Sitting here in the hoptel room in Bangkok bored out of my mind and waiting for my football team to start their game on UCL. My team has been playing so badly this season, I am still contemplating to watch and continue to torture myself. I guess when you support a team, you support them through the good times and bad times!!! Go Gunners.

So, everyone should have heard the new single from U2 "Get on your boots" and Depeche's "Wrong". I don't believe U2 video is done yet but got a glimpse of the new DM video which is dark but so good. Kinda reminds me of a video from Radiohead. Both will have albums out in the next month or so.

So, who is better? U2 and Depeche Mode?

Both been around for more than 20 years and staying true with their musical roots (U2 a few years earlier). Although different in musical genre, both create sounds that is easily distinguished and many try to follow and failed. Both have ups and downs (album wise). Both hit a career milestone when they broke the US of A (Joshua Tree  and Violator). Both have rabid fan base. Both sell out tours in minutes. Both have charismatic frontman (Bono vs Dave Gahan) and the sidekick or the co-starring (Edge vs Martin Gore).  Each of their older albums are collectors items and will be on the shelves of HMVs and Towers of the world forever as must have catalogue.

So far it's Depeche Mode leading the points based on:

1) "Wrong" is a better first single than "Get on your boots"

2) DM perform the track on Echo awards in Germany while U2 premiered on BRITS (both performance are average to me)

3) Both album covers are average...

4) Video tbc

5) Tour tbc

What's your view?

Good night

Wow, I did not realise that I have not blog for a few months now. Just could not find the time to do it with year end business targets to meet (yawn, yawn) and other stuff....

I guess what's better to start the new year with a little list of the BEST CD ALBUM of 2008 for me! Yes, I know it's old school but music for me needs to be appreciated like a work of art and although I still fancy tracks but listening to an album is a real experience...

3 main criteria for the list are:

1) The most times I have listened to the FULL album and not just selective tracks or singles

2) I have to like at least 80% of the tracks to qualify (no skipping as much as possible when listening to the CD)

3) The album has to be enjoyable after repeated listening

With that, here is my Top 10

10. Keane - Perfect Symmetry

Always a big fan since their debut "Hopes & Fears". Super melodic and 80's influenced pop. New album continues in the same vein. No breakthrough though. Saw them with guitar for the first time on Jimmy Kimmel Show therefore no longer unique! Still...it's a good album. They still write good melodies.

Favourite track(s) - Spiralling, Black Burning Heart, Better Than This & Perfect Symmetry

9. Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak

First Kanye album that I like in it's entirety. Hates his ego but this guy is a bloody genius. This album is unlike any HIP HOP album out there as he is dabbling with so much electronics (hence the title) underneath a love theme. Bravo!!! The sampling or cover of Tears for Fears "Memories fade" on "Closest Winter" is superb!!! Not a commercial project like his last 3 albums (no standout HIT singles) but this album will last longer than any hip hop albums out there!!!! I don't understand why he bother adding a bonus `live' track at the end of the album which spoil my experience.

Favourite track(s) - Coldest Winter, Love Lockdown, Robocop & Say You Will

8. The Killers - Day & Age

Another act that is not afraid to try something new. Did not like "Sam's Town" but with Stuart Price as producer, they can't go wrong! Not as immediate as "Hot Fuss" but a definite grower. First single is a killer choice (pun intended) otherwise I may not have got into the CD to make the list for 1008. Again, lots of 80's influence as well.

Favourite track(s) - Human, Spaceman, This is your life (sounds like Talking heads "Road to nowhere") & The World We Live In.

7. The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing

Discover the band from a sampler CD (Fruit Machine) and have not stopped loving them since. Label has done a great job in chosing the right singles to release and building the band carefully. The remixes for the singles are outstanding including mixes by Calvin Harris, Kasper Bjorke & Tocadisco. Check them out. I am only disappointed with the last 2 tracks on album which leaves me with a sore ending after a great first 80% or this album will be higher in the ranking.

Favourite track(s) - Great DJ, Be The One, Shut Up and Let Me Go, We Walk & That's Not My Name

6. SebastiAN - A Fine Selection Of Remixes

Another gem from Ed Banger records (Justice, Mr Oizo & Daft Punk). He is definitely the next French export to look out for in 2009! His remixes are so far out that it blows my mind to a whole new stratosphere (...and I don't even do drugs). (The other remixer that does the same is Soulwax). Once he's done remixing the song, you can barely recognize the original!!!!

