From Hong Kong to Bristol: A Conversation on Sound, Culture, and Community
Written by Caspar Curtis-Mackenzie
Born and raised in Hong Kong and now based in Bristol, Ginoooo! is a selector, party organiser, and artist who’s building bridges between scenes through music and community. His guest mix for MNRCHY blends classics and deep house tracks with a tribute to local grooves. We caught up with him to talk about the scene that shaped him, his favourite late-night spots, and how music connects people across cities.
Tell me more about the mix and what it means to you.
I haven’t done a proper mix for some time because so much has been going on in my life lately. It felt great to mix some of my recent favourite sounds, and it’s very flattering that you invited me to “represent” Hong Kong, even though I am not sure if I am capable of carrying that name. I decided to mix some old Hong Kong pop boogie tracks alongside some classic tracks to make it fun.
How would you describe the “Hong Kong sound”?
This is a complicated question because our sound is very diverse, just like our people there. We have lots of communities with different sorts of music. In general, I'd say it’s intense and fast-paced. For instance, hardstyle, hard techno, and psy-trance are pretty popular in Hong Kong, but in contrast, you get this sentimental, dreamy, soulful, playful side that reflects deeply in our pop music, indie bands, and jazz. Our lyricists and musicians are incredibly poetic.
Ginoooo! Playing at CT in Hong Kong
How has the underground scene in Hong Kong changed lately?
The music business, whether underground or overground, is quite difficult in Hong Kong because we don’t really have enough patrons due to our size and cultural limitations. It has been hard to survive for small venues that want quality and bigger names, but want to keep the price reasonable.
Just like everywhere else, underground culture has been slowly becoming popular culture. People started to see these incredible places with quality, more serious music. It is also related to our political and economic situation; there is a slow shift in focus from a materialistic lifestyle to communities, entertainment, art, and experiences.
Which area or venue feels like the heart of it all right now?
I spent most of my time growing up on Hong Kong Island, so for me it will always be the Central Western District. My go-to venue for underground music is usually Mihn or OMA. However, I do see a trend of more and more people slowly shifting their party spots to Kowloon or the New Territories.
Who’s doing interesting stuff locally - DJs, collectives, parties?
Way too many of them! But first, I would like to shout out to the community that nurtured me, my second home in Hong Kong: Chez Trente, a hidden jazz bar on Peel Street in Soho. It’s a unique space because it is an international community where everyone lives their other side, which only appears at night. Now they are doing CT music fest, a 3-day family-friendly music festival, Nov 21–23, in Cheung Chau, featuring some of the best local bands and DJs, independent local film directors and workshops, and I would love everyone who is reading this to go.
Cantomania is reviving Canto songs; the parties are always dancey - shout-out to Pete. He is doing something incredible because it has helped people in Hong Kong regain a sense of identity.
Reach4luv organise parties for underground house music; they invited Fred P, Musclecars to play at one of the finest underground venues in HK.
Mong Hau Yuet Bui Faan, which means “Win” in Chinese. These guys are the real underground, playing in their studio with records, and they only organise small, intimate parties. Soul, Funk, Rare Grooves, Techno… everything you want, or don’t know you want.
There are way too many, and I won’t be able to mention them all, so the rest you gotta find out yourselves. Enjoy the exploration!
Ginoooo!’s debut set on Star Ferry in Hong Kong
What do outsiders usually get wrong about Hong Kong’s scene?
I don’t really know much about how outsiders think about Hong Kong’s music scene. Most of the communities are accessible. But one thing I realise after coming to the UK is that not many people know about the fantastic nature we have there. We actually have some of the best hikes and beaches within an hour of the city. It’s very magical!
Go-to late-night food spot?
I grew up in Sai Wan, so I usually head to Kennedy Town for that. I love Ho Ho Restaurant for their fried rice and curry sauce, their homemade dishes, and their great mango desserts - hit the spot every time!
There is also Sun Hing in Kennedy Town, the perfect dim sum spot after 2 am if you want some local flavours.
The other place is Tenju, an izakaya opened by the legendary techno DJ, shoutout to Frankie. I was never there for food, but when their small bites come out, I can never stop eating.
Last one is the Fishball cart outside Knutsford Terrace - this is one of the IYKYK places. Their siu mai with curry sauce is heavenly when you are drunk as hell at 4am.
Live Jazz at Salon 10 in Hong Kong
Is there quite a big afterparty scene in Hong Kong, or is it more of a sensible cut-off?
Comparatively sensible. Places like Berlin, you can party for 3 days nonstop if you want to, but for people in Hong Kong, it’s usually 5am max, and we’d go for McDonald's breakfast before getting home. To overshare a little bit, the night I stayed up longest in HK is actually playing Mahjong with my uni friends until 11 am the next day, instead of partying.
