Beijing on the Upstroke
Beijing’s burgeoning music scene is finally coming into its own. Venues like D-22, Mao Live House, and Yugong Yishan serve up nightly sets of rock, punk, and other emerging talents that defy categorization. When I first arrived in Beijing seven years ago not much could be said about local live acts. Aside from a few diamonds in the rough, cheesy jazz trios and mediocre cover bands dominated most musical engagements. Now I have already witnessed numerous performances that could put New York’s much touted music scene to shame. There is an undeniable energy in these small clubs as more bands emerge on a monthly basis.
Some of my early favorites have to be the Subs, Queen Sea Big Shark, The Scoff, Joyside, Banana Monkey and the Carsick Cars. All of them sport a raucous sound and driving beats that quickly whip crowds into frenzied states. The Subs lead singer Kang Mao deserves special mention. Her inspired performance last Friday at D-22 blew me away – she has a remarkable stage presence (apparently she maintains such intensity at every show). This might be old news for Beijing music aficionados but deserves attention from anyone returning to Beijing and looking for some raw action.
Joyside and the Carsick Cars also just released albums under the newcomer Beijing label Maybe Mars. Their powerful, pop-inflected tunes earn them a deservedly loyal fan base. Joyside devotees are especially notorious for their alcoholic excesses inspired by front man Bian Yuan who bears a marked resemblance to the great Jim Morrison in his tight leather pants and tapered shirts. Lastly, even though I have not met him yet, vocalist Lee Lee from The Scoff seems like the coolest dude in town.
Expect more entries about the local music scene in the near future – I have luckily landed myself a gig to take portraits of these musicians for D-22.
