Noise Pollution: Backspace, Taku Sugimoto, Huun Huur Tu, Xu Fang Zhou, The Billy Hart Quartet
It’s definitely too early to call it but feels like the worst of summer has passed, which hopefully means less sweating profusely and more sitting outdoors. But one thing that’ll always have me making a beeline for the door is the sweet, sweet tunes reverberating from the livehouses across town. This weekend is no different, with the gentle breeze already hinting at everything from psychedelic barn-burning rock and roll to intricately layered indie-pop.
Friday, Aug 16
Backspace, Qianchun Pharmacy, Swarrm at DDC
Some of the indie scene’s hottest bands join forces for an epic evening of mind-altering sounds including Backspace, the psych-infused noise-rockers scrappers whose debut Human Nature Architecture was one of our favorite spins last year, post-metal instrumentalists and slayers Swarrm, and rising post-punk ruffians Qianchuan Pharmacy. Hard-edged rock and roll to kick off your weekend. RMB 80
Silent Speech, Haze Maze, Joker’s Belief at Temple
Fred Shi, the happy-go-lucky bassist who relishes showing off his chops on stage, celebrates 31 years with a blowout showdown at Temple Bar as three of his bands take the stage, including soaring indie rock outfit Silent Speech, prog-rock melodic magicians Haze Maze and groove-steady funk-rock rascals Joker’s Belief. Expect a reckoning of the highest order. Read our recent interview with the birthday boy here. FREE
Never Before, Dressed To Kill, Tractor, Los Crasher, Electric Lady, Ramblin’ Roze at Yue Space
Stoner rock, thrash, and hard rock galore this evening at Yue Space as some of the genre’s most mischievous and prevailing characters look to terrorize patrons with some hard-hitting, deviant jams that’ll drag you across the floor. Sets from Never Before, Dressed To Kill, Tractor, Los Crasher, Electric Lady, and Ramblin’ Roze. A mighty fine bill indeed. RMB 160
SoulSquad, Fresh Jah, Stan P.B., Sean Zh., Qian Z, 141, Z Da Fu, PhunkyFeel, Fei Hei Ji Bai at School
If underground hip-hop is your thing, then you best get your ass over to School as they hip-hop label Under Factor showcases some of their finest (as well as their brethren from other labels) with a jam-packed lineup featuring collective SoulSquad, Fresh Jah, Stan P.B., Sean Zh., Qian Z, 141, Z Da Fu, PhunkyFeel, and Fei Hei Ji Bai. RMB 120
Take 6 at Blue Note
Heralded by Quincy Jones as the “baddest vocal cats on the planet!” Take 6 are the quintessential a cappella model for vocal genius. With 10 Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards, 2 NAACP Image Awards, a Soul Train Award, and more, they continue to bring extraordinary vocals to their worldwide audiences. RMB 460-560
Xu Fang Zhou at Tango
Xu Fang Zhou is the main vocalist of the Chinese boy band CORE ONE – they’re a big deal. If that wasn’t enough, he was a contestant on the survival show Qing Chun You Ni, so dude’s probably plastered on some bus side ad somewhere already. Expect droves of screaming ladies and some tender pop music that’ll either make your heart swoon or go into cardiac arrest. RMB 380
DJ Captain Death, Luka, DizzyDi, DJ Dayong, Set B at Soi Baochao
Soi Baochao hosts a celebration of Woodstock’s 50 Anniversary with Captain Death aka Zhang Wei of WHAI, tribal musician Luka, dub trip-hop spin doctor DizzyDi, and many more who’ll be paying tribute to the free-spirited rock and roll vibes of yesteryear. RMB 65
The Great Buffalo Blues at Modernista
The electric four-piece band that explores funk, blues, soul, and reggae are back at Modernista with their unique musical style that’s unlike anything else. Expect a high-energy show that is guaranteed to keep you moving all night. FREE
Yang Ye, Xiao Shu at Jianghu Bar
Combining his expertise banjo playing skills with his native Chinese culture and world folk music styles, Yang Ye makes contemporary folk music like no one else. He performs at the cozy Jianghu Bar alongside guest Xiao Shu. RMB 70
Nathaniel Gao Quintet at The Bricks
Alto saxophonist Nathaniel Gao leads this red-hot quintet which features Japanese guitarist Satoshi Katoka as well as trip-hop singer Fish Doll. FREE
Liu Donghong at Pink Moon
Liu Donghong, dusty blues singer of Sand, China’s first ‘cold rock’ band, and a scene player for over 20 years gives an intimate performance at Pink Moon. RMB 80
