RubberBand
RubberBand is a four-member Cantopop band formed in Hong Kong in 2004, comprising lead vocalist Mau Hou-cheong (No. 6), guitarist Clement Fung Ting-ching, bassist Lee Siu-wai, and drummer Lai Man-wang.[1][2] Originally a five-piece ensemble that included a keyboardist, the group signed with the Gold Typhoon label in 2006 following activity in the local underground scene and has since released ten studio albums.[1][2] Known for fusing rock influences with Cantopop and incorporating socially and politically conscious themes in their lyrics, RubberBand has garnered recognition as one of Hong Kong's prominent bands, highlighted by their win for Best Group at the 2018 Ultimate Song Chart Awards for the track "See You Soon," which earned multiple accolades.[3][4] The band has faced controversies, including criticism for performing at events perceived as aligned with pro-Beijing interests and inclusion on lists of allegedly censored artists in Hong Kong public broadcasting due to their thematic content.[3][5] Despite such challenges, RubberBand maintains an active international touring presence, as evidenced by their world tour stops.[6]History
Formation and Early Career (2004–2006)
RubberBand was formed in 2004 in Hong Kong as a quintet consisting of lead vocalist Mau Hou-cheong (stage name No. 6 or 6號), guitarist Clement Fung Ting-ching (阿正 or Clem), bassist Lee Siu-wai (阿偉), drummer Lam Man-hung (泥鯭 or Laaiman), and keyboardist Yi-chim (藝琛). The members had previously performed in separate local bands before uniting, drawing from Hong Kong's indie and rock scenes to create a group focused on Cantopop with rock influences.[3] From 2004 to 2006, the band operated primarily in Hong Kong's underground music circuit, performing at small venues and building a grassroots following without commercial releases or widespread media exposure. This period emphasized live gigs and organic growth amid a competitive local scene dominated by established Cantopop acts. In 2006, RubberBand secured a recording contract with Gold Label (subsequently rebranded as Gold Typhoon), marking their transition from indie obscurity toward mainstream potential, though their official debut album would not arrive until 2008.[7][8]Breakthrough and Mainstream Success (2007–2013)
RubberBand achieved their breakthrough following their signing to the major label Gold Typhoon in 2006, facilitated by the recommendation of producer Mark Lui. This partnership enabled the band to transition from independent performances to professional production, culminating in the release of their debut studio album Apollo 18 on September 26, 2008.[3][9][10] The 15-track album, featuring a mix of rock-infused Cantopop elements, marked their entry into Hong Kong's competitive music market and received initial acclaim for its energetic sound and relatable themes.[2] Building on this foundation, the band released their second studio album Beaming on July 24, 2009, which expanded their catalog with 17 tracks including the notable single "Apollo" that resonated with local audiences through radio play and live performances.[11][12] Subsequent outputs included the live recording RubberBand Concert #1 in 2010, capturing their growing stage presence, and the studio album Connected later that year, followed by Dedicated To... in 2011 and Easy in 2012.[1] These releases under Gold Typhoon demonstrated sustained commercial viability, with consistent charting on Hong Kong music platforms and increasing concert attendance, establishing RubberBand as a staple in the Cantopop genre during this period.[13] By 2013, the band's mainstream traction was evident in their accumulation of regional accolades and label support, though they transitioned to ASIA LP that February amid evolving industry dynamics.[8] Their discography from this era reflected a maturation in songwriting and production, prioritizing original compositions over covers, which helped differentiate them from contemporaries reliant on mainstream trends.[2]Involvement in Social and Political Events (2014–2019)
During the 2014 Umbrella Movement, RubberBand publicly expressed support for pro-democracy protesters demanding genuine universal suffrage in Hong Kong elections, aligning with the movement's occupation of key districts from September to December.[5] The band's stance reflected their broader pattern of incorporating socially conscious themes into lyrics, critiquing issues like inequality and governance, though they faced prior criticism for performing at a July 1, 2013, concert perceived by activists as a government effort to divert youth from pro-democracy rallies on Hong Kong's handover anniversary.[14] In response to backlash over that event, the band donated their HK$72,000 fee to the Equal Share Movement, a nonprofit providing free meals to the homeless, framing it as a commitment to social welfare amid political tensions.[3] Throughout 2014–2019, RubberBand's music continued to feature politically charged content, contributing to their reputation as a band addressing Hong Kong's civil liberties and autonomy concerns, which later drew scrutiny from authorities.