Favourite non-party spot that inspires you.
Tai Ping Shan Street. I think they got the 7th coolest district street in 2022. And Tai Hang. Both are great districts with amazing local restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and speakeasy bars. Tai Ping Shan Street has more bookstores, antiques, and galleries. These are places I’d spend a whole afternoon at.
Lai Chi Kok and Shum Shui Po have great local stores and cafes too, if you know where to look. The people there inspire me a lot because they stick to a craft they love, and consistently produce quality - be it food, clothes, or drinks.
This is cheesy, but a slow hike to the Peak inspires me too, not only because of the majestic nature, but because I can see the whole city skyline. Hong Kong is the only major city in the world where you can see skyscrapers, the sea, and mountains all at once.
Are there differences between nightlife in the UK and Hong Kong?
Quite different. In HK, people are used to spending big; even students are used to paying for expensive drinks or going to a very mid club paying $200 HKD (~£20) for entrance. While in the UK, it’s more like “let’s go to a pub, drink a lot of beer, and get pissed.”
One thing I definitely felt was that the pace was much faster in HK. I’d check the time at 10 pm, and after a few drinks, it just magically became 5 am. While in the UK it feels slower and we usually call it at 1/2 am. I have no idea why.
Underground Jazz Group - Fountain De Chopin performing in Hong Kong
Are venues struggling to survive in Hong Kong right now?
Definitely. During COVID, everyone thought it would be fine after reopening. But it didn’t turn out that way. People are starting to go party in Shenzhen instead, or they’ve left the city.
I spent most of my adult years having my nightlife in Central, Lan Kwai Fong, and Peel Street. LKF has changed drastically, with fewer cool bars and clubs - now it’s mostly commercial. Peel Street is still great, but all the bars there are struggling because of changing spending patterns.
A lot of underground communities need locals to support them so they can keep doing what they do. There isn’t much profit for them, so if we want to enjoy music and have amazing people around us, just show up - buy a drink, go to the parties, connect. Just being there is massive support for our culture.
What’s next for you?
I’ve just moved to Bristol and I’m trying to start my career in experience design and event organising, hopefully helping out the music communities here. I’m connecting with more DJs who enjoy similar music as I do, maybe to organise something soon.
Someone’s in town for one night - where are you taking them?
Depends if it’s a date or just friends! I’d start with dinner at Dai Pai Dongs, probably Oi Man Shang. Then cocktails at The Savoury Project for their savoury Asian flavours. Afterwards, Peel Street to see my great friends from Honey Hot, then CT for some jazz, maybe Salon 10 for a boogie or Mihn if we’re feeling techno. Honestly, in Hong Kong, you never know where the night will end.
What’s the weirdest or most beautiful thing you’ve seen at a Hong Kong party recently?
The night before I left Hong Kong, my friends and I went to Ping Pong 129, a gorgeous gin parlour next to where I live. Frankie was playing some classic Cantonese tunes, and everyone was dancing and singing along. That was special - we were united in a way we hadn’t been for some time.
I also saw videos of Fabsab (Pete) playing for Cantomania. He started a trend where he and the crowd take off their clothes to “Tinted Windows” by Kaho Hung. That’s really weird and hilarious, but I haven’t seen it live yet.
Local DJs - Pete aka Fabsab (Left) and Gum (Right)
When you come back from a trip, what’s the first thing that reminds you you’re home?
Seeing Victoria Harbour again. The Star Ferry drifting, skyline lights, mountains, sea breeze, and that indescribable scent. Sometimes it’s the people - hearing those laughs and a good “屌 (Diu)!” - that remind me I’m home.
What song reminds you of Hong Kong?
Recently, I went to Cairo for a friend’s wedding. The DJ played a credit card advertisement song called “YUU” by George Lam, a cover of Billy Joel's “Uptown Girl.” It used to play in our supermarkets on repeat. It’s hilarious that we heard it in Egypt, and everyone from Hong Kong went mad while everyone else looked so confused.
A more serious answer would be “Take The 'A' Train” by Duke Ellington. It’s busy, full of swing and jazz. Hong Kong makes you buzz, sweat, and laugh - it’s a place that moves fast but never loses its soul.
do jeh (Thank you)
Ginoooo!’s story is a snapshot of a city in motion - a mix of nostalgia, energy, and identity that keeps evolving. His MNRCHY guest mix captures that pulse, bridging Hong Kong’s vibrant nightlife with his new home in Bristol.
Listen to the mix and shop the limited MNRCHY x Ginoooo! tee.