Favourite track(s) - ALL. The album doesn't go higher on the list because you need to be in a certain mood to enjoy it. You can't just play this CD anytime you want otherwise you'll go barking mad. Also, the tracks are not original (yes, I am a purist). Don't drive and listen to this CD unless you are rushing to your next appointment!!! 

5. Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things

A case of an artist that continue to grow in creativity and talent with each album. Glad Atlantic stuck with him.  There is so much similarilty with Khalil Fong's career. In fact, we are hoping to find some opportunity for both of them to collaborate. Watch this space...

"I'm yours" really open him to a whole new market but his previous albums are pretty good too. Perfect album to play during the weekend to chill or when driving. It's one of those album that does not have a weak song at all. Also, there are enough variety so it doesn't become boring after a few listens. 

Favourite track(s) - I'm Yours, Lucky, Details in the Fabric & A Beautiful Mess

4. T.I. - Paper Trail

Rap artist are always about singles to me and initially T.I. would fall under the same category if his last few albums are concern. But when I listen to this album, I was pleasantly surprise to find out that he really put a lot oif effort into making a good album and a great listening experience. Although there is 16 songs, there are none of the `segue" conversation tracks which always piss me off. He also write intelligent lyrics as well and using guest singers that really makes a difference to the songs and not just who is popular right now to collaborate. Definitely moving commercial hip hop into the right direction and not just taking about bitches and hoes. The only downside is that the album starts slow and only after Track (4), it burst into life and then there is just no letting go till the end of the album!

Favourite track(s) - On Top of the World, Live Your Live, Whatever U Like, No Matter What, Swagga like us (feat. Jay Z, Kanye & Lil Wayne), Slide Show (feat John Legend) & Dead & Gone (feat Justin T)

Bonus - Check out "Collect Call" on the Japanese edition of the album which sampled Keith Sweat "Make it last forever".

3. Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night

"Sex on Fire" turn me to this band when it went to #1 on the UK singles chart. I was so surprise when I check the album out. It's so good for a change compared to the emo bands (no offence to them) but to see some nasty guitars and melody really gives me the chills. They reminded me of INXS and other Australian rock bands like Eskimo Joe etc. It's a shame that US radio is ignoring this band. This album will be a classic album.

Favourite track(s) - Sex on Fire, Use Somebody, Crawl, Revelry, Notion, Manhattan & Cold Desert.

2. Coldplay - Viva La Vida (Original package)

If "Life in Technicolor ii" from Prospeckts March EP is added on to the album, it would be close to #1 album for me. Just lacks 1 extra HIT. I really applaud Chris Martin for not wanting to put too many tracks on 1 album and I am then puzzled why he released an EP after that. Yes, they are the BIGGEST ROCK BAND in the WORLD!! (until U2 released their next album). Music wise, they are progressing and the usage of Brian Eno IS a smart move no matter what Q mag says.

Favourite track(s) - From Track (1) to Track (9)!!!!!

1. RADIOHEAD - IN RAINBOWS

They finally released a "sane" album since "OK Computer". Although this album still ranks as the 3rd best Radiohead album for me after "The Bends" and "OK Computer", it could surpass at least OK Computer in a few years time. Why, you ask?  Well, these boys are geniuses as you can actually discover little things in the album everytime you play the album. It's freaky but true. Also, the album gets better with time and there are only a few albums that can do that. This album will be a true classic in 10 years time. The album is technically available last December for free downloads but available as a CD in January. Till today, I still enjoy the album like it's new...

I have not seen them live since they play at "Ko Shan Theater" years ago and can't wait to see them again.

Favourite track(s) - Nude, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, All I Need, Videotape, Reckoner & House Of Cards. I may not enjoy every track as much as I do on "Viva La Vida" but the favourites are REALLY REALLY good which make "In Rainbows" my CD of the year. The best album experience for 2008!!!!

Other albums bubbling under but did not hit the above criteria or just miss the Top 10:

- Lil Wayne / Tha Carter III

T.I. & Lil Wayne has completely made 50 Cents and Eminem sounds passe. Curious to see both Fiddy & M eir new albums will do well when it comes out soon. This album has some good songs but not a complete album experience. Yes, I skip tracks. 

- Ne Yo / Year of the Gentlemen

The new MJ? I always like his singles but he is still not a finished article as far as albums are concerned. "Mad" is my favourite track but album does not have enough variety and second half of album gets a little boring. He will continue to grow with each album and I cannot wait for his next album to make my Top 10 list. `Closer' shows that he is also willing to experiment and pushing the boundary of R&B. Miss out the list by a small margin.

