Meet the Organisers: Magic Room x Spin Sum For the Love of Hong Kong 1-Day House Music Festival
This Saturday, October 19th, Hong Kong's iconic harbourfront will come alive to the sound of music as two of the city's most prominent event organisers, Magic Room and Spin Sum, join forces for an unprecedented collaboration. As we eagerly anticipate this groundbreaking event, we sat down with Leon (FR) from Magic Room and Willer from Spin Sum to get the inside scoop on what promises to be an unforgettable day and night celebrating the musical culture of Hong Kong.
The Origin Stories
Both Magic Room and Spin Sum have become integral parts of Hong Kong's electronic music scene, each with its unique journey and vision.
Magic Room's Leon (FR) shares, "[I] met Remy [Kerstens, DJ name Mo-Shi] in 2008 and have been [visiting] Hong Kong since 2013. After an experience of 5 years at Apple, I came back to HK after travelling the world seeking an exciting and meaningful journey. I always wanted to create something around my passion [music], but also having the right person to do it [with] too. And that person is Remy with whom we started the journey 4 years ago of Magic Room, Nodes Rec., and our upcoming recording studio in partnership with Soho House."
Spin Sum's Willer recounts, "Spin Sum started in 2018 with the desire to bring quality electronic artists to Hong Kong. We quickly saw that we were filling an unmet need as the events seemed to be immediately popular. When we managed to book Damian Lazarus, we felt vindicated. During the COVID years, we were lucky to be able to operate, and shifted our brand to the colourful, daytime event that has now become our signature."
The Collaboration: Why Now?
When asked about the timing of this collaboration, both organisers expressed a shared vision for Hong Kong's cultural resurgence.
Leon emphasises, "We felt it was time after a year of getting back on track post-covid, it was time to send a strong message to the city and Asia that Hong Kong is pushing back."
Willer adds, "It is now because Hong Kong is at a moment which I believe is defining. We have come through some major challenges, and now on the return to former glories. Music has a unique role in this, in making people feel good about their home, and that's why coming together now makes a difference (I hope)."
What to Expect
This 1-day festival promises to be a unique experience, blending the strengths of both brands.
Leon highlights, "It's the first time that 2 major actors of the city are teaming up to share their love for the city and the music. It's a unique event, 2 stages melting local and international talented music producers and DJs. A great platform for locals to have exposure."
Willer shares his excitement, particularly about one of the headliners: "On the Spin Sum stage, I'm so excited that Awen will headline for us. She is an incredible artist that left her job at a law firm in Hong Kong, to pursue her dream. She played at one of the earliest Spin Sum events, and in the meantime has literally blown up, with multiple huge hit records, and performances at Coachella and so many other great festivals. It's her first major performance back in the city, and I think it's going to be special."
The Hong Kong Connection
Both organisers expressed their deep connection to Hong Kong and its influence on their work.
Leon reflects, "The history and the legacy of what Hong Kong is, we get inspired a lot for Magic Room and Nodes Rec. on many different aspects. From one of the biggest ports of the world to the unique connection between east and west, Hong Kong [has] a lot to share and inspire."
Willer adds, "It is a city with endless energy, a work hard play hard atmosphere that brings a diverse international mix of people. It has genuine DNA in music, and electronic music, and that is not recognised enough."
Looking to the Future
As they prepare for this monumental event, both Leon and Willer have exciting plans on the horizon.
Leon reveals, "We are finishing our new album that will be out End/Beginning of 2025, and also opening our Recording studio in collaboration with Soho house."
Willer shares, "For the past 2 years I've been building a technology platform, Kyozo, designed to help people maximise and explore their creativity. We are rolling out a range of exciting communities at the moment, so I guess keep an eye out!"
For the Love of Hong Kong
As we wrap up, both organisers leave us with powerful messages about their passion and commitment to Hong Kong's music scene.
Leon shares, "In everything we do, we always have Hong Kong at heart. Doing that for the music and culture for the city is what I am looking for, to send a great message that Hong Kong is also a city where culture is happening."
Willer concludes with a personal note, "I quit a corporate job 6 years ago to pursue my passion for music and the creative industries. Hasn't been all smooth sailing but I've never looked back."
‘For The Love of Hong Kong’ this Saturday, October 19th, promises to be a landmark event in Hong Kong's cultural calendar. This collaboration celebrates the city's resilience, creativity, and vibrant cultural landscape through the universal language of music. This is one party you don’t want to miss, so secure your tickets now via Zicket.co and we’ll see you at the foot of the Hong Kong Observation Wheel this Saturday!