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Cantopop, EDM and asian and western pop dominate the main stages locally, but there lots of local bands making music in other genres and looking for venues to play at. That is why music producer Angel Leung set up her own venue in 2014; to as she puts it “encourage and provide a location for the under-recognised rock and punk bands to perform and to spark a music revolution and modernize Hong Kong’s ‘outdated’ music.” Located in Fo Tan, Rock Angel Band House recently celebrated it’s second anniversary and bc magazine spoke to it’s owner Angel Leung about the past and the future.
Who is Angel Leung?
“My full name is Angel Leung On Kay, I’m an experienced bi-lingual broadcaster who has been a DJ/ program producer at RTHK, Commercial Radio and at Metro Radio where I was channel director for FM select.” Angel has also been a columnist for Ming Pao Weekly, Oriental Weekly, Sun and last year she hosted and produced 13 episodes of Rock Angel TV for the now defunct ATV.
A former District Councilor, Angel is also a social issues commentator, who frequently speaks out about the Umbrella Movement and of changes she hopes music will make in Hong Kong.
In 2009 she founded ALCTV (www.alc-tv.com). While the Rock Angel Power Band Festival in 2013 was the seed that germinated into the Rock Angel Band House. In 2015 she launched the Loving Hearts, Loving Song concert series.
Running a live music venue in Hong Kong is hard, what made you want to open Rock Angel Band House?
“With live music venues becoming more selective, talented young artists and musicians are often overlooked. By opening Rock Angel Band House I have the freedom to showcase local and international musicians that I like. Finding suitable and appropriate concert venues for bands wasn’t easy and many didn’t have good equipment. With my own band house I can decide who, and what concerts to hold. I can ensure the standard of the venue. It is important to have the right sound equipment and setup as it shows respect toward the artists who are performing”.
What are your three favourite concerts from the first two years of Rock Angel Band House?
Tian Di Hui, a top progressive band from Singapore (January, 2016).
Jazz guitar legend Eugene Pao who gave a performance that was world class back in December 2015.
Alan Tse & the Ocean Band, from Macau, featuring Joey Tang from Tai Chi as a special guest.
How has your focus and direction for Rock Angel Band House changed over the last two years?
“When I started out, I wanted to provide opportunities and space for local indie bands to showcase their talent. Two years on that’s still true but I also want to have more international artists perform in a more intimate venue where the audience can get up close and feel like a bigger part of the event.”
What do you think are the strengths and weakness of the local music scene?
“As a band sound promoter I think it is exceptionally difficult for musicians to receive local exposure and play before live audiences. As the music industry becomes more and more westernised, it is even arguable that local bands are being forgotten about. The lack of support for rock music is sad. Live music venues that support original music are rare, and in the ones that are open, rent is extremely expensive” comments Angel. “This means that smaller, less known bands such as youth groups are often unable to secure a location to practice. There is talent however not a lot of people are willing to give these bands a chance to shine. This dismissive mindset of audiences can be linked to the major media focus on commercial singers leaving the broader local music industry/ community unhealthy”.
What next, what plans do you have for the next twelve months?
“Of course plans are being made and I hope to have some great international artists perform at Rock Angel Band House in 2016. But until dates are confirmed, and contracts are signed this information must remain private. I hope people will be surprised and happy when the concerts announcements are made.”
Do you have any more gigs in the “Loving Hearts, Loving Songs” series scheduled?
“Yes, the Loving hearts, Loving Songs series next concert will see the talented young group called FANTAZ headlining the show scheduled for the 19 March.
Which singer or band would you most like personally to see perform in Rock Angel Band House?
“I can’t answer this one” replies Angel with a light laugh, “there maybe surprises….”
Rock Angel Band House
6/F; 607-608, Fonda industrial Building, 37-39 Au Pui Wan Street, Fo Tan, New Territories. Tel: 2388 9225 Facebook: www.facebook.com/rockangelbandhouse
Photo: Ludmila Puchulu