Hong Kong Radio Station In Landmark Shopping Mall Aims To ‘seriously Shake Things Up By Disrupting The Peace
- FM Underground is a community radio station with a variety of programming ranging from local dance and indie bands to podcasts and DJ masterclasses.
- Its music director, Arthur Bray, explained how the station is now fulfilling its original purpose of bringing people from different walks of life and creative practices together.
Tucked away in a basement corner of the popular Landmark mall in Hong Kong's Central District, FM Underground is far from your typical high-end mall tenant.
Techno music plays softly in the background, and a hole in the wall exudes a unique and hidden atmosphere, confusing passers-by.
Through a large glass window, young people can be seen dancing to the music or talking passionately.
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FM Underground is a community radio platform founded in 2020 by the international music collective Yeti Out to promote dialogue and creative collaboration. "Sound Freaks" is one of the hashtags on his Instagram profile.
“This is a community radio station and a place where we can connect with a diverse creative community and friends by bringing ideas together through radio shows, pop-up stores and events,” said Yeti Out co-founder and music director Arthur Bray. .
© South China Morning Post FM Underground Youth Seminar on DJ Skills and Mixing Techniques. Photo: Instagram/@fmbelowgroundAn extension of the Landmark underground shopping space, the arena's original concept was to attract interesting minds from all over the world for events, events and parties. It was an exciting new adventure for music lovers and the local creative community in Hong Kong.
But as the world has learned since December 2019, things don't always go according to plan.
“Originally, we wanted it to be a place for both local hangouts and people from overseas,” says Bray. “Not only were we unable to do that when [Covid-19] happened, but we also had social distancing rules in the studio, which made it very difficult and confusing at some point.”
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Live performances, concerts and parties were banned in Hong Kong during the outbreak. Concerts and festivals were repeatedly postponed before being cancelled.
Performers and lovers of live music are deprived of the opportunity to have fun and instead are stuck in a stagnant void, bored to the point of insanity.
“It seemed like online radio was the only way to meet people, share music, and connect,” says Bray.
“Social distancing measures have definitely made it harder, but thanks to the DJs who sent us homemade mixes, we were able to keep streaming. We were able to continue working 24 hours a day, bypassing restrictions. Life on Instagram.
If it's too convenient, you don't change anything. If we're going to do it, we're going to do it in the right way, the way we think it should be done.
Arthur Bray
Now that FM Underground can operate at full capacity, it has begun to fulfill its mission of bringing people from different cultural and creative backgrounds together.
The station focuses not only on electronic music, but also on a variety of programs, from local indie post-punk bands to contemporary art podcasts. There are even master classes for DJs.
"We're trying to make it as unique and diverse as possible," Bray said. "Radio culture is a collective creation." Let's say we have a Japanese hip-hop show and the next hour is an ambient show - these are people who don't usually meet in a club, but the radio station allows you to jump between shows, which can start conversations and discussions.
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“At the end of the day, it's about bringing music lovers together and sharing it live. I think the most beautiful moments are between performances.
The underground FM sound booth was built by London-based consulting company Brinkworth, who wore super, high-end clothing and trendy cake shops, and has a complete sound system suitable for a professional recording studio.
“Devon Turnbull of New York based [sound system brand] OJAS helped us with the sound system. He is a music lover, very interested in sound quality,” says Bray. "We did a podcast with him to talk about his story and how his passion for sound is important to what we do, just to find the similarities."
© South China Morning Post Devon Turnbull O.J.S. Photo: Instagram/ @devonojasLocated in the middle of a hybrid shopping and cultural hub called Underground, the site is home to streetwear brands such as Vigilant NY and Human Made.
“Designers and the people behind brands have some pretty interesting stories to tell. The idea behind launching these podcasts is to better explain the thought process behind these creations,” says Bray.
“I think that's why FM Underground works both online and offline. The online class is, of course, geared towards people; The offline room consists of people who come to break bread, chat and meet friends. Company 360 degrees.
© South China Morning Post South China Morning Post's flagship retail store in Chicago. The underground FM sound booth was designed by Brinkworth, who designed stores for Supreme. Photo: BrinquartBut why all this talk about alternative music and the creative scene, the Landmark was chosen as the base where it's easiest to meet high-end stockings to get your hands on the latest Hermes bag?
“I opened a public radio station here because we are going to seriously change something, destroy the world,” Bray laughs.
“Sometimes our neighbors don't understand what we're trying to do, or maybe people just aren't ready for techno-bleeding at 1pm on a Tuesday, and that's okay!
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You should still do it, because if it's so convenient, you won't change anything. If we're going to do it, we're going to do it in the right way, the way we think it should be done.
“If you want to reach more people and move further, do you only do what you do, in the same circles and in the same places, or do you go somewhere else where no one understands what you are doing? More about the second.
FM Underground welcomes local sonic creativity, including artists from techno club Sheng Wan Minh, post-punk band Nan Yang Pai Dui (who will be performing at Clockenflap this year) and veteran DJ Andrew Bull aka DJ L Bull.
© South China Morning Post Hong Kong post-punk band Nan Yang Pai Dui. Photo: Instagram/@nanyangpaiduiJapanese artist Hiroki Muraoka will visit the site next week for an interview and a mixed show that will coincide with an exhibition at a nearby underground gallery.
“February this year will be two years old, so there will be a pop-up,” says Bray. “We have activities for Hong Kong Arts Month (in March).”
Bray would like to express his gratitude to his Hong Kong stage colleagues who are working towards a common goal.
“Thanks to HKCR [Hong Kong Public Radio] and [founder] Gavin [Wong] for leading the way. Hong Kong radio station Eaton also does a great job.
Why not more, you understand? This is just our version, and the more the better.
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