In the daytime, Asia embraces a true hustle culture; by night, we let our hair down and erupt in a magnificent energy to good crowds and good music. In Tune With meets the electric DJs and music makers who bring their beat to Hong Kong and Asia, to feel their pulse and uncover why they entered the frenetic nightlife industry.

Berlin-based DJ and producer Supergloss brought her acid-washed techno beats to Hong Kong's Soho House on Jan. 11, 2025, as she kicked off the first leg of her Asian tour.

Hot on the heels of her set at Oil in Shenzhen, she captivated crowds at Soho House with her hypnotic, full-throttle set, performing alongside Taste of Blue, Gargoyle Girlfriend, and Yueming.

Supergloss is a name that lingers in one’s mind long after the night has been called and the glitter smudged techno rangers have trudged on home, relying solely on vibes to find their front door.

With her knack for crafting highly danceable tracks that seamlessly bridge the gap between the nostalgia of the past with forward-thinking beats, Supergloss brings a glamorous sheen to the techno world that can only be described as effortless, both in the underground scene and on the global stage.

Born in Germany and now a rising force in the global techno scene, Supergloss made her DJ debut in Berlin in 2021 and hasn’t looked back. Playing a roster of prestigious venues, such as Intercell Indoor 2024 in Amsterdam, Berlin’s iconic Boiler Room, and the hallowed decks of Berghain, she’s already making an indelible mark.

Supergloss’ music is all about layering —a journey that can be traced back to her classical piano training aged five. Her style has evolved from Hyperpop to Hip Hop, ultimately finding her groove in techno after settling in Berlin.

Her sound combines timeless techno influences of the 90s and 00s with fresh, feminine energy, creating tracks that shimmer with feel-good nostalgia.

The Beat Asia caught up with Supergloss ahead of her set at Soho House to chat about her first impressions playing in Asia, her take on the region’s electronic music scene and what sparks her creativity when making music.

Is it your first time in Hong Kong? How do you feel about coming here?

It is my first time here! I am really excited to explore the city and of course the nightlife. Combining travel and playing shows is my favorite part and I am very thankful I get this opportunity to come from so far away and show my music to you.

How long have you been working in this industry?

The first club show I played was in 2021 in Berlin, so already four years ago. Time flies when you're doing what you love. For the past two years, I have been able to do DJing and producing as my main profession and fully focus on music.

I love your name Supergloss. How did you come up with it?

Thank you! The name was born after a fun night out when I kept teasing my friends by applying my lip gloss too often. I am a known gloss-addict in my friend group, so the name was my instinctive first choice when an alias was needed for me.

What got you started as a DJ and what do you love the most about it?

When I first started off, I never had the intention of starting a career. My best friend taught me how to mix and use the decks, and my curiosity and interest for music grew from there. I think that’s the most important part. Music is an endless resource, and I love to take it all in. Combined with the culture behind techno music, its roots and the clubs and festivals showcasing it – it’s a deep dive. I never get tired of this industry. There’s always something to discuss, ideas around how to take part in this scene, and people to connect with.

How would you describe your style of music?

To be honest, I prefer when other people describe my sound - because as the artist you never know how people interpret your style.

Speaking about my track selection, I usually go for Trance and Acid Music and glue it together with some classical Techno elements. Electronic music is really diverse and for me it’s too boring to stick to only one genre. So, I keep exploring new corners and niches and include them into my sets whenever I feel that it fits.

Can you tell us more about your creative process and how you curate your mixes?

Everyone has their own way of preparing their sets or approaching their productions. For me it works best when I wake up in the morning and feel hungry for music. It’s an intuitive feeling and I start to feel ideas spreading and a vision coming to life. I try to imagine being part of the crowd and visualize the dancefloor at exactly the set time and translate this into my preparation.

Which artists have had the greatest influence on your music?

Even though I was born in 1998 my strongest musical influences come from the 90s. Discovering artists like Laurent Garnier, Planetary Assault Systems, Thomas P.Heckmann or even Megamind and Cores was eye opening. I like bold, euphoric, melodic music with a strong bass line, it tickles something in brain that I try to recreate.

What has been your best experience so far in your DJ career?

After four years playing sets, I need to say that I appreciate the whole journey as one. It’s very hard to pick a favorite. Of course, there’s been sets that feel magical because everything seems right in this moment, like my shows at K41 in Ukraine, Fusion Festival or in Radion in Amsterdam. But the best experience is always seeing people enjoy the moment.

When I focus on single faces, and I see how they light up with the music, that's what makes it most special. In that moment, performing takes on a new meaning.

What do you make of the scene here? Are there any Asian DJs or artists that have caught your attention?

