By Reiko Lam

Two years ago, Commercial Radio launched a policy to broadcast original local songs, but not cover versions. This stirred up a swirl of original work in local music.

Mr. Chan Fai-hung, the director of program development at Commercial Radio, said, "We see the necessity to give more opportunities to original songs. We encourage creativity and hope to see that Hong Kong music develops its own style.

"The result is better than our expectations. I think there is over 80 percent original songs now," he continued.

In recent years, there have been more songwriters and bands in Hong Kong, but they are still the minorities.

Mr. Mark Lui Chung-tak is the music producer of Go East Entertainment Company Limited and a singer-song writer of the local band Dry.

He said, "The biggest problem is the small local market. Singing in Cantonese restricts us from entering the international market."

Mr. Jason Choi Tak-choy, another local musician, said, "Original and alternative music have a hard time getting a place in the local market. Record companies only produce music which can guarantee sales, so we have very few choices."

At present, some people still favour Western music as they think it is of a higher standard.

Mr. Lui disagrees, however. "The quality of local music is very high. People prefer Western songs because they think those songs are special."

Besides Commercial Radio 2, there are many other organizations supporting original music in Hong Kong.

Zuni Icosahedron is one of them. It provides performance opportunities for local musicians and bands by organizing concerts.

Mr. Eddie Cheng Shing-tak, the executive of Zuni Icosahedron, said, "We hope to give more chances to creative local musicians. I think local music should be greatly encouraged."

The Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong is another organization which encourages originals by organizing annual music competitions.

Mr. Anthony Ho Tat-man, a Year 2 accountancy student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, said, "I am a CASH member and wrote a song before. I think playing music can earn a person a living if the pieces are commercial and suit listeners' taste."

Although many people work hard to promote local music, there are still obstacles and resistance.

Mr. Keith Giang, a Year 1 architecture student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, said, "People are only concerned about the outlook and image of singers, but not the quality of music or singing techniques.

"Their taste also explains the few musical breakthroughs in Hong Kong," he added. Said Mr. Choi: "Well, it is difficult to predict people's acceptance. But if no one dares to try new music, no alternative choices will reach the listeners."

This year's theme of Commercial Radio 2 is band sound. It continues to encourage music originality by organizing more music tours and concerts in the Hong Kong Coliseum, Ko Shan Theatre and the universities.

Mr. Chan said, "If we don't take this crucial step, no one will do it and there won't be any breakthrough in Hong Kong music."