- Chris Brown / Exclusive

Can you imagine that they came up with a bonus edition which features 2 hit singles off it??? (Superhuman & Forever)! Talk about unprepared release. Similar to Ne-Yo, he should plan the album in advance and take our at least 5 songs from the album and make the album a womderful experience from Track (1) onwards. Shame about R&B and Hip Hop albums. Jamming endless bad tracks on albums.

- Usher / Here I Stand

Inconcistent album with flashes of brilliance with "Love in this club", "Trading places"  & "Moving Mountains". Again, too many bad tracks in album. Under pressure from Chris Brown and Ne-Yo for the billing for The King of R&B.

- MGMT / Oracular Spectacular

Continue to surprise me with every listen. Fresh sounds but need a breakthrough track and they could achieve MIka type success. If I would start listening to this album earlier, they could have a good chance to make the Top 10.

- Secondhand Serenade / A Twist In My Story

Pleasant surprise. I think he has a bright future and one to watch. Discovered from You Tube and this is his second album. Superb songwriter with a knack for melody. I think this one will continue to develop now that he has some success in US. Reminds me of "Rob Thomas" of Matchbox Twenty. Check out "Stranger", "Fall For You", "Like A Knife" & "Your Call". Just needs a bit more depth in songwriting and he will make it into my Top 5. Each songs does not stray far from one another which means you will stop listening after a short period.

What's yours?

I had a great evening watching 5 rock acts on the "Live N Loud" concert. I think it's good that we have a rock festival circuit in Hong Kong. Singapore just had Singfest which I believe 12,000 people attended over 2 days (Sat & Sun). It's a shame we did not have Panic @ the Disco here which they played in Singapore.

Upon arriving, I was shocked to see how little people actually turned up for Jamie Scott (the first act) that I decided from going in and got myself some food. I may have missed after going through the net trying to find out who is this guy. I think he's a mix of James Blunt, Paolo Nutini & James Morrison except that he's not the first. Check his video out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d41TPgRdFPs

New Found Glory was already in their set when we settled down to our seat. They are kinda Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, Blink 182-like. However, their materials are less melodic compared to those other pop punk groups. I also did not like the way the lead vocalist dressed like he just got out of his house for a little walk. One of the guitarist was fat and not wearing clothes. It was not a good sight to look at but he kinda enjoys it. I certainly did not. 2 standout tracks from their set are "My friends over you" and "It's not my fault". Wasn't impressed with their cover version of Sixpence Non The Richer "Kiss me" and Goo Goo Dolls "Iris".  It was clear no one really knows their songs in HK which is a shame. Check this video out which I thought was kinda cute. (try ignoring the fat guy)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS0ecdawM4U

After that, I was beginning to warm up and look forward to Lostprophets performing. They actually comes from England and was initially a Linkin Park clone but over the years have change to a more straight ahead pop rock act similar to Breaking Benjamin or Story of the Year. The second lead singer who is also the keyboardist dyed his hair blonde. Lead singer was charismatic but vocals are a little inconsistent. He keeps throwing his mike and catching it back. Guess it is his trademark and now I know why he was not using a wireless mike. 2 songs also stand out from their set which is "Rooftop" and "Last train home". The video attached will give you an idea of the entire performance. Most of the other songs are forgettable. They were not immune to covers as they sang Rihanna's "Umbrella". Why? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ruNG0emUV8

By this time, the mosh pit has began to form and kids (mainly western) were body slamming in a circle and a couple of body surf going on. Kinda weird seeing a few local Chinese boys and girls got into it. Glad there weren't any fights but I bet there will be bruises the following day (Yup, been in one of those and will never do it again, too dangerous) 

