Uniting Global Music in the Heart of Hong Kong
Jack White's Spectacular Hong Kong Debut
During the closing performance on the Harborflap Stage, Jack White made a grand entrance and delivered a set that spanned his illustrious career. Pulling from his three No. 1 Billboard 200 albums - Blunderbuss, Lazaretto, and Boarding House Reach - he left the fans in awe. The rocker's rendition of The Raconteurs' "Steady, As She Goes" was a throwback that had the crowd erupting. This track, penned by White and Brendan Benson, peaked at No. 54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Alternative Airplay chart in 2006. Jack White's performance was nothing short of spectacular, marking a significant moment in Hong Kong's music scene.His energy and stage presence were palpable, and the fans were left craving for more. It was a night to remember as Jack White showcased his musical prowess and left an indelible mark on the festival.
Creepy Nuts' Anticipated Japanese Hip-Hop Performance
On Friday night, the Hang Seng Stage witnessed the highly anticipated performance of Creepy Nuts. This Japanese hip-hop unit, consisting of R-shitei (R-rated) and DJ Matsunaga, brought a fresh and frenzied energy to the stage. R-shitei is the first MC in J-rap history to win the country's top MC battle competition UMB Grand Championship three times consecutively. DJ Matsunaga, on the other hand, won the world's largest DJ competition DMC World DJ Championships in 2019 and performed at the closing ceremony of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.Their rapid-fire raps had the crowd on their feet, and their viral hit "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" was an undeniable highlight. Featured in season two of the anime Mashle: Magic and Muscles, the track reached number one on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and held the record for 14 weeks at the top. It also topped the Billboard Japan Streaming Songs, Hot Animation, and Download Songs charts for the year. Their latest single, "Otonoke," added another high point, reaching number one on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and World Digital Song Sales charts.
AIR's Ethereal Soundscapes on the Harborflap Stage
Framed by the twinkling lights of Hong Kong's skyline, AIR's set on the Harborflap Stage was an unforgettable experience. The iconic French electronic duo performed fan favorites like the hauntingly beautiful "Highschool Lover" from their acclaimed The Virgin Suicides score. Released in 2000, the soundtrack earned critical acclaim and reached No. 161 on the Billboard 200. They also treated the audience to tracks like the sultry "Sexy Boy" and the lush "La femme d'argent" from their landmark 1998 debut, Moon Safari.AIR's music created an atmosphere that was both enchanting and captivating. The duo's ability to transport the audience to another world with their sound was truly remarkable, making this a performance that will be etched in the memories of the festival-goers.
Central Cee's Gritty Drill Performance
As one of the U.K.'s hottest drill artists, Central Cee brought the grittiness of tracks like "Doja" and "Sprinter" to Clockenflap. His performance turned the tropical night into his own lyrical playground, representing a new generation of global artists that refuse to be confined by geographic boundaries. With peaks of No. 19 and No. 10 on the Billboard Global 200, respectively, he showcased his talent and left a lasting impression on the festival.Central Cee's energy and passion were evident in every beat, and his music resonated with the audience. He proved that drill music can transcend borders and connect with people from all walks of life.
Glass Animals' Record-Breaking "Heat Waves"
Glass Animals' "Heat Waves" cascaded across the musical landscape, drawing a large crowd as they showcased their record-breaking Billboard Hot 100 performance. The track holds the record for the longest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, with an unprecedented 91-week run. Its journey to the top was remarkable, taking 59 weeks to reach No. 1, the longest climb to the summit in Hot 100 history.Glass Animals' performance was a visual and auditory delight, with their music captivating the audience from start to finish. The energy on stage was infectious, and the crowd couldn't help but be swept away by the magic of "Heat Waves."
Jamie xx's Vibrant Set on the Hang Seng Stage
English EDM icon Jamie xx closed the Hang Seng Stage on Clockenflap's final night with a vibrant set featuring tracks from his acclaimed album In Colour. The album debuted at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Dance/Electronic Albums chart. It sold 19,000 copies in its first week in the U.S. and spent an impressive 70 weeks on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart.Jamie kicked off his set with "Wanna" and "Treat Each Other Right," blending fan favorites with fresh material. Highlights included "Gosh," which peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, and "Obvs," alongside newer tracks like "Falling Together" and "All You Children." Deep cuts such as "Breather" and "Life" added depth to the performance, while "Loud Places" delivered a euphoric moment for the audience. The set concluded with "Team Closing," leaving the crowd on a high and wrapping up the weekend with an uplifting finale.
Porter Robinson's Journey Through Sound
On the Hang Seng Stage, Porter Robinson took the audience on a journey through sound. With "Shelter," his collaboration with Madeon that peaked at No. 16 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, and the introspective "Blossom" that reached No. 46 on the same chart, he wove together emotion and euphoria. As one of Billboard's 21 Under 21 list in 2011, Porter Robinson showcased his evolution as an artist, including tracks from his latest album Smile! which debuted at No. 10 on Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart this year.His performance was a testament to his creativity and musical talent, leaving the audience in a state of awe. Porter Robinson's ability to connect with the crowd on a deep level was truly remarkable.
St. Vincent's Genre-Defying Performance
St. Vincent once again delivered a genre-defying performance that featured fan favorites like "Cheerleader" and "New York" alongside new tracks from her latest album All Born Screaming, such as "Flea" and "Big Time Nothing". Her crowd dive was a highlight, embodying the energy and unpredictability that define her artistry. Her latest album, All Born Screaming, debuted at No. 86 on the Billboard 200 and No. 13 on the Independent Albums chart. The record has also received four Grammy nominations, including one for Best Alternative Music Album.St. Vincent's performance was a visual and auditory spectacle, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music. Her unique style and stage presence left the audience in awe and inspired them to embrace the diversity of musical expression.
Local and Regional Acts: Adding Flavor to the Weekend
Local and regional acts added an extra layer of flavor to the weekend. Japanese vocalist yama turned heads on the Park Stage by Martell with her performance of "Haru wo Tsugeru", a track that peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. Her soulful voice carried across the harbor, captivating the audience. Japanese girl group Sakurazaka46 lit up the Harborflap Stage with their synchronized choreography for "Nobody's Fault", a debut single that topped both the Oricon Singles Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot 100, selling over 408,000 copies in its first week.Australian DJ Partiboi69 also brought the party with his unique mix of ghetto house, Miami bass, electro, Detroit techno, and '90s rave sounds. His energetic transitions and unexpected track choices had attendees on their feet, adding a playful twist to the festival's evening. Local act Robot Presents Spider Gubbins also added a touch of fun to the festival, performing from an inflatable Bowser shell.
Whether it was the sharp-edged hip-hop of Japan's Creepy Nuts, the gritty drill beats of the U.K.'s Central Cee, or the ethereal electronic soundscapes of France's AIR, the festival was a showcase of how diverse musical traditions can intersect on a single stage. It celebrated the shared language of music in the heart of Hong Kong.
Early bird tickets for Clockenflap 2025 are available here.