Hong Kong-based electronic outfit Blood Wine or Honey — multi-instrumentalist/vocalist James Banbury (synths, bass, cello), Shane Aspegren (drums, synths, electronics), and Joseph von Hess (saxophone, wind instruments, percussion, etc) — champion a gloriously eclectic musical ethos.
After dropping their 2017 jam “Anxious Party People” (Plastic Pagan), they caused a stir on global dance floors. The trio channeled their anything-goes creativity into their recently released debut album, Fear & Celebration (Do Right Music), which incorporates styles including Afrobeat, soul and electro.
With so many genres of music influencing their percussion-driven sound, we asked the HK-based threesome to share some of their favorite spots to buy music.
Paul’s Records – Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
This tiny shop (in what’s essentially an apartment) has the deepest secondhand vinyl collection in Hong Kong. Suitably located in the “electronics/ fabric/everything” market area of Sham Shui Po, Paul’s place is equally crammed from floor-to-ceiling in a seemingly unorganized manner. Curiously, Paul (whose story of coming to Hong Kong as a Vietnamese refugee is equally fascinating) knows exactly where everything is located within the stacks and is always happy to point you in the right direction. If you’re lucky, he’ll extend the invitation to dig through his warehouse of a mythological number of records.
White Noise – Kowloon, Hong Kong
Without a doubt Hong Kong’s foremost record shop, with a superbly eclectic range of music on offer from the latest releases to obscure classics; house, techno, disco, funk, soul, rock, indie, jazz, hip-hop, experimental, noise and the rest—all set out in owner Gary’s well-appointed first floor premises over in Prince Edward, Kowloon. Packed-out racks of vinyl predominate, but alongside there’s a very healthy selection of CDs, DVDs and other merchandise, making this store a must-visit whether you’re a serious digger or a casual listener, a local music fan or an out-of-towner.
HK 2nd Hand Vinyl Records, Hong Kong
Certainly not only second-hand stuff, Hong Kong 2nd Hand Vinyl Records in Kwun Tong Industrial City has a great selection of new European and Japanese noise and experimental electronic releases. Recently moved to bigger premises, they also run the underground venue space SAAL in Kwun Tong.
Choice Cuts Goods – Singapore
With a great selection of hip hop, left field electronic and nu-jazz, and a side order of high quality coffee and craft beers, Choice Cuts Goods is a friendly place to hang out and pick up the latest underground releases. They often have DJs in on the weekend such as the local Darker Than Wax crew.
ZudRangMa Records – Bangkok, Thailand
Run by our friend Nat (a.k.a. Maft Sai of the legendary Paradise Bangkok DJs and now band), this shop/record label is likely the best place in the world to find rare Molam, Luk Thung and other lost vinyl treasures from around Asia and specifically Thailand. The record shop is located seconds away from its sister bar/venue Studio Lam, which is an equally wonderful place to spend an evening discovering good music in Bangkok.