Even though karaoke is still a much-beloved pastime in Hong Kong, the heydays of Neway and RedMr being prevalent in most neighbourhoods has been over for a while. These karaoke chains are not quite as popular as they once were, but there is now a new player in town that may well revive Hongkongers’ love for a good tune. Mainland Chinese karaoke chain Mei KTV has opened its first Hong Kong flagship location in Central, in the nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fong.
Mei KTV is known for integrating technology such as AI and virtual reality into traditional karaoke. Instead of just plain old belting into a mic, they offer features like AI-powered sound alterations and metaverse music video production for a more immersive experience catered to a younger crowd. The Hong Kong venue promises luxurious rooms fitted with full-screen displays and performance stages, along with interactive facilities such as a virtual DJ mixing station.
Fans of karaoke will know that song choices differ according to KTV brands and their licensing purchases – Neway provides more Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Chinese tracks for more Asian-focused clientele, while you’re likely to find more English chart-toppers and Western hits at RedMr. It remains to be seen what kind of tracks Mei KTV will offer, but as they’re a mainland Chinese brand, it makes sense for them to have more Chinese choices.
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