Bands striving for their own sound

     Bands are thought to be noisy, naughty and nasty. Yet, band culture is part of the mainstream in western countries.

     Bands sell as many records as solo artists do in the United Kingdom. This is not the case in Hong Kong.

     Commercial Radio disc jockey Miss Inti Kwong hosts a program which promotes band sound and the growth of 'indie', or independent bands.

     According to Inti, band sound refers to all original sound creations. All members play the instruments by themselves.

     Inti said, "People think all bands play rock or heavy metal music. But there are other bands who play blues, jazz and pop music.

     "They should listen to all kinds of bands before jumping to that conclusion," she emphasized.

     Mr. Bryan Kam, 19, is one of the five members of the band, Ubiquitous.

     All of them are students. The other four members are: Mr. John Ng who plays guitar, Mr. Martin Wong who plays bass, Mr. Joey Chan who plays drums, and Mr. Manfred Lung, the vocalist.

     Their tastes in music are different from one other.

     Bryan likes heavy metal music, especially American bands Metallica and Megadeth.

     "I love their music because they are powerful.

     "I also appreciate Yngwie Malmsteen, a Swedish guitarist who plays classical music."

    Manfred likes Nirvana from the U. S. because they are punk. U. K. bands Suede and Blur are also his cup of tea.

     For Martin, pop music has always been his choice.

     The Band, which has been together for six years, points out that people dislike band sound because they think it is noisy and meaningless.

     "Outsiders may think that band members are too cynical," said Bryan.

     Said Martin: "Hong Kong people use their eyes to 'enjoy' music, not their ears."

     The Warehouse Teenage Club Limited is well-known for its effort in developing teenagers' potential in arts and sports.

     Promoting teenage bands is one of its chief programs.

     It offers classes in musical instruments, music production, lyric writing, as well as band workshops, performances and competitions.

     With funding from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, it has helped 14 local young bands to produce the compact disc Be Original.

     The Warehouse's deputy manager of arts program, Miss Sandy Chan said, "Most of our members are optimistic and open-minded. They respect all of our staff and the rest of our members."

     The general public often holds a negative impression of local bands.

     Ms Wong So Man, a geography student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, said, "Sometimes, the image of band members is not acceptable to many people. They smoke, drink, fight, speak foul language and so on."

     Said Inti: "Band members are not the only kind of people do so, some non-players and non-listeners also have the same behaviour too.

     "They're just being themselves," continued Inti. "Celebrities who have good images do not necessarily have absolutely clean private lives and conduct.

     Bryan said, "People are often influenced by local newspapers and magazines which only highlight negative comments on bands."

     Mr. Lee Hung Pei, a student from the University of Hong Kong, said, "Society should be pluralistic. Every kind of music should have an opportunity to be aired."

     Said Inti: "Local bands should deserve higher musical status. They put much effort into writing songs and music arrangements.

     "They write songs about peace, attitudes towards life, as well as social issues. Their lyrics are pinpointing." Inti added.

     The content of Ubiquitous'songs ranges from their daily lives to political issues.

     Sandy said, "Our founder, Mr. Frank White, is very keen on promoting band activities.

     "He thinks bands can promote creativity, cooperation, harmony, patience among teenagers and offer them a chance to develop their potential.

     "Besides, music is an international language with no boundaries."

     Apart from leasing band rooms, the owner of Vogue Studio, Mr. George Su, trains bands and produces CDs for individuals and bands.

     Mr. Su said, "Each band member has different characters and interests. Compromise is indispensable in cooperation.

     Said Bryan: "The feeling of jamming a song is brilliant, when the drum beat meets the guitar, I'm burnt with satisfaction."

     "However, until now we've never had a formal performance," said Martin.

     Venue is the main hurdle in organizing band shows.

     "Other kinds of arts, such as Chinese opera, classical music and drama, receive government aid. But the Government has no intention to promote band sound," Mr. Su said.

     "The noise restriction is quite harsh inside the civic centre.

     "And the rent for the suitable places, such as Ko Shan Theatre, and Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre, or HITEC, is hardly affordable. This holds back the organization of indie band shows." Mr. Su said.

     Said Martin: "My school didn't let us participate in the music competition for we were using electric guitars.

     Martin blamed the media for offering too few channels for exploring band sound.

     Mr. Su said, "Record companies find it risky to promote band sound as it is not the mainstream. They cannot make money from it."

     The responsibility of promoting band sound is then left to non-profit organisations.

     Said Warehouse's Sandy: "In the beginning, we were not well-known and the bands did not know our aims.

     "Furthermore, we did not have enough funds to provide them with financial assistance."

     Their major source of finance comes from sponsors, entrance fees and flag selling.

     Despite the obstacles, band culture enthusiasts decide to carry on their voyage.

     "I hope I can discover our own music style, not being a copy cat," Joey said.

    Bryan said, "I hope we can have our own band show in four years.

     Said Sandy Chan: "I am glad to see that there are more bands than before. More people are exposed to band sound, but there is still a long way to go."

     Inti said: "I hope all people in Hong Kong can accept this kind of music, though it is rather difficult. "Also, I am looking forward to seeing all radio stations promoting band sound. I'd rather face competition than being alone."