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Songs of freedom: eight new protest songs from Hong Kong bands
- During times of protest, music can serve as a uniting and rallying force, and sometimes becomes a focal point
- From rap to metal to punk, local groups are expressing their feelings about the unrest
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In times of hardship, music is a binding and uplifting force.
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Songs inspired by politics can help spread a message or simply vent rage. The current Hong Kong demonstrations, which were sparked by the now scrapped extradition bill, have used music in a way that shows the unity of protesters.
While protesters were quick to adopt and repurpose existing anthems – such as the 1970s Hong Kong classic Below the Lion Rock – a number of local bands have been composing original songs and recording music videos that express their feelings about the unrest.
Local rap outfit LMF are the most high-profile group to have done so, recently dropping their song 2019, which employs acerbic lyrics to point the finger at local authorities and the current state of affairs.
However, it has been largely the heavier bands that have thrown their weight and creativity behind the cause. Last week, a group of musicians from punk and hardcore bands released a protest song under the moniker One Voice HK. It contains lyrics such as “One voice for those who stand alone/ One voice to stand up for our home/ The cost for change is never free/ It’s up to you, it’s up to me” over a recording of a crowd shouting “gaa yau” (add oil).
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