Memorandum for the next round of Cantonese song prosperity

In 2010, the Ultimate Song Award went to RubberBand's "Simple Love Song," which sang of "complex love" but yearned for "love as a simple truth." In 2021, eleven years later, the Ultimate Song Award was once again in RubberBand's hands. Their song "Ciao" captured the collective emotions of facing the times, expressing that all one can do is "hold dear" and "promise to meet again."

Donning headphones and listening to pop songs, one enters a space of resonance, expressing emotions that are hard to articulate. Growing up, some "learned not to be alone," while others discovered that one can have fun even alone. When facing difficulties, some frankly admit they are "not fearless," while others helplessly ask if others "truly understand me." When separation becomes a topic, some choose to "say goodbye in pain," while others' first words are "cannot leave."

Over the past decade or so, society has undergone various changes. After a period of decline, Hong Kong's pop music scene has ushered in a new century – we listen to Cantonese songs, support Hong Kong singers, buy albums, attend concerts, and eagerly follow the results of award ceremonies. These things, which were once mere fantasies of music fans just a few years ago, have now become the daily practice for many.

Before the next golden age of Cantonese songs, this serves as a record of how the Hong Kong music scene after 2010 endured its days to reach this moment where many once again embrace Cantonese songs and Hong Kong singers – starting from the social background, from big entertainers to niche singers, from songwriters to singer-songwriters, from fighting the pandemic to chasing stars, this serves as a memorandum.