From: South Korea
Genre: Hip-hop, experimental, alternative K-pop 
When: Sunday, March 5, 2023, 8.15pm 
Where: Park Stage, Central Harbourfront

Founded in 2017, Balming Tiger is a South Korean independent collective composed of 11 multifaceted men in their early 20s to 40s, and members who grew up in South Korea, the US and Mexico.

Their popularity spiked recently after they featured BTS’ RM in their song Sexy Nukim, but they have been gaining attention for a while. Balming Tiger describes itself as a “multinational alternative K-pop group”, and they have been turning the K-pop genre upside down with their unique visual identity and playful tracks such as Kolo Kolo and Trust Yourself.  Make sure not to miss them on Sunday.

From: France
Genre: Nu jazz, electronic, French house
When: Saturday, March 4, 2023, 7.30pm
Where: Harbourflap Stage, Central Harbourfront

It’s no surprise that French multi-instrumentalist, singer and musician FKJ (French Kiwi Juice), who has previously performed at Coachella and Lollapalooza in 2019 and was one of the first names to be announced for Clockenflap 2023. Described by many as a “pioneer” for his mix of soul, jazz, folk and experimental beats, FKJ garnered international attention after collaborating with Jamaican American musician Masego on the hypnotic and fully improvised Tadow in 2017. 

As his recognition grew, he continued with his experimentations, as seen in his songs Ylang Ylang and A Moment of Mystery, with the latter featuring American singer Toro y Moi. In June 2022, he released his third album, Vincent, which we can expect to enjoy on Saturday night. 

From: Japan
Genre: Bedroom pop, post-punk, indie
When: Saturday, March 4, 2023, 5.45pm 
Where: Park Stage, Central Harbourfront

Very pop and playful, Japanese girl band Chai has been making (sparkling) waves for a while now with their albums, Pink (2018), Punk (2019) and Wink (2021). Since the beginning, band members Mana, Kana, Yuuki and Yuna have been preaching self-love, playfulness and electrifying feminine energy through their music’s neo-kawaii (“new cute”) ethos.

With energetic numbers such as hyper-pop Hi Hi Baby, to bedroom pop Donuts Mind If I Do and post-punk This is Chai, the talented quartet will have you dancing all through their set on Saturday.

From: California, the United States
Genre: Indie, funk, soul
When: Saturday, March 4, 2023, 8pm
Where: FWD Stage, Central Harbourfront

Chinese American singer and songwriter Cameron Lew describes his musical style as “aggressive elevator soul” and draws inspiration from modern funk and soul groups including Vulfpeck and Toro y Moi, as well as from vintage Japanese pop visuals.

We’re looking forward to seeing Lew rock a retro-style suit and his signature aviator glasses while belting out popular tunes such as Loretta, Le Château and Over The Hill alongside his touring bandmates Matt Carney on drums and Dylan Hovis on bass.

From: Thailand
Genre: R&B, soul
When: Saturday, March, 4, 2023, 4.30pm
Where: FWD Stage, Central Harbourfront

Have You Been Shrimp? No, that’s not a typo on our part, that’s the full name of the Thai indie-pop duo HYBS, whose members James Alyn Wee and Karn Kasidej Hongladaromp will charm you with their laidback melodies, relatable lyrics and soothing vibes. 

Since their debut single Ride in 2021, the two friends have become fan favourites in Southeast Asia and beyond. And in 2022, their first album Making Steaks reaffirmed their place in the indie music scene.  

From: Bergen, Norway
Genre: Indie, folk
When: Saturday, March 4, 2023, 5.45pm
Where: Harbourflap Stage, Central Harbourfront

Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe are the duo behind indie-folk band Kings of Convenience, a name that reflects their simplistic yet rich acoustic style that blends instrumentals and harmonies. 

For their performance in Hong Kong we can expect a mix of hits that will hopefully include Misread, Mrs. Cold and Catholic Country.

From: Jamaica/France
Genre: Dancehall, reggae
When: Sunday, March 5, 2023, 6pm
Where: Electriq Stage, Central harbourfront

Known as the first female dance hall DJ, Sister Nancy honed her skill in the 1970s and has since established herself as a dominant voice in the genre. 

Her best-known single, Bam Bam, has been considered a classic reggae anthem since the 1980s, and here’s hoping she’ll have the Clockenflap crowd dancing to it on Sunday!

From: Sheffield, the UK
Genre: Rock
When: Friday, March 3, 2023, 9pm
Where: Harbourflap Stage, Central Harbourfront

This is the first time the Arctic Monkeys will be playing in Hong Kong, and with seven albums and seven Brit Awards under their belt, it’s been a long time coming. The group formed in 2002 and played a key role in setting the tone for the UK’s indie rock scene in the mid-to-late noughties.

By combining energetic riffs and memorable melodies with poetic lyrics, the group has successfully penned instant classics across multiple albums. In addition to tunes from their newest, The Car (2022), we’re hoping they play When The Sun Goes Down, I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, 505, R U Mine? and Do I Wanna Know? come Friday.

From: New York, the United States
Genre: Rap, hip-hop
When: Sunday, March 5, 2023, 10.15pm
Where: Harbourflap Stage, Central Harbourfront

The 1990s legends Wu Tang Clan, which was announced in the second round of the line-up, will be wrapping up Clockenflap 2023 on Sunday night.

With their reputation firmly cemented in the hip-hop hall of fame, and a repertoire of bumping tracks including the likes of C.R.E.A.M, Wu Tang, Back in the Game and many more, it’ll be a fitting and energetic end to the three-day festival.

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