Bad Times Records store & vintage shop set to open in Hong Kong

Hong Kong party series Bad Times Disco is expanding its horizons by launching a physical shop called Bad Times Records, which will remain open for five months.

At Bad Times Records, the focus will be on offering a carefully curated collection of secondhand records, primarily featuring rare Asian groove records and electronic music from the 90s to the 2010s.

In addition to its music selection, it will also showcase curated secondhand and vintage garments from its sister brand, No ThrillSSS, and locally-made beverages from Hong Kong.

The store aims to serve as a hub for workshops, events, and gatherings, fostering a dynamic and engaging music community space.

"It’s going to be a unique record shop in Hong Kong because Hong Kong currently does not have any DJ-focused record stores," Ani Phoebe from Bad Times Disco shares with Mixmag Asia, but explains how nowadays "that culture has clearly shifted and now you see a bunch of people playing records at club and festival gigs, not just listening bars."

The primary objective of this pop-up initiative is to create a transitory yet nurturing music community space in Hong Kong. It aims to bring music enthusiasts and DJs together, offering a platform to connect, collaborate, and explore new ideas.

“I think the public should look forward to our grand opening on the 12th! That will be the public opening and we'll have DJs playing ‘til late,” Ani adds.

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She also gives us a breakdown of the scheduled activities and programming for the rest of the month.

“On January 16, we will have a panel discussion about sobriety and nightlife with Vence (VG+), Sobriety Swag, and myself. January 21, there will be a discussion with Boboxa which is a nonprofit party based across Paris and London and we'll talk about fundraising through music and building an underground music community. On January 27, there will be a series of workshops throughout the day, including one on cardistry with Yangaanyauhei, word games, and poetry reading, and a dance movement workshop.”

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Scheduled to open its doors next week, Bad Times Records will be situated in the bustling neighbourhood of Tsim Sha Tsui, specifically at Heath on Nathan Road, nestled adjacent to the renowned Chung King Mansions.

Shop online from Bad Times Records here.

Adrianna Cheung is Mixmag Asia’s Culture Curator, follow her on Instagram.