Clockenflap, Hong Kong's biggest international outdoor music and arts festival, has a massive lineup drop today for its next event, giving fans their first taste of what they can expect to see at Central Harbourfront from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 December 2023. Following on from its sold-out three-day show in March 2023, the 13th edition of the festival will feature a forward-thinking lineup showcasing a truly distinctive and diverse array of artists. From internationally acclaimed acts to regional and local gems, this lineup promises an unparalleled experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The festival lineup includes Britpop legends and Saturday night headliners PULP, Japanese rising superstar and Sunday headliner Joji, J-pop superduo and Friday headliners Yoasobi, American singer-songwriter Caroline Polachek, and U.K. post-punk heroes IDLES.
Showcasing the full, world-class festival experience that music fans in the city have come to know and love, December’s edition of Clockenflap will feature a spectacular outdoor environment featuring multiple stages, a tempting array of irresistible F&B outlets, and an eclectic lineup of must-see international, regional and local acts.
Star Power
Some of music’s biggest names are set to grace the festival this year, including Jarvis Cocker-fronted Britpop icons PULP, who will be headlining on Saturday; Australian-Japanese singer-songwriter, rapper and YouTube trailblazer Joji, who will be headlining on Sunday with a performance that will also be the last show of his Pandemonium world tour; and Yoasobi, the Japanese chart-toppers composed of producer Ayase and singer-songwriter Ikura, who will be headlining on Friday.
Best of Asia
The festival’s commitment to showcasing the region’s leading lights continues with a roster of acts that have helped put Asia on the musical map. Formed in Hebei in 1996, alternative rockers Omnipotent Youth Society are one of the most influential bands in the history of Chinese rock. This rare opportunity for fans in Hong Kong to see the band live is going to be made even more special as they are playing back-to-back with seminal Chinese punk band The Fly, with the lead singer and guitarist of Omnipotent Youth Society guesting with The Fly as they celebrate their 30th anniversary. 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.
Music For Connoisseurs
Fans searching for something new or looking to satisfy their music geek tendencies will be spoiled for choice at the December 2023 edition of Clockenflap. China’s post-rock standard bearers Wang Wen and U.S. post-rock veterans Caspian will be demonstrating why they’re considered masters of the genre. Beijing-based post-punk duo Gong Gong Gong are sure to win legions of new fans with their distinctive stripped-back sound, as will Japanese punk band Otoboke Beaver. And lovers of Japanese rock won’t want to miss the enduring envy, who have been hugely influential in the country’s post-hardcore, screamo and post-rock scenes for more than 30 years.
Electrifying Electronica
As ever, Clockenflap will have an eclectic lineup of DJs and top electronic acts that are guaranteed to get the dancefloor rocking and your feet moving. Legendary DJ/producer and former Underworld member Darren Emerson makes his long-awaited Clockenflap debut, while Australian electro-house hellraisers Peking Duk return to the festival for the first time since 2018. Other highlights include UK champions of bass-drenched slammers Deekline & Ed Solo, Berlin-based DJ/producer and owner of the 803 Crystal Grooves label Cinthie and Hong Kong-based classical and jazz violinist turned DJ/producer Xiaolin.
Festival Favourites
Some acts are just made for festivals, with an uncanny ability to create magical moments that unite the crowd, and Clockenflap wouldn’t be Clockenflap without a few of those on the lineup. Tearaway troubadours Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls will be on hand to serve up their distinctive blend of indie, punk and folk, multi-award winning Korean traditional music group ADG7 are jetting in to deliver their unique fusion of folk and offbeat pop, and British-Taiwanese musician/producer Kamaal Williams will be blurring the boundaries between jazz, hip-hop, R&B and EDM.
Hong Kong Heroes
Showcasing the depth and breadth of the local indie scene, the festival welcomes cerebral local hip-hop collective Yack Studio for their debut live performance at the festival. Featuring members from both Hong Kong and Taiwan, Science Noodles capture the essence of old-school lo-fi with their dreamy songs and catchy hooks. Other local acts playing the festival this year include producer DJ duo JVSY and dynamic composer/ Singer-Songwriter/ Music Producer Subyub Lee.
Ticketing Details
Tickets are available now, priced HK$1,990 for three-day weekend tickets and HK$1,280 for single-day tickets. Children aged under three years old can attend the festival for free (pre-registration for children aged under three is not required). Children aged between three and 17 years old require their own ticket, which are priced HK$1,580 for three-day weekend tickets and HK$880 for single-day tickets.
Tickets can be purchased exclusively at www.ticketflap.com/clockenflapdec2023