Described as “generation-defining” by NME, Taiwanese indie rockers No Party For Cao Dong are set to be one of this year’s must-sees. Regarded by fans as the voice for a pessimistic generation of Taiwanese youth, the band surpassed singer-songwriter Jay Chou for most nominations during the 28th Golden Melody Awards, and dethroned Mandopop institution Mayday to win Best Band in the same run.
Having released their highly anticipated sophomore album The Clod 瓦合 in 2023, their appearance at Clockenflap marks their first performance in Hong Kong since 2018. A big hit at Clockenflap in 2017, J-pop mavericks Wednesday Campanella will perform their energetic live show with new lead singer Utaha at the festival for the first time, Taiwan-based Hong Kong duo Running Youth make their Clockenflap debut with their distinctive blend of electronica and dreamy indie-pop, while Taipei-born, New York-based R&B chanteuse 9m88 returns to Clockenflap for the first time since her memorable set in 2018. And talented Chinese singer-songwriter Leah Dou makes a triumphant return to the Clockenflap stage to play the festival for the first time since 2015.
So Hot Right Now
Showcasing artists that are riding the crest of a wave or set to explode is coded into Clockenflap’s DNA, and fans can look forward to seeing a succession of acts that are ready to ignite the global zeitgeist. American singer-songwriter Caroline Polachek has turned heads with her critically acclaimed 2023 album Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, and U.S. teen sensation D4vd is another hot talent who’s been making waves this year. High-energy Japanese girl group Atarashii Gakko! are destined to be one of the festival’s most-talked-about acts, while other highlights include American singer-songwriter Alex G, Chinese singer/rapper Lexie Liu, Welsh multi-instrumentalist Novo Amor and Canadian rapper singer and songwriter BBNO$.
Indie Trailblazers
Clockenflap has an unrivalled reputation for bringing the world’s top indie acts to Hong Kong, and this year is no different. Loved by critics and fans alike, IDLES are set to bring their ferocious live show to Central Harbourfront, as are fellow British post-punkers Squid. They’ll be joined by acclaimed U.K. alternative-indie band PREP, Yorkshire rockers Yard Act and Canadian singer-songwriter Andy Shauf.
