First published on ArtSlant.
Text by Robin Peckham.
Karaoke
Although the majority of Hong Kong artists shy away from karaoke as one of the many mass cultural practices their hipper-than-thou ethos bar them from enjoying, at times a special occasion arises. In the wake of two important openings last week during what should otherwise be a slow season, a crowd including a gallerist from Hong Kong, a curator from New York, a writer from Bushwick, an artist from Singapore, an educator from New Zealand, a researcher from Beijing, and, yes, even a local artist or two, hit up one of the city’s busiest karaoke spots in the heart of Mongkok. Although the company operating the lounge recently achieved a monopoly on Hong Kong karaoke leading to a decline in the quality of music available, the stage was nevertheless set for a collision of cultures. The unspoken rules consistently broken that night to much wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth:
1. Cantonese language tracks should predominate. You’re in Mongkok.
2. Do not hog the song selection screen. Your taste is neither the alpha nor the omega.
3. If you choose a song, sing it, and earnestly. This is not a club.
4. Do not interrupt those singing earnestly. No stand-up comedy unless it’s your term.
5. Indoor smoking is illegal, but the ashtray is next to the door.
Neway
Mongkok Centre Phase 1 Floors 4-5, 65 Argyle Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel. +852-2383-3381