I put out notice to musos to call in plans, ideas and tips for 2010, and the response was overwhelming. Here are the highlights.
King Ly Chee frontman Riz Farooqi promises a “return to roots” in 2010, “to play simple, direct and pissed-off music with lyrical content that doesn’t need deciphering.” They’ll be back fresh from a Mainland tour over the holiday period, with their first Hong Kong date set for Friday 15, supporting hardcore visitors from the US, First Blood. Riz points to The Lovesong, Shepherds the Weak, Supper Moment and Live Fast Die as bands to follow in the New Year.

The Lovesong are also eyeing up the Mainland, so 2010 could be the year that Hong Kong bands repay Beijingers for exporting their rockingest outfits over the last couple of years. Ben and Nic Tse got in touch to say they’re ready to record but they’re keen to find the right producer for their sound. Nic lists Chochukmo, My Little Airport and King Ly Chee as worth a nod in 2010.

Good Fellas look set to continue along the road they travelled in 2009, with infectious grooves, high-energy delivery and the constant will to party. They want to play festivals and are looking for novel experiences such as playing a “guerrilla gig in the middle of Causeway Bay,” guitarist Po Kei tells me. These fellas are also looking to gig north of the border.

Interesting things are in store for followers of eclectic pop experimentalist Dr Eggs, aka Joul. He will be bringing out two CDs, he tells me. Unfortunately though, we might not see too much of this French creative force, as he’s got ambitious touring plans that will take him to Oz, Morocco, and France. So if you can catch him in the early part of the year – go for it.

Metal merchants Qiu Hong have got an EP in the pipeline with a wad of new songs they’ve already started road-testing. The winners of last year’s Global Battle of Bands flag highlight King Ly Chee and Chochukmo as bands to watch out for in the coming year.
Also watch out for singer-songwriters Joveline, aka Joves. She’s writing new material and plans to work with “special guest musicians,” though she didn’t give any names away.

Good Fellas play Underground 91 at the Melting Pot on Sat 9.