City Nomads Radio: Florian Melinette Talks Shi Fu Miz Festival 2023, Family-Oriented Musical Discoveries & More

PUBLISHED September 28th, 2023 06:00 am | UPDATED August 19th, 2024 02:37 am

Gone are the days when music festivals were just about who has the geekiest sound system or which DJs draw the largest crowd. Now, the landscape of music festivals has evolved to offer something more holistic – the opportunity for attendees to balance the high-energy music performances with experiences that result in relaxation, self-care, and community development. Pioneering, and perhaps even charging, this new synergy in Asia is Hong Kong’s leading music and art project, Shi Fu Miz Festival by FuFu Creative and the La Mamie’s.

After a three-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, the eclectic house and techno festival is ready to rekindle the magic at the idyllic water-front Sai Yuen Farm in Cheung Chau Island. This year, the sixth edition of the festival returns from 27 to 29 October 2023, and is expected to host over 4,000 people from all over the region. In this edition of City Nomads Radio, we speak with Florian Melinette, one of the festival’s founders and organisers, for insights to the festival’s evolution and what goes behind creating an immersive experience that goes beyond music.

Give Florian’s mix a listen while you read along!

A Complete Festival Experience

Inspired by the best festivals across Europe like Dekmantel, Love International and Asia like Rainbow Disco Club and Wonderfruit, Florian, along with his partners, sought to create a distinct new ambiance in Hong Kong with Shi Fu Miz Festival. The goal? To converge a diverse musical line-up of local and international artists with entertaining daytime activities alongside delectable food options and enjoyment of the island’s pristine beaches.

Over the years, the festival’s core music curation remains unchanged, but with growing support, the organisers are now even more motivated to bring a diverse range of artists to Hong Kong. 2023’s line-up sees international acts like Octave One Live, Antal from Netherlands, Esa from South Africa & U.K, Gigi Testa from Italy, and Japanese wizard Soichi Terada. Regional and local acts set to grace the stages include Singapore’s Bongo, Muto & Toppings, Emel & Katsu from Manila, Mogwaa from Seoul as well as Hong Kong’s Abyss Takeover, Sticky Fried Vibes Takeover and Casey Anderson & Misty.

“We have amazing talents in Asia to put ahead and a great synergy in between the different artists/promoters of the region. We can see incredible DJs and producers emerging from the scene and already touring in Europe.” 

However, Shi Fu Miz stands out not only for its music but also for its myriad of various activities like the wellness-oriented workshops spanning yoga, meditation, breath work, and sound healing. Art and culture is another pillar here, with installations by Amsterdam’s creative Studio Raito, which has also previously worked with festivals like Dekmantel, Waking Life and Horst. Attendees can expect to catch several other Hong Kong-based art studios as well. 

The cherry on top, however, is that the festival welcomes kids under 12 for free and offers various activities and workshops to keep them engaged. 

“We want to be inclusive, there is no age to start appreciating good music. On top of that, we have a unique venue with luxury glamping in nature bringing the necessary comfort for families, our daytime activities and workshops will entertain parents and kids.”

Set on a serene island accessible only by ferries and boats, Shi Fu Miz has always committed to giving back to its surrounding natural environment. Some examples of the festival’s commitment to sustainability include banning single-use plastic on-site, using biodegradable alternatives, using recycled and upcycled materials for stages, constructions and decorations. Additionally, this year Shi Fu Miz is partnering with One Tree Planted – one tree will be planted in the Philippines for each ticket sold in contribution to reforestation efforts.

Catch Florian On Stage 

In addition to being a mission organiser for Shi Fu Miz, you’ll find Florian on stage. Operating under the alias MLCH, at the festival, Florian switches hats and connects with festival-goers through some groovy beats of his own curation. Having already played along international artists such as Pablo Valentino, Trus’me, Soichi Terada, and Jus-Ed, he’s known for experimenting with deep house tunes, and percussive rhythms to get the crowd tapping along to the beat. Catch a preview of his performance with a specially curated mix Florian did for City Nomads, here. 

If you’re making your way to Hong Kong, Florian encourages you to escape the intensity of the city with a long weekend in a natural, music-filled setting at Shi Fu Miz 2023 (and discover a new artist or two while you’re at it!)

Shi Fu Miz Festival runs 27 to 29 October 2023, at Saiyuen Camping & Adventure Park, Sai Yuen, Dd Cc Lot 12, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong. Tickets range from HK$580 (S$101.30) to HK$1,280.00 (S$224) for 3 days. Free entry for kids under 12 years. Camping tickets do not include the festival tickets and are non-refundable. Keep up with Florian here. 

All images courtesy of Florian Melinette