The relationships between major labels, independent labels and bands are complex. Independents can be owned by major labels, indie bands can be signed to major labels, or independent labels can depend on major labels for distribution and scouting. In some cases, independent structures of production and distribution differ very little from the mainstream music industry.

In this talk, Stella Lau, former Programme Director in Performing Arts at HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education, explores some of the musical, social and economic relationships that underpin independent labels and indie music around the world.

Looking at examples from the US and Britain, Stella Lau discusses whether independent artists who become popular in the mainstream pop scene can still be labelled “indie”, and the difference between the terms “indie” and “alternative” used in music journalism.

Date:
21 May 2019 (Tuesday)

Time:
7:30pm–9:00pm

Venue:
Seminar Hall, 2/F, Xiqu Centre

Speaker:
Stella Lau

Language:
Cantonese

Fee:
Free admission. Limited capacity on a first come, first served basis. Please register online in advance.

REGISTER NOW

Enquiries:
Ms Chan (852) 2200 0812, learning@wkcda.hk

Accessibility Services:
Cantonese audio description and Hong Kong sign language interpretation are available upon request with at least 14 days’ advance notice. Wheelchair accessible seats and companion seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Please request with at least 4 days’ advance notice.

Adverse Weather Arrangements:
The talk will be cancelled if a black rainstorm warning or a typhoon signal no. 8 or above is in force at/after 3:30pm on the day of the event.

About Speaker:

Stella Lau

Stella Lau, former Programme Director in Performing Arts at HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education, completed her Ph.D. at the Institute of Popular Music, University of Liverpool. She received two major scholarships awarded by EMI Music Sound Foundation and the University of Liverpool Graduates’ Association (Hong Kong). A monograph based on her doctoral research on electronic dance music culture, Popular Music in Evangelical Youth Culture, was published by Routledge (New York). Recently, she has been invited to co-write a book chapter on Hong Kong popular music for Routledge: Made in Hong Kong: World Popular Music Series. Stella Lau has also published her autobiography in Chinese.