New venue AER launches June 1 with custom-built quadraphonic system

AER (short for Aesthetic Radio) officially opens on June 1, 2025, in the heart of Central, Hong Kong, introducing a new kind of venue built around sound, culture, and connection.

Founded by Nikita Matveev, Vasilev Aleksandr, Sean O’Connor, and Nicola Ho, AER is designed as a community-driven venue with a focus on high-quality sound, thoughtful programming, and accessible hospitality.

At the heart of AER is its music program, curated by Sean O’Connor, featuring a rotating line-up of Hong Kong’s top selectors spanning house, techno, hip hop, and beyond.

Outfitted with a custom-built quadraphonic system by Johnny Hiller—the mastermind behind Potato Head Music Room Hong Kong and Melody—the venue delivers a warm, immersive sound through vintage Altec 19s, JBL Studio monitors, and Class-A amplification.

Expertly tuned acoustics ensure rich analogue tones and crystal clarity, enhancing the music while preserving the room’s conversational ease.

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AER’s DJ booth is fully outfitted for both vinyl and digital formats, with Technics 1200s, Pioneer CDJs, and an Ecler WARM4 rotary mixer.

A dedicated soundproof recording room will soon follow, offering a platform for radio broadcasts, podcast recordings, and live sets. Alongside the music, AER offers a menu of globally inspired comfort food by Chef Andy Mast, plus cocktails by Nikita Matveev, offering a mix of reimagined classics, keg-served cocktails, bold originals, and zero-proof options.

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“AER is about more than just food or music—it’s about creating a space where people can connect, collaborate, and feel inspired,” says co-founder Sean O’Connor.

The official launch party on June 1 comes in collaboration with Mixmag Asia and will run from 2pm onwards, featuring Yeti Soundsystem, S2, SLIMEFEST, Dai Pai Don, Golow, CW, John L, Immuno, Saint Bernard, Brahms, Lovely, and Johnny Hiller.

There will also be a limited batch of merchandise for sale, including a t-shirt, keychain, towel, and carabiner (available individually or all for HKD350), plus a free "AERfreshener".

For more info, follow AER on Instagram here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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