[15] In 2019, amid the anti-extradition bill protests that escalated into widespread demonstrations against perceived erosion of Hong Kong's judicial independence, the band re-released a revised version of their song "Sunrise" (日出), updating lyrics to explicitly criticize government handling of the unrest and echoing protester grievances over police tactics and Beijing's influence.[5] This release positioned them among artists whose work was interpreted as supportive of the movement's five demands, including an independent inquiry into police conduct, though the band avoided direct street-level participation documented in major reports.[15] Their involvement highlighted tensions between artistic expression and political pressures in Hong Kong, where pro-democracy leanings increasingly led to de facto censorship; by late 2019, RubberBand's tracks faced restrictions on state-affiliated platforms in mainland China alongside other musicians vocal on local autonomy.[16] Sources attributing their views to pro-democracy advocacy, such as post-2019 blacklisting reports, stem from public statements and song adaptations rather than organized protest roles, underscoring a cautious yet consistent critique via cultural output amid escalating Beijing oversight.[17]Recent Developments and Tours (2020–Present)
In December 2020, RubberBand released their ninth studio album, i, which explored themes of self-discovery and resilience amid isolation, incorporating a collaboration with a 13-piece Japanese big band for several tracks.[18][19] The album's title evoked both the English pronoun "I" and an exclamation of defiance, reflecting the band's independent status under their R flat label.[19] Following the COVID-19 disruptions, the band issued a live album, RubberBand Ciao 2021 (Live), in 2022, capturing performances from their ongoing concert series.[20] That year, they also contributed to the soundtrack for the Hong Kong film Table for Six (逆流大叔), featuring original compositions tied to the movie's narrative.[20] In 2023, RubberBand put out JUNTOS, their tenth studio album, emphasizing unity and collective experiences in its songwriting.[20] The band's international profile grew with the Ciao World Tour in 2023, marking their first extensive overseas run to Europe, North America, and Taipei after prior domestic focus.[21] Concerts drew significant attendance from Hong Kong emigrants, fostering communal nostalgia amid diaspora communities.[22] In 2025, RubberBand launched the A Night In World Tour, commencing October in London and Manchester, UK, before proceeding to North America and a Taipei stop on November 16 at Zepp New Taipei.[23][24] Each venue featured customized setlists and stage designs, with the UK shows attracting European fans.[25] Concurrently, they released singles like "搲撈HK" and prepared their eleventh studio album, KOMOREBI, amid ongoing production.[26][23] A Hong Kong leg remained unconfirmed as of late 2025.[27]Band Members
Current Members
RubberBand's current lineup, stable since the departure of keyboardist Kelvin Ngai Sum in the mid-2010s, consists of four core members who have performed together on recent tours including the 2025 "A Night In" world tour.[28][29]- Mau Hou-cheong (6號): Lead vocalist, responsible for the band's primary melodies and lyrics, with a career spanning from the band's formation in 2004.[30]
- Clement Fung Ting-ching (阿正): Lead guitarist, contributing to the band's rock and funk-infused sound through intricate riffs and arrangements since 2004.[2][31]
- Lee Siu-wai (阿偉): Bassist, providing foundational grooves and harmonies integral to RubberBand's rhythmic drive, a founding member from 2004.[30]
- Lai Man-wang (泥鯭): Drummer, delivering dynamic percussion that supports the band's live energy and tempo variations, also a founding member since 2004.[32][29]
Former Members
Keyboardist Kelvin Ngai Sum (Chinese: 藝琛; also known as Yee Cham), the band's founding instrumentalist, served as RubberBand's keyboard player from its formation in 2004 until his departure on October 10, 2010.[1][33] Ngai contributed to the band's early compositions and live performances during its underground phase and initial commercial releases, including the 2008 debut album Years.[34] His exit reduced the group from five to four members, with the band citing health complications arising from intense work pressure, including dual roles in performance and behind-the-scenes production, as the primary cause.[35][33] Following his departure, Ngai transitioned to music production, arrangement, composition, and musical direction for concerts, maintaining an active role in Hong Kong's industry without rejoining RubberBand.[33] No other members have left the band since, preserving its core lineup through subsequent albums and tours.[1]Musical Style and Themes
Genre and Influences
