By Arthur Tam
August saw the debut of PROJECT AFTER 6: The Buskers on Thursdays during 12:45pm-1:45pm, with tenants from Taikoo Place and Cityplaza showcasing their musical talents at 1/F Dorset House and Lincoln House Linkbridge. Moving on to September, let's meet the performers who will busk at G/F, One Island East:
Performance date: 7 September
Brian Lo, Benny Lam and Roy Chung
Act name: Whitebase
Company: Darty Asia Limited (Lo, at Berkshire House), Leigh & Orange Ltd. (Lam, at Dorset House), Facebook Hong Kong (Chung, at One Island East)
Music style: Rock and punk
What to expect: Besides covers, the trio will perform some of their original rock songs
Why did you decide to participate in this PROJECT AFTER 6 programme?
Since a few of us work close to one another in Taikoo Place, we thought, why not give it a shot and try something interesting.
What do you think about Hong Kong's music scene?
There are more musicians writing and putting out their own songs now, which is a good sign.
Emily Wu
Act name: C+ Junction
Company: Swire Properties Limited at One Island East
Music style: Chinese pop, Bossa Nova
What to expect: A group of four divas performing a medley of western and cantopop.
Why did you decide to participate in this PROJECT AFTER 6 programe?
My lovely, talented friends seize every opportunity to perform and share the joy of music with everyone. This busking programme is a great opportunity to reach out to the working professionals!
When did you start busking?
In 2015, I busked for the first time at Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier. My friend and I got “reminders” from a security guard, who told us to move somewhere legitimate for outdoor performances.
Performance date: 14 September
Anson Yeung
Company: MSIG Insurance at Cityplaza One
Music style: Cantopop
What to expect: Slow jams and power ballads
Why did you decide to participate in this PROJECT AFTER 6 programme?
I love music and believe it can heal, inspire and lift people’s spirits.
When did you start busking?
I do not have any experience, but I had once been offered a ten-year contract as a singer by a medium size entertainment company but gave it up for a variety of reasons, primarily financial.
Bryant Kam (not pictured)
Company: Wong Tung & Partners Limited at Cityplaza Three
Music style: Cantopop
What to expect: Powerful vocals. Kam is the winner of the TVB International Chinese New Talent Singing Championship.
Why did you decide to participate in this PROJECT AFTER 6 programme?
I just found it interesting. I’ve never done busking before.
What's your favourite genre of music?
Cantopop, and my favourite singer is Eason Chan.
Simon Leung
Performing as: Yinsiu
Company: Aedas Limited at One Island East
Music style: Cantopop
What to expect: Strong vocals and power ballads
Why did you decide to participate in this PROJECT AFTER 6 programme?
This will be my first busking performance. Busking has always been on my bucket list, however the lack of resources, time and motivation have been the reasons I put it aside. But after looking at the this PROJECT AFTER 6 programme, I felt like I didn't have any excuses left.
What's your favourite genre of music?
Cantopop. I'm obsessed with Denise Ho (aka HOCC). Play any of her songs, and in one second, I'll tell you the name. I also admire Jacky Cheung.
Leroy Yue
Act name: PikaPage
Company: PikaPage Limited at Dorset House
Music style: Simon & Garfunkel meets Japanese soft rock
What to expect: Solo act performing a mix of the oldies
Why did you decide to participate in this PROJECT AFTER 6 programe?
I thought if I got in, it is one thing off the list of things to do before you die. The only times I've ever performed were a few times in high school concerts, but that was 35 years ago. After that, I sang at my wedding
What do you want to achieve through your performance?
I want to bring back some good memories for the older folks in Taikoo Place by performing the oldies.
Performance date: 21 September
Arthur Tam
Act name: AV
Company: Cedar Hong Kong at Cambridge House
Music style: Soul, jazz and Cantopop
What to expect: With partner Vincy, the duo will perform soulful classics like A Song For You and Feeling Good
Why did you decide to participate in this PROJECT AFTER 6 programme?
I'm a vocalist, and my friend Vincy is a talented singer-songwriter and pianist, so I thought it would be a good idea to team up to see if we’d pass the audition process. We both love performing and wanted to take advantage of this opportunity.
When did you start busking?
Last year, I busked a few times with my friends, but it wasn't long before the police came and made us leave.
Jessica Lau
Act name: JKV
Company: BNP Paribas at PCCW Tower
Music style: Cantopop with an emphasis on ballads
What to expect: A trio performing an updated arrangement of classic Hong Kong pop ballads
Why did you decide to participate in this PROJECT AFTER 6 programme?
It is a coincidence that I decided to participate not long after my very first busking experience. After getting bogged down by a tonne of work, I’m thankful to my partners, Kit and Vi, for supporting me and bringing me back to life with music.
What do you think about Hong Kong’s music industry?
My favourite music is Hong Kong pop music. People doubt the development of Hong Kong pop music, but I will keep supporting the scene, writing songs and performing.
Check out the interview with August's buskers and event details of PROJECT AFTER 6: The Buskers.