Hong Kong rock band Nowhere Boys released the music video for their new single “Runaway” on YouTube this week, a rooftop-shot project that tested guitarist Ken’s nerves and served as the group’s final release under their longtime label, Universal Music (寰亞音樂). The song, written and produced entirely by the band, marks a turning point as the four-piece prepares to go independent.
The video, filmed atop a high-rise building, forced Ken to confront his fear of heights. Vocalist Van joked that the usually energetic guitarist stood frozen and obedient for the first time on stage. “He was so scared his face turned pale,” Van said. “It was hilarious to see him not move at all.”
“Runaway” is the band’s self-composed, self-written, and self-produced farewell to its label. Van, who penned the lyrics—a departure from the band’s usual reliance on lyricists Fisher or Oscar—explained the personal inspiration behind the track. “It’s about all the things I wanted to do since I was young but couldn’t because of my surroundings,” he said. “I imagined breaking free and going out into the world to do what I love.”
Van recalled friends questioning why he would hold a steady job and still pursue music. “A lot of discouraging words, even people trying to tear down my confidence,” he said. “I learned to find friends with the right energy and frequency, and to filter out negative energy.” He stressed that the song is not about abandoning family, but about inner liberation—breaking free from mental constraints and daring to move forward.
The band expressed deep gratitude toward their label. Van called everyone at Universal “family,” promising to invite former colleagues to future shows. Guitarist Ken noted the resources and dedication they experienced: “Every promotional project was stunning. The company had a lot of resources, but most importantly, there were people who took everything seriously.” Bassist Hansun said his most unforgettable memory was performing with idol Ekin Cheng in Singapore. “That was eye-opening, something I can tell my daughter about for generations,” he recalled.
As an independent act going forward, the band vows to continue creating and holding live shows. “Our mindset will change,” Van said. “We may not appear at award ceremonies, but we will keep releasing songs and putting on shows. We’ll do different kinds of concerts, like small campfire events, to stay close with fans.” He added that future work will be even more unhinged and boundary-pushing. “Expect us to become the wild, shirtless ‘Wandering Travelers’ again—the unrestrained Nowhere Boys.”
The departure signals a broader trend in Hong Kong’s indie music scene, where artists increasingly seek creative freedom outside major labels. For Nowhere Boys, the move is less a breakup and more a rebirth—one that begins on a rooftop, staring down fear, and stepping into the unknown.