Up next is One Republic. After Lostprophets, it was a pretty mellow affair. A cellist was a good gimmick although the sound from him never came out sounding different enough. Still, I like it. Teddy is a great songwriter having wrote one of the biggest hit this year for Leona Lewis (Bleeding love). I have got the album "Dreaming out loud" but only manage to give it one spin and then put 2 tracks into my I Tunes library and that's it. I am going to get the CD out and really give it a good listen after the performance. Vocals are better than I expected after seeing him on MAA a week ago on TV. "Stop & stare" got a crowd into them. Again, due to lack of materials he resorted to a cover (The Verve's "BIttersweet symphony") which got me thinking if he wants to copy Chris Martin who covered the song with Richard Ashcroft during Live Aid 2. There are a lot of similarities to Coldplay even in the lesser known tracks. Ah well, all's good I guess. When "Apologies" came on, the crowd was ready for a massive karoke sing a long. It shows how big the song is! (kinda weird not hearing TImbaland ad libbing) I know their version is different but still. When One Republic finished, it was 1130pm and you can see some actually starts to leave the venue. I thought to myself, if these guys are paying 780 dollars just to hear one song???? I have similar experience recently at James Blunt show. Man, this is crazy. Don't they know the headline act is still not on and most people are coming to see Simple Plan. Looking at my watch, I was fearing that the band has to cut short their set due to transportation issues. Last train at 1230pm. (Etchy posted some videos on You Tube. Check it out)

When Simple Plan came on at 1145, the wait was well worth it as the band launch straight to one of my favourite tracks from their third album "Take my hand" which got the fist pumping going on for the entire arena. It was all good. The band then launch single after single and good to see there are quite a few fans of SP in HK. It was a non stop dancing and singing for everyone. Suprised how the band attempt to speak a lot of "Cantonese" words rather than the standard thank yous. Quite funny.

Good to see the security guys handing out water cups to the kids upfront.  Alas, Simple Plan also resort to a couple of covers to `warm" the crowd which at that time was already `super hot'. They did a short rock version of Flo Rida's "Low" and Sean Kingston "Beautiful Girls"/ Ben E King "Stand by me" medley. The encore almost did not happen as kids were leaving hoping to be able to catch the last train. Thank goodness they came out quick enough. More dancing continued. Ending the night with "Perfect" says it all. Started of acoustically with just Pierre on stage and most part were sung by the crowd. It then launched into a full blown rock ballad finished was a great way to end a long evening. Here's something which I believe is taken from a camera video. A bit bad in quality but thoroughly enjoyable.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4xPqUFbgkI

I enjoyed all the acts reasonably well for me wanting to know more about them but was totally blown away by Simple Plan. Hope the local kids watching (there are many as I think most expats are on summer holidays) can be inspired to come up with a local pop rock band with strong melodies and we can see a new "Beyond"! A great evening nevertheless. Hope the next one will have a full house arena rather than half empty.

Apologies for taken so long to come up with another blog. Hectic week at work. Business this month was definitely on the up with a few hit songs and some good selling albums. Yes, despite the gloom and doom, some CDs still sells.

Thanks for all the great feedback on HK music scene blog.

One of the key point that came out from the blog was "what is mainstream music"? Best definition is popular music genre that has been accepted by the general population. Traditionally in Asia, it's all about pop ballad or slow rock etc. However over the last few years, R&B has definitely make a huge inroads into mainstream market. Rather than just vocal technique, it's emphasizes on singing from the heart/soul over a standard R&B arrangement. Melody is still strong like a traditional pop song but the 2 factors create almost a new song experience to what was in the market at the time.

In Japan, Utada change the landscape while in the Chinese market it was Jay Chou. In Korea, Wheesung create the major turning point. Yes, there are R&B artists before them but none of them made it into the mainstream to change consumer taste to this genre. Since, artist like Rain or Se7en, Lee Hom & David Tao, Ken Hirai & Chemistry cement the genre as a format in these markets. I only mention the 3 markets as they influence the rest of the Asian region including Singapore, Thailand, China and Malaysia. In Indonesia and Philippines where R&B has existed far earlier but it was also partly influence as well with acts like Marcell, Glenn Fredly, Nina, Kyla becoming houselhold names in their respective markets.

In the meantime, enjoy what I think is 3 landmark Asian R&B songs.artist that changed mainstream music in Asia.