RubberBand's music is classified as Cantopop, a genre characterized by Cantonese-language pop songs that originated in Hong Kong during the 1970s and 1980s.[5] The band distinguishes itself within this framework by integrating rock elements, contributing to the emergence of Cantopop rock bands in the 2010s alongside groups like Mr. and Dear Jane.[36] This rock infusion is evident in their use of electric guitars, dynamic rhythms, and energetic arrangements, which set them apart from the ballad-heavy trends dominating much of contemporary Cantopop.[37] Beyond core Cantopop structures, RubberBand incorporates funk, soul, and jazz influences, creating a sophisticated sound with layered instrumentation and improvisational flair.[38][39] For instance, collaborations such as their 2024 performance with the Patrick Lui Jazz Orchestra highlight these jazz and big band integrations, blending them with rock-driven Cantopop melodies.[38] Their soulful undertones appear in groovy bass lines and emotive vocals, drawing from Western funk and soul traditions adapted to Cantonese lyrical delivery.[40] These influences reflect broader Cantopop evolutions, where Western rock, R&B, and jazz have shaped the genre since its inception, but RubberBand applies them to produce more complex compositions than typical pop ballads.[8] Critics have noted their style as a fusion that elevates everyday themes through musical depth, influencing subsequent Hong Kong bands in arrangement and genre-blending techniques.[41]Lyrical Content and Social Commentary
RubberBand's lyrics distinguish themselves within the Cantopop genre by emphasizing social and political critique over typical romantic narratives, often employing metaphors to address contemporary Hong Kong issues such as urban development, community marginalization, and political discontent.[3][5] For instance, their 2010 track "The World Cup in Streets" portrays the lives of Hong Kong's African diaspora, shedding light on ethnic minorities' integration challenges amid the city's multicultural fabric.[5] Similarly, "Zyu Lung Heoi Si Bin" (2012) targets the displacement caused by property redevelopment projects, specifically critiquing the threat to traditional wet markets from commercial expansion.[5] The band's engagement with political events intensified during periods of unrest, aligning their output with pro-democracy sentiments. In response to the 2014 Umbrella Movement, RubberBand contributed to a dedicated support song and performed covers of protest-associated tracks by artists like Tat Ming Pair and Beyond.[3] Their 2016 song "Sunrise" (日出時) was reissued in a revised form in 2019 to bolster the anti-extradition bill demonstrations, symbolizing hope and resistance against perceived erosions of autonomy.[5] Later works, such as an unreleased EP track from around 2014 punning on Cantonese terms for "weasel words" to lampoon governmental rhetoric, further illustrate their use of wordplay for subtle political satire.[3] More recent lyrics reflect evolving societal pressures, including emigration trends post-2020 National Security Law implementation. The 2022 single "Ciao" captures the bittersweet exodus of Hong Kong residents seeking opportunities abroad, mirroring widespread public disillusionment with local governance and freedoms.[5] This thematic consistency has positioned RubberBand as a voice for grassroots concerns, though their pointed commentary has occasionally sparked backlash from pro-establishment quarters.[3]Discography
Studio Albums
RubberBand's debut studio album, Apollo 18, was released in 2008 shortly after signing with Gold Label, marking their entry into the mainstream Cantopop scene.[3] The band's second album, Beaming, followed on July 24, 2009, under Gold Typhoon, featuring 17 tracks blending rock and pop elements.[11] Connected, their third studio release, came out on September 3, 2010, with 12 songs emphasizing thematic connectivity and colorful production.[42] The fourth album, Dedicated To..., arrived on March 18, 2011, as the first full-length effort by the reduced four-member lineup after the departure of keyboardist Joe Junior.[43] Easy, released August 8, 2012, comprised 11 tracks with a softer rock and acoustic focus, reflecting a more relaxed production style.[44] In 2014, Frank was issued, containing 11 songs that explored introspective and experimental Cantopop arrangements.[45] Later studio efforts include Hours in 2018 via R Flat Records, noted for its mature songwriting.[46] i, released November 23, 2020, continued the band's independent evolution post-label shifts.[18] The most recent studio album, JUNTOS, debuted on December 20, 2023, incorporating collaborative and thematic unity in its tracks.[47]| Title | Release Date | Label/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo 18 | 2008 | Gold Label debut |
| Beaming | July 24, 2009 | Gold Typhoon; 17 tracks |
| Connected | September 3, 2010 | Gold Typhoon; 12 tracks |
| Dedicated To... | March 18, 2011 | Fourth album; four-member era |
| Easy | August 8, 2012 | Soft rock focus; 11 tracks |
| Frank | 2014 | Experimental elements; 11 tracks |
| Hours | 2018 | R Flat; mature themes |
| i | November 23, 2020 | Independent release |
| JUNTOS | December 20, 2023 | Collaborative unity |