From my first tour in Asia one year ago I got the impression that the scene here is very open minded. Much more than in Europe. The crowd is following the journey of the DJ and letting themselves go. I loved to see that. Opening DJs often played strange and interesting music, which I really appreciated. It’s a good sign when a “fresh” scene is not scared to try out crazy things.

Of course, there’s a lot of DJs who I like who have origins in Asia. To name a few: DJ Maria, Shanda, Marcus L, DJ86, DJ Aya, Hadone, Polygonia, Ennio, Chippy Nonstop, Animistic Beliefs, Hiroko Yamamura and many more!

Are there any dream venues you want to play in Asia?

The festival scene in Asia is really appealing to me. I’d like to discover some warehouse raves as well. I’m always happy to come here! I’ll see what the atmosphere will feel like and adapt my set to it. But of course, I brought my favorite tracks with me that are always uplifting, weird, and happy!

What’s next for you? Are there any other dates in Asia where we can catch you playing?

My tour contains some solo shows and also sets with my new project “Escape On Tape” with Omon Breaker. We travelled together here and will come to Oil in Shenzhen, Abyss in Shanghai and I’ll continue to Faust in Seoul and Tokyo and Osaka. Pretty exciting!

On the 17th of January, I also [celebrated] my first solo release so be ready to hear some new material from the EP🩷

You can listen to Supergloss' latest EP Space Office here, and stay tuned on Instagram @superglosss.

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous In Tune With profiles here.

Ka Yan Tam is most well-known as a food illustrator. However, loyal followers know that the artist, who’s also known as Kai, follows many creative pursuits. She is a model, dancer, art student, and overall multi-hyphenate. Speaking to her makes it clear that she’s not ready to pigeonhole herself or her talents.

“One day, I hope to start my own creative agency in order to provide stability for creators in Asia. Maybe I’ll even become a rapper. Who knows what [creative] form I’ll take?” she quipped.

Today, Kai is most prominently known as the artist behind the Everyday Toast project; here, she illustrates different toasts she’s encountered in her travels. Her works are posted on her website, as well as on her Instagram account, under the username Nomkakaii. Her Instagram account currently has over 300,000 followers, further underscoring the popularity of her work.

“I think people find it genuinely humorous when I tell them I specialize in drawing [that],” she laughed. Since its inception, Kai has drawn over 400 toasts, each inspired by different eateries around the world. She’s immortalized the Hong Kong-style French Toast from Liu’s Café and Dominique Ansel's New York Avocado Toast, to name a few.

“I chose toast as a subject because I thought that I wouldn’t run out of ideas to draw. It was also due to a bit of homesickness since I was adjusting to Los Angeles after transferring universities [at the time],” she shared.

Having studied in Hong Kong, Kai also reveals that her favorite childhood snack was the city’s style of French Toast. Unique to Hong Kong, the city's variant is often deep-fried, filled with peanut butter, and topped with a slice of butter and syrup (or condensed milk).

“It reminds me of childhood because it was a treat that I would sometimes get when I visited my dad at work after school,” she reminisced.

The Everyday Toast project was also Kai’s attempt at connecting with F&B professionals. “F&B is genuinely one of the toughest business industries out there, and people really do it out of passion,” she acknowledged. “I try to visit as many cafes as I can while looking for toasts to draw and enjoy. I hope to share a small gift of gratitude through illustration to encourage them to keep going. Sometimes encouragement from a stranger can go a long way.”

Kai has also illustrated for Hong Kong’s Bakehouse and the Vivienne Westwood Café. “It’s really important to genuinely have a connection with people and brands before you work with them so that you can be your authentic self and be respected as that,” she shared.

And though Kai is mostly associated with food, she’s also been known to incorporate her love into clothes. Her collection with Japanese bakeries, Fujibagel and Anise Scone, birthed an adorable tote bag that quickly became one of the artist’s favorites.

“I think my collaboration with them became very successful because we really tried our best to understand each other beyond language and cultural differences; we also supported each other to achieve our own goals,” she mused.

A graduating student at the University of Southern California, Kai shares that for 2025, she has plenty of such goals. She’s already applied to graduate school as an art history student. She’ll also be heading to Tokyo this February to join her first risograph group exhibition.

“I’m also looking to publish a book on toast soon and figuring out how to have an exhibition in Los Angeles,” she added. “I have a growing list of things I want to do as I experience life, and it’s just figuring out which ones will happen first.”

Being so deeply involved in the creative industry has thereby taught Kai how to differentiate boundaries. Not only does she separate her art between “work” and “personal,” but she also reflects on “inward” versus “outward” creativity.

