It’s just over a week until the Sónar Musical festival arrives at the Hong Kong Science Park, and while we ran down the full lineup for you last month, and gave you a sneak peek at Sónar’s in-festival technology-focused conference Sónar+D, we figured it was about time to help you sort through the myriad choices that will be competing for your attention.
Without further ado here’s a guide the artists we here at Coconuts HK think you should check out.
Floating Points
Floating Points (aka Sam Shepherd) is no ordinary performer. He is a DJ, producer and neuroscientist — we’ve checked this, he does have a PhD in neuroscience and epigenetics from University College London. Floating Points is known to get people on the dancefloor for his complex and progressive electronic compositions, that combine house, techno, jazz, soul, and classical music.
Where: SonarClub – Indoors
When: 9:15pm-10:25pm
Ms Banks
If you enjoyed Stormzy at Clockenflap last year, then you will love fellow South London MC Ms Banks, who is one of the biggest names in grime right now. Known for her catchy hooks and lyrical prowess with songs like OMG, Vibez and Bangs, the rapper cites Ms Dynamite, Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj — who quoted one of her lyrics in a tweet once — as influences. And in case you missed it, her BBC Fire in the Booth freestyle rap challenge from 2016 is one of the best things you will see today.
Where: SonarLab – Indoors
When: 9:30pm-10pm
Mouse on the Keys
Japanese trio Mouse on Keys — made up of two pianists and one drummer — are known for their unique take on electronic music that blends jazz, funk and post-rock. The group are also known for their visually exciting onstage performances, where they project a variety of images to match their sound. This can include views of Tokyo, geometric symbols, 3D objects and abstractions. Who knows what they might transform the Sónar Hong Kong stage into.
Where: SonarVillage – Outdoors
When: 5:30pm-6:15pm
Laurent Garnier
Sónar Barcelona favorite Laurent Garnier is one of the most influential DJ/producers of all time, known for his ability to electrify crowds with his danceable sound. The French DJ, who is also known as Choice, started DJ’ing in the UK during the early 80s, and has a broad stylistic range that encompasses deep house, Detroit Techno, trance and jazz.
Where: SonarClub – Indoors
When: Sunday Mar. 18, 12am-3am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SFD7fz8fWc
Tzusing
Malaysian-born DJ and producer Tzusing has been a mainstay of the club scenes in Shanghai and Taiwan. Combining a wave of Asian influences with electronica, techno, off-kilter rhythms, industrial sounds and pop, Tzusing’s music has been described as playful, subversive and infectious. Last year, he released his debut LP Invisible East, which explores Asian folk music tropes, and delves into themes such as power, obsession, sexuality, and identity.
Where: SonarClub – Indoors
When: 4:35pm-5:35pm
The Black Madonna
The Black Madonna is no stranger to Sónar having closed the 2017 Sónar festival in Barcelona in front of a crowd of 15,000 people, and she was also named Mixmag’s DJ of the year in 2016. Known for her infectious energy and dynamic vinyl sets that span disco and techno,The Black Madonna is bound to get you on your feet and dancing.
Where: SonarClub – Indoors
When: 10:30pm-11:55pm
Keys N Krates
It’s been a good start of 2018 for Keys N Krates; the Toronto-based hip hop electronic trio released their debut album Cura in February, and they are set to go on a world tour that spans the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, and Hungary.
Where: SonarVillage – Outdoors
When: 6:45pm-7:45m
Squarepusher
Squarepusher by name and by nature. Incorporating everything from breakbeat, jazz and drum’n’bass to experimental sounds from custom-made equipment, Squarepusher (aka Tom Jenkinson) has been described as one of the few people who have truly stretched the boundaries of electronic music. The word ‘innovator’ is overused, but this man is the real deal.
Where: SonarVillage – Outdoors
When: 9:45pm-10:45pm
What: Sónar Hong Kong
When: Saturday, March 17
Where: Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories
Price: HK$180 for Sónar+D only, HK$880 for full program, Valentines offer Sónar passes for HK$699 each for a limited period only, HK$3,168 for full program passes for groups of four people
