HKSkoods

HKSkoods is an independent record label and music collective based in Hong Kong. Founded in 2016 by audio engineer and producer Alex Tan, the label was originally formed to provide a platform for experimental electronic and hip‑hop artists emerging from the local club scene. The name “HKSkoods” is a portmanteau of “Hong Kong” and “Sko” (short for “scoring”), reflecting the founders’ focus on innovative sound design.

Throughout the 2010s, HKSkoods released a series of EPs and compilations that highlighted collaborations between local DJs, rappers and producers. The label gained recognition for its blend of gritty urban lyricism with polished production techniques, positioning itself as a bridge between underground music culture and mainstream audiences. In 2019 the collective signed its first artist outside of Hong Kong, a Berlin-based collective named NeonEcho, marking its expansion into the European market. The label’s roster currently includes approximately twenty artists spanning genres such as trap, techno, and lo‑fi hip‑hop.

HKSkoods operates under an open‑source license model for its independent releases, offering remix rights to fans and musicians worldwide. The label also runs a monthly podcast series, “Sko Sessions,” which features live interviews and deep‑cut tracks from its artists. Merchandise and event promotion are handled through an online storefront and a partnership with the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.

Despite its relatively small size, HKSkoods is noted for its commitment to artistic freedom, transparent royalty distribution, and community outreach programs aimed at music education in Hong Kong’s public schools. As of 2024, the label continues to cultivate emerging talent and remains a significant force within the region’s independent music scene.