Zhang Qianqian at Mogu Space
Veteran sing-songwriter Zhang Qianqian, a staple of the folk scene since her debut in 1996, gives a special showcase in Xizhimen. FREE
Saturday, Aug 17
Huun Huur Tu at National Art Center
Widely regarded as the musical ambassadors of the Tuva Republic, Huun Huur Tu has been conjuring up images of sweeping grasslands, galloping horses, and the natural beauty of their homeland with their rousing and awe-inspiring compositions for over two decades. Their compositions and mastery of khöömei AKA throat singing have brought them plenty of international attention, including the chance to work with Grammy-nominated producer Carmen Rizzo. Read our recent interview with the Tuvan masters here. RMB 100-580
Smellyhover, Uncle Hu at Fruityspace
Veteran Guangzhou-based indie musician, Smellyhoover, known previously for his role in indie rock outfit Golden Cage, hits the road with the help of Qiii Snacks Records. The artist who blends intricate rhythms with gorgeously layered and manipulated vocals into atmospheric indie pop, has built quite the following since he went solo. Check him out at Fruityspace alongside Beijing’s own indie-folk act Uncle Hu. RMB 80
Alpha Wolf (AUS) at 13 Club
Alpha Wolf have been taking the Australian metal scene by storm and for good reason - fusing the heavy riffs of their downbeat and deathcore contemporaries with the groove of the current wave of nu-metal bands, and adding melodies that are completely their own, they’re a beast to be reckoned with. Catch them as they look to stir up trouble at Wudaokou’s 13 Club. RMB 160
Mabonona, Nouse, Ying Shui Di Jiang at Yue Space
Cult movies and dark industrial electronic music to keep the demons at bay – it’s time for the second edition of Dying Art Production’s ‘Mid-Yuan Dark Electric & Kvlt Movie’ night as they screen acclaimed horror flick Hereditary followed by some oriental ritual ambient tunes, post-industrial and martial rhythmic tunes courtesy of producers Mabonona and Nous, as well as guest Nanjing outfit Ying Shui Di Jiang. RMB 100
Early Bus at Caravan
Ska legends Early Bus are back in fighting form and are looking to stir up some good fun at Caravan this weekend with a party unlike any other. Catch the veterans do what they do best. FREE
Residence A, Next Door Band, Gentle Grapes, New School Waste Choir at Omni Space
Omni Space host some of indie-pop scene’s top talent including longstanding rockers Next Door, punk-pop outfit Gentle Grape, indie-pop outfit Next Door Band, and indie rock veterans Residence A, who seriously need to get out some new music. Expect a ravenous crowd of musicgoers. RMB 150
Kingdom of Rain (TW), U & I (TW) at Mogu Space
Taiwanese post-punk outfit Kingdom of Rain brings forth their psychedelic, introspective, atmospheric rock that combines the ‘deep tone of Joy Division, LCD Soundsystem's pulse and the unique minimalism of Billie Eilish’ as they close out their China tour. Support from fellow Taiwanese electro-rockers U&I. RMB 80
Boss Cuts, NiL, 4 Channels Club at DDC
Beijing’s premier surf rock outfit Boss Cuts, get down and dirty this Saturday with the help of up and coming psychedelic grunge ruffians NiL, and 8-bit electronic producer and composer 4 Channels Club. Some genre-hopping fun to be had for sure. RMB 80
Electric Lady, A.D.S, Car Drop at Temple
Stoner, punk, and hard rockers look to stir up some trouble tonight at Temple Bar as favorites Electric Lady bring their high-wire live performance to the stage alongside A.D.S AKA Ammunition Delivery System and Car Drop (formerly The Outsiders). FREE
Fancy Wall, Red Mustache, Show Hand at School
Pop-punk ruffians Fancy Wall bring their folk-infused, upbeat rocking good tunes to School as they release their new album Millennium Eden with the help of friends – punk rock outfits Red Mustache and Show Hand. RMB 100
Taku Sugimoto, Anzi x Yan Jun, Beijing Drone Quartet at Subjam Space
Subjam’s MIJI Concert Series returns bringing together Beijing artists and international performers for experimental jam sessions. Artists are welcome to engage in cold improvisation, radical performance, and absolute noise. Today’s edition features prominent Japanese guitar improviser Taku Sugimoto, as well as Anzi+Yan Jun, and the Beijing Drone Quartet. 4pm start. Email subjam@gmail.com for details.