1) Utada Hikaru - Automatic

The first single from the album that is the BIGGEST selling album of all time in Japan (over 9 million CDs sold!!!). She has then gone on to become the biggest act. She wrote all the songs herself.  When it first came out, it was not an obvious hit for even their record company who at that time was run by Masaaki Sato. He was brave enough to take the deal as his background in International music marketing for over 20 years tells him that the song is good enough for the Japanese market. Low expectation, take risk and hey presto..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3Rmbb4SEIM

2) Wheesung - A story I can't tell

Taken from his debut album "Like a movie". Korea at that time was completely swamped by boy band and girl groups such as HOT, Shinhwa, Finkl, SES etc. The album was released by a small production house called M-Boat. Park Kyung Jin was a little concern that he is not good looking enough that consumer will not accept him that he did not even has his face on the cover. The album has subtitles of various movies the songs int he albums are influenced by which I thought was interesting and confusing cuz I can't read Korean. This I believe is the 2nd single but the biggest hit and catapult the album to over 400,000 units in Korea. Some may argue Wheesung is not the first R&B singer and Park Jin Yong (JYP who discovered Rain) has done it far earlier but R&B was not a genre as JYP is still a lone ranger in the market. Glad Kyung Jin decides to put Wheesung face in the video as he went on to become the biggest R&B superstar in Korea. His new album is due this year which I believe would be his 6th album.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8COqqZdQEhI

3) Jay Chou - Valuable woman

When the album first came out, the media was writing stuff like great music but will sell less than 20,000 (which is nothing at that time in Taiwan) Media loved it, music industry people fans loved it but consumer a took a little time to respond to this `new' music genre. JR Yang and Jay stuck by their plan and built him organically and then released this video featuring Vivian Hsu. It worked and the next thing you know the album sold 300,000 units. I think the number is now a lot higher. He then gone on to become the biggest star in Asia. Oh yeah, he writes, sings, plays, produce and even directs all the videos himself which shows how big a talent he is.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvT4KidzLh8

Moral of the story, if the artist is good enough, the music is good enough even though it don't sound like anything else in the market at the time it WILL work and when it does, you create history!!!

What will be the new `mainstream music'? Love to hear your views. Maybe the next Utda, Jay & Wheesung will be discovered here on AnD?

Many thanks for those who commented on my previous blogs. I actually thought after replying to everyone, I should delete the replies. Guess that was a wrong move. Blog is not e-mail, my bad. Why am I blogging this topic today? Please bear with me as this is pretty long but i think is important.

This all started when I was listening to a local radio chart countdown on Saturday afternoon. It was a good way to really get an update on what's popular in Hong Kong and I will do so every possible chance I get. As I was listening, I suddenly realize that each song that was played was really awful and sound monotonous. Yes, there are many new acts which is a good sign but none of them are `special'. Not bad singers but just bad songs. Also, you don't really `feel' they are singing with passion or soul. Technically great but emotionally weak. Song production is really similar from one to another. As my colleague would say, it always starts with C. Is this what Hong Kong Music is becoming? I ask myself that Hong kong is such a cosmopolitan country and a melting pot of various cultures but why musically we are so behind?

Why, I ask is this happening?

1) KARAOKE

I really blame it on the guy who invented karaoke. Hong Kong is no longer a society that cherish uniqueness, adventure or curious for something new. Instead it's a society that longs for the same, similarity and safety. Everyone wants to be the next Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Sammi Cheng, Leo Ku or Eason Chan. No one really wants to be themselves anymore. I don't blame them cause when the craze started we all sang to the lyrics and watching the music videos of our idols lip synching and even think we are them for that 4 minutes. It was a fantastic experience and karaoke industry exploded. At one stage karaoke turnover was bigger than recorded music business in Asia!!!

All the unique and good HK artists nowadays in Hong Kong either grew up in International school or studied abroad. Eason grew up in UK. Khalil grew up in Hawaii. Nicholas and Edison from International schools and went abroad to further their studies.  They all are exposed to so many different music genre and karaoke was not a dominat in their life.

2) COVER VERSION

After the karaoke boom started, the Hong Kong music business is thriving and stars are created almost weekly. But Record Company (that's what they are called at that time) faces a huge problem. There are not enough songs to feed the machine. Solution? Do cover versions of other people songs. It doesn't matter where it's from as long it's usable and is `karaoke-friendly". This term was so widely use it almost becoming a music industry term. Write a `karaoke friendly' song!!!!! The good news is that Western or Japanese songs became huge hits as well by piggybacking on Cantonese versions of the songs. Anzen Tetai, Chage & Aska, Sandra, Pepsi & Shirley, Janet Jackson, Finzi Kontini (who you ask? they are the original singer of "Cha Cha Cha").

Suddenly it all stops when the broadcast authority said that they will no longer play cover version on radio to protect local musicians in particularly songwriters. But the supply of local good songs runs short of demand. Suddenly, second rated songs are OK's by A&R managers for singers to sing to continue feeding the machine. 