“‘Inward’ creativity I see as something more reflective for personal growth, creating things that make me think critically about myself in relation to the world around me. On the other hand, ‘outward’ creativity is working with others and expanding ideas, looking outwards for inspiration,” she explained.

This kind of creativity is particularly obvious when Kai switches from one hat to another. As an artist, she has the ability to create her own world or portray her views as she sees them. But as a model, she becomes part of someone else’s world.

“It’s fun to see myself in the way that the photographer or director sees me, because it reveals a different side of myself,” she added.

But whether facing outwards or inwards, it’s obvious that Kai’s worldview is incredibly broad. Not only do her many interests keep her curious, but her travels, friends, and outgoing personality continue to fuel her fire. “I’ve learned so much about myself and about the world because of experiences that helped me grow into the person I am. No one is going to have the same experience on earth [as you do] and I think that’s really cool,” she pointed out. “The best attitude to have about life is to be curious.”

This philosophy has allowed Kai to meet many friends, most of whom she bonded with through common interests. “I just go to places that I’m naturally drawn to. If there’s an artist I like, I’ll go to their exhibition,” she said matter-of-factly. “Literally, I met my best friend Liz because of an art exhibition two years ago at Gallery Nucleus in Los Angeles.”

One of her collaborators, Little Thunder, actually started out as her idol, eventually evolving to become a close friend. “I first went to [Little Thunder’s] exhibition back in 2018, and then met her on my 18th birthday at her fansign event,” Kai recalled. “I think there are just people you just know are going to be important in your life and she’s one of them. She was one of the first people to call me by my chosen name ‘Kai,’ and later on, also recognized my art, too.” The two have now released an illustration diary together entitled "Thunder 'N' Sea."

As Kai continues to create and advocate for artists, it may come as a surprise to learn that she doesn’t believe in creative blocks. “I believe that burnout exists but not necessarily creative block. During those moments, I try to find balance in life again before creating. Taking care of yourself internally and physically matters a lot more than anything,” Kai shared.

See more of Kai's work on Instagram

Round and round we go, round and round we go!

The ‘Squid Game’ hype has taken over the world — and Hong Kong — after season 2 dropped last December 2024. With the show still all the rage everywhere, local fashion brand KYUBI has collaborated with ‘Squid Game’ for an exclusive pop-up event at the Airside Mall in Kai Tak.

From Jan. 10 to Feb. 5, 2025, ‘Squid Game’ fans in Hong Kong can enjoy and relive many of their favorite scenes from the popular Netflix show with six unique and Instagrammable installations, exclusive products, and more.

What to See at the Squid Game x KYUBI Pop-Up

Just by the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a four-meter-tall Young-hee, the doll figure that the show is known for. Inside, fans can enjoy a close-up experience of some of the show’s iconic settings like the staircases, as well as see a human-sized replica of the 3D mask worn by the Front Man, a giant piggy bank hanging from the ceiling filled with KRW45.6 billion.

There are more Young-hees inside the pop-up store, by the way. There’s even one that shows the inner wiring and gears.

‘Squid Game’ x KYUBI Merchandise

KYUBI is a rising brand in Hong Kong’s fashion scene, encapsulating the city’s dynamic spirit with their fusion of trends, culture, and entertainment. The name takes inspiration from the Japanese mythical creature, the nine-tailed fox.

As part of the brand’s collaboration with ‘Squid Game,’ the store is spread out with miniature versions of the brand’s characters, Kyu and Kyubi Bear, in both the Front Man’s clothes and soldier uniforms.

KYUBI’s collaboration has apparel and accessories patterned after the popular Netflix show, with three t-shirts featuring the Front Man and Young-hee. They also have a Front Man-themed hoodie that’s perfect for the season.

If you’re not big on graphic tees, KYUBI has two pairs of socks (black and pink) and a Kyubi soldier purse to add to your fit.

There are also collectible figures in-store, with Kyu and Kyubi dressed as the Pink Soldiers and complete with the Square and Triangle masks.

You really shouldn’t miss out on this pop-up! Go check them out while they’re still there!

For more info and updates, visit KYUBI’s Facebook and Instagram pages! Should you wish to pre-order some merch, you can visit their website here.

Location: Airside Mall, G015, G/F, Airside, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM

Mark your calendars! Indo Warehouse, a New York-based, South Asian music collective and record label, is set to bring its hypnotic dance beats to SOHO House Hong Kong for one night only, on Jan. 17, 2025.

Presented by Collective Minds Asia, this exclusive event promises a night of percussion, ethereal vocals and intoxicating beats that will transport you straight to the heart of the underground music scene.

Spearheaded by Kahani and Kunal Merchant, Indo Warehouse has carved out a unique niche with their self-coined genre, “Indo House” — a fusion of South Asian tradition and electronic futurism with house and techno rhythms.

