Since 2008, Clockenflap has been Hong Kong’s music event of the year, hosting an array of artists from around the world. Welcoming over 60,000 people for the three-day event, the festival will be taking place in Central Harbourfront for the first time, making it more accessible than ever. From intimate acoustic sets to arena popstars, traditional folk to techno-house, there’s something to suit every taste – and this year, with final performances, one-off reunion tours and debut performances, here are eight acts we don’t want to miss.
Sigur Ros (Friday)
With a career spanning more than 20 years, the Icelandic post-rock band return to Hong Kong with their alternate and experimental rock sound. With seven albums to draw materials from, some of the now three-piece band’s recent projects include a cover of The Rains of Castamere for HBO’s Game of Thrones series and extended exclusive album releases.
Image courtesy of Malin Johansson
José González (Saturday)
Shooting to fame with a cover of the hypnotic synth-pop single Heartbeats in 2003, González has been a firm fixture on the indie folk scene ever since. Renowned for his incredible live acoustic performances, see the Argentinian-Swedish artist perform his latest solo album and fan favourites.
Image courtesy of M.I.A
M.I.A. (Saturday)
Releasing her fifth studio album earlier this year, the British-Sri Lankan artist and activist is appearing in Hong Kong for the first time — and with rumours that AIM is her final album, it may be one of our last opportunities to see her live. Political, provocative and always high energy, this might genuinely be a once-in-a-lifetime performance.
…Huh? (Saturday)
This local band was a staple of the Hong Kong indie rock scene through the 1990s, and for one night only, they are back for a special Clockenflap performance. Performing favourite tracks from their five albums, this is a one-off event to relive the good old days.
Foals (Sunday)
Making their Hong Kong debut, the Oxford boy band has a cult-like status in the indie-rock scene. Performing at international festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella, we’re looking forward to hearing tracks from their critically-acclaimed 2015 album, What Went Down.
The Chemical Brothers (Sunday)
Twenty years and eight studio albums later, the big beat electronica duo is still going strong. No stranger to the festival scene, the British band unveiled a new single C-H-E-M-I-C-A-L earlier this month: we can't wait for their unmissable main stage performance.
Yuna (Saturday)
The Malaysian pop singer has collaborated with international stars like Pharrell Williams and Usher, and now she is making her Hong Kong debut. With folk and R&B influences, the stylish singer-songwriter has a soulful sound you have to hear to believe.
The Jolly Boys (Sunday)
How many bands can boast a 72-year history? Formed in 1945, The Jolly Boys Jamaican folk tracks have been the soundtrack to sunny afternoons for decades. Influencing both ska and reggae over the years, the current band lineup is the house band at GeeJam hotel in Port Antonio, and most recently embarked on their first international tour.
This post originally appeared on the website of our sister publication, Hong Kong Tatler.
The post 8 musical acts you have to see at Clockenflap 2016 appeared first on Home Journal.