3) MEDIA

Commercial Radio has always been the cutting edge of music on radio and I applaud them for all their work of moving the industry forward. They always seem to be cooler and trendier than the other stations even till now. I enjoyed Chi Chung "Quote Zone" a lot as my only source for Western Music when I first arrived in Hong Kong. However, suddenly there is a disconnect between domestic music and Western music. Kids starting to lose interest in western trends and with the above 2 factors still feature strongly, slowly the new generation starts to get stale and setting low standards on the musical needs. Radio starts to program "safe music" to satisfy commercial needs. Record companies also feeding what the consumer wants rather than taking them forward. TVB also did the same and before long the whole market grew stale. Year end awards no longer shows the same excitement compared to the days of Alan Tam, Anita Mui, Leslie Cheung or Jacky Cheung anymore. The media tried very hard but as music was not progressing they give the same award to the same artists singing the same songs. Ballads rule or should I say "karaoke friendly songs".

4) SONG WRITERS

Songwriters facing the same issue of whether to satisfy commercial needs or creative needs. I actually spoke to some publishing company executive about whether this is a problem songwriters is aware of and the answer is a resounding yes! I said, would it make a difference if they write in Mandarin and then change it later to Cantonese as Mandarin as a language seemed to create better melodies. I also ask whether producer is over producing songs because the melody is to difficult to differentiate and again the answer is a resounding yes! This needs to change.

With all the above factors, slowly and surely the Cantonese music scene has come to a standstill. New artists don't need to sing from the heart anymore. Good vocal technique is adequate. The rest of the process will be taken care of by uber producers and super record execs.

The problem with all this is that the world around us has moved on. Look at Taiwan who at one time was not respected by Hong Kong entertainment industry and has now overtaken us and create Big Regional Superstars. It used to be the HK Heavenly Kings but instead of Leon, Andy, Jacky & Aaron, there are now Jay Chou, Lee Hom, Show & David Tao. Sammi, Miriam & Kelly are now replaced by Jolin, Yanzi & Angela. The scariest thing is that some of the Taiwanese stars are now struggling to hold on as well. Taiwan Idol TV shows are upsetting the balance with the likes of Jam, Yoga and Aska (at least their "English" names are creative) doing really well regionally. Is this the start of the 3rd coming?

I think there is definitely an opportunity for a new generation of superstars to emerge? What will the new superstars do? Sing well, dance well, write songs, produce songs or all of the above? Will there be a chance for Hong Kong artist to shine? Will the HK music scene change for the better? I really think it's possible but the change cannot be done by me alone.

Aspiring singers need to expose themselves to various music cultures and infuse their own creativity and created something unique but accessible by `normal' people. Pushing the boundary step by step. If you are not comfortable with Cantonese then sing in Mandarin? It doesn't need to be a ballad. It can be a rap, rock, jazz, soul, funk, nu-metal as long as it's good and you like it and most comfortable with. Good news is that there is a superstar in every genre of music there is.

Music companies need to think of artist career and be more market & consumer aware. "Karaoke friendly songs" are no longer the in term. If a song is a hit, it will be  a karaoke hit. Don't follow the market. lead them. I remember people sang to LMF karaoke and you will never see us telling MC Yan or Davy to write karaoke songs. They will just tell us to" F" ourselves. Sometimes artist needs time to grow and also understand their consumers.  

Media needs to start educating the consumer that there is a whole wide world of music out there. Be adventurous with the playlist but don't send them to the orbit with your knowledge. They have lost all Western music sense and consumer needs time to get back into it. Instead of programming Sigur Ros, try Coldplay or Keane. Instead of Method Man, Music Soulchild or Kayshia Cole, try introducing them to Chris Brown, Usher and Rihanna. Internet and You Tube has been a revolution as well for us not relying on been force feed by media and allow an ordinary person to experience new music themselves.  

I am proud my Hong Kong team has develop Hong Kong best hope in Khalil Fong as the best our chance for superstardom in the region.  Why? He is multi talented, writes his own songs and the man/boy has got serious amount of "soul". Great family support and upbringing (don't drink, don't smoke) and most of all a totally "unique" package. I do hope that he is not the only one and people like Eason, Janice, Kay & Justin will all continue to develop into something `unique' and `special' as well with their companies and rebuild the HK music scene into a dominant powerhouse again.

http://tw.youtube.com/watch?v=MqxL_wnoDm4

Common, let's hear it for the HK music scene. Write to me with your ideas. Maybe, the people in AnD will spearhead a new revolution?