The collective has made waves internationally, playing at top venues across North America, London, and ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event). Now, they’re making their Hong Kong debut, bringing their distinct sound to SOHO House’s stylish, intimate setting.

Expect a sonic journey of pulsating basslines and cultural storytelling woven into every beat. Whether you're a dedicated house music fan or just looking for a unique cultural experience, this night will be one to remember.

Tickets are in high demand and will be extremely limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this electrifying debut. Pre-sale Registration is open now until Jan. 5, 2025, 11:59 PM. Pre-sale tickets are exclusively for registered guests, starting on Jan. 6 from 12 PM, while General Sales tickets will come out on Jan. 7, 12 PM, until they are sold out. You can register for presale now on their Instagram.

Location: Soho House, 33 Des Voeux Rd West, Sheung Wan

For more information on ticketing, visit Collective Minds Asia on their website, or visit their Instagram and Facebook.

Veteran local soul-punk band An Id Signal (意色樓), comprised of core members of the indie Hong Kong collective Un.Tomorrow, have forged a distinct identity in the city's underground music scene.

Since they took to the stage and released their album “Known Strangers” in 2006 via Chisel My Records, the band can be found lurking in industrial buildings and jamming in factory warehouses and underground parties.

Jump to 2024, and the four-piece band has electrified the vivid Clockenflap stage in early December, with their uproarious live performance that had eager concertgoers surfing the crowds.

Combining a visceral mix of raw, post-hardcore sound with unbridled lyricism and tortured emotionality, their music transcends genre boundaries and is imbued with a distinct local sensibility. Their inspirations span Cantonese music of the '90s and '00s, Japanese legends like Envy, Downy, and Boris, and iconic acts such as The Cure and Deftones.

The Beat Asia caught up with vocalist Ah Lai to dive into the band’s creative process, their loyal fanbase, and their excitement about performing at Clockenflap 2024.

What's the meaning behind your name An Id Signal?

When we first started jamming, there was a conscious will to not be limited by genre trappings. One day our original bassist, Wai Ting, came up with the idea to describe our aspirations with the word “Id,” meaning the personality that we were born with.

The Id is the most primal part of the human, driven by innate desires – hunger, anger, libido – and we extended this to the name “An Id Signal” – signifying human’s most primal signal.

For our Chinese name, the Chinese words “意識” (which directly translates to consciousness) and “色” (color) came to mind, but we felt they were too abstract, and we wanted our music to be contained in a substantial thing. Therefore, we added the word “樓” (directly translating to building). We leave it to the audience to find clues in our music.

What is your approach to songwriting and creative process?

We start with a jam, try to remember what we played, then jam again and record it. This is our loop, and it takes time – even 10 minutes is precious in this fast-paced city. We really don't have a particular process in making music, we just pay close attention to our own emotions and the changes in society, and try to turn the issues we observe, our stances and imagination into our music.

What has had the biggest influences on your music so far?

Our biggest musical stimulant is the spontaneous sounds coming from each band member, and the passion for performing live. Outside of music, we also draw a lot of inspiration from 90s Hong Kong cinema.

How did you feel about your experience performing at Clockenflap as a local band?

After COVID-19, many huge gatherings have disappeared, and it’s obvious Clockenflap has become a well-attended music festival. We wanted to deliver our message to a fresh audience that wished to hear alternative music, and we hope our fans will be drawn to attend smaller, independent shows of ours in the future.

What’s your connection like with the local music community?

We think that audiences have matured and have higher expectations, which is a good thing. In terms of creating music, I think local musicians have already achieved a certain level of skill, but we have too few spaces to play our music live. Bands who put in a lot of time tend to move out [of Hong Kong]. I hope more Hong Kong bands can be a part of the international scene – whether these are mainstream or indie bands. The most important thing is that our audience in Hong Kong supports An Id Signal and keeps the scene vibrant.

What do you make of your audience in Hong Kong, especially those drawn to your style of music?

We feel a deep gratitude toward our audience, and we want to give each of them a warm embrace. During our live shows, I feel like they are part of us, as if we are building a unique scene together. Memories with our audience, like sweating and dancing with them in a small room – is an important source of inspiration for us.

What can fans look forward to with your upcoming music?

We hope to keep building our band within the budding Asian music scene and continue to collaborate with cutting-edge artists to grow space for diverse expression, so we can nurture new sounds and styles.

Also, we are set to release our third album in 2025, titled “The Path Where Grief and Joy Intersect” via UN.TOMORROW, our label. We are still looking for a suitable venue for this show, so if our readers have any ideas, please let us know.

For more information, visit An Id Signal on their linktree, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.