Hong Kong’s dynamic music scene is currently being energized by two distinctive emerging artists: Tr33, a singer-songwriter celebrated for his emotive melodies, and PetPetShawn, a Hip-hop artist known for his gritty, socially conscious lyrics. Both are capitalizing on recent successes by announcing significant solo events in early January 2025, underscoring the vibrant future of the city’s contemporary music landscape.
Tr33, a 22-year-old talent who began his career busking on the streets in 2020, has become a breakout star largely due to his hit single, “The Capsized Boat” (《沉船仔》). The track’s compelling melody and heartfelt sincerity have garnered over 1.3 million views on YouTube and earned public praise from veteran Cantopop star Hins Cheung, who even featured Tr33 as a guest performer at one of his concerts. Further cementing his mainstream appeal, Tr33 recently collaborated with Eric Kot’s virtual stage character, “Brother Bo,” for a cover of the song, which was released as a limited-edition vinyl, “TAKARA DAKARA – THE LEGEND VINYL.”
The young artist’s creative influence extends beyond Hong Kong. His songwriting capabilities received regional recognition when he granted permission for parts of his work, “Do You Know You Look Better Than the Sunset?” (《你知道你比晚霞好看嗎》), to be used in the new version of Taiwanese singer Chen Hua’s viral hit, “Summer Sequel” (《夏日續章》).
Riding this wave of momentum, Tr33 will host his first-ever personal fan meeting on January 2, 2025. Dedicated to his loyal fanbase, affectionately known as “Koalas” (小樹熊), the event will feature live performances of his representative hits, including “The Capsized Boat,” and will debut new, unreleased material. The event promises close interaction with fans, who will also receive a commemorative thermos mug.
Meanwhile, Hip-hop artist PetPetShawn is renowned for his grounded approach, using personal growth experiences to articulate themes of working-class life and urban pressures in Hong Kong. His style, characterized by relatable lyrics and a strong individual voice, culminated in the impactful track “Growing Up Here,” which vividly captures the genuine challenges and intense compression of city life experienced by young people.
PetPetShawn is set to host his “Immortal” (《鉅世無遺》) EP Release Game Party on January 3, 2025. This event doubles as a performance and the official launch of his new EP, which centers around three songs tightly focused on the themes of “time, place, and people” reflecting Hong Kong’s ongoing socio-cultural shifts. The EP delves into specific facets of the city’s evolution: “Three Deuces” explores his experiences in his local community and high school during adolescence; “Night Walker” examines the transformation and gradual fading of Temple Street, transitioning from a common person’s night market; and “Against the Current” offers a reflective critique of the absurdities and realities of Hong Kong society during the recent pandemic years. These releases by Tr33 and PetPetShawn highlight the depth and diversity within Hong Kong’s emerging music generation, offering both soulful reflection and sharp social commentary.
