
Favourite HK Band?
Transnoodle, no doubt, Transnoodle.
You Would Bust Out A Jam With:
The Dead Weather and I will share the mic with the coolest Alison Mosshart
What Would You Like To Be Remembered For?
The way I jump on stage
Please Tell Us A Joke:
....................... Don't bring your gf to a Good Fellas's show, she will fall in love with us.

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Check out 'Good Fellas' on:
Myspace
Youtube
AlivenotDead

Idol.

For those interested.

Kris wins American Idol.

I actually didnt watch this season, but thought that Adam dude had one heck of a voice when I saw the one episode.

... hope this did not ruin anyone's day.