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SoftHard
40-something, cultural pioneers
SoftHard are demi-gods in the Hong Kong cultural landscape. But when you mention that they are heroes, they are surprisingly resistant to the idea. “We’re not heroes,” says Jan Lamb. “Heroes are people who sacrifice themselves for something, and we haven’t done that.”
“I’ve never heard anyone say “You’re a hero!” says Eric Kot. “Fans are fans; they’ll be thrilled at whatever you do. For me, it’s not like I’ll do what I do because I hear these things.”
Also known as Lambdawg and MC Kot (among other pseudonyms), SoftHard were once a double act on a radio game show, with Soft (Kot) being the one who helped the contestants and Hard (Lamb) being the one who tested their wits. The duo are yin and yang, extrovert and introvert, two forces fused together over years of dynamic collaboration.
From being the grandfathers of Canto rap in the 80s, to movies, design, magazine, fashion, stage, and radio – you name it, they’ve done it. They’ve appealed to generations of young people, creating trends, and picking up new followers all along the way. Just how have they kept it going for nearly 20 years?
“Nowadays people are faster paced; you have to understand the moment you look at it. So the exterior needs to be immediate,” explains Lamb. “You have to get their attention and immediately deliver the punch. We constantly do that still,” confirms Kot. This formula has gained the pair plenty of loyal followers; but it’s also helped to transform and push along the phases of Hong Kong pop culture. “I enjoy the opportunity to do new things to challenge myself,” says Kot. “Hong Kong is a great playground.”
On why it’s so difficult to raise up Hong Kong’s subculture from its moribund status, Kot reckons that it’s a case of room – both physically and mentally. “There’s no space, and the people are so traditional. People don’t want to try unfamiliar things… like, ‘Why are you guys making trouble again? Why should we help?’ If you go out at night, it’s like ‘What, are you in a gang?’ You want to play basketball, your mom’s like ‘Oh my god, where?’ There isn’t a lot of space. I don’t think you can rely on the government, because they’re too old fashioned. When they don’t care, we’ll find our own way to make things happen.” That’s the SoftHard way. Bourree Lam
| Sam Hui | Index | So Wa-wai |
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