Giovanna (Uruguay) at DDC
Uruguayan singer Giovanna has had a 20-year career in Tango and has been performing around the world since 1988. She currently performs with the talented guitar quartet Ricacosa, creating Tango music that’s everything but light. 6pm start. RMB 60
The Billy Hart Quartet at Blue Note
Catch jazz drummer and educator Billy Hart for a night of unforgettable jazz. The 76-year-old Hart has played with jazz and soul legends, and teaches widely, including at the New England Conservatory of Music and New York University. He leads the Billy Hart Quartet with Mark Turner, Ethan Iverson, and Ben Street. RMB 400-500
Qianchuan Pharmacy, Prairie, Will Pope, Dr. Juret, Ghost River & Puneet Vohra, Hind Brain at Soi Baochao
Cangku’s Stock Music Festival celebrates Woodstock’s 50th Anniversary with a blowout rock extravaganza featuring an array of solo acts and bands – from grunge rockers Hind Brain to post-punk kids Qianchuan Pharmacy to American cowboy jazz singer-songwriter Prairie, and more. FREE
Mademoiselle et Son Orchestre at The Bricks
Mademoiselle et son Orchestre return to Sanlitun for some foot-tapping fun. The premier gypsy jazz outfit has been igniting crowds left and right for endless years – a true joy to behold. FREE
Songhua River Jazz Trio at Jianghu Bar
Led by jazz songstress Reina, the Songhua River Jazz Trio looks to brighten up your weekend with some top-notch soulful jazz renditions with the help of pianist Feng Wei and bassist Bi Zhigang. RMB 70
The Hunters at Modernista
Beijing’s hottest crowd-pleasers and one of the capital’s best foreign cover bands, The Hunters combine old school funk, soul, and rock classics with intoxicating delivery. FREE
Steve Blaque at Pink Moon
American artist and producer Steve Blaque, who played formerly in the genre-bending rock band The Radiance, joins friends tonight. FREE
Sunday, Aug 18
Taku Sugimoto (JP), Tomato Improvisational Ensemble at Fruityspace
Prominent Japanese guitar improviser Taku Sugimoto, currently apart of the Suidobashi Chamber Ensemble, and is known for his introspective and calligraphic style of playing, makes a rare appearance in Beijing this weekend at the basement haven Fruityspace alongside Beijing’s own makeshift experimental ensemble, featuring an array of performers like Ake, Yan Jun, Zhu Wenbo, Li Qing, Li Weisi, and more. RMB 100
BLIP, Ye Fan, Chen Jingfei at DDC
Head over to DDC for a night of genre-crossing music from the electronic and trip-hop group BLIP, composed of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Joan, Urumqi-raised vocalist Chopper, and drummer Sun Yu. They’ll join R&B and indie-pop singer-songwriter Ye Fan, with a special guest appearance from Chen Jingfei. RMB 50
Mind Walker in Rye, Left Behind Child, He Zi, Shense Kongbaichu at School
Local promoters Rock Bros have put together a hell of an evening of rock 'n' roll – with pop-punkers Mind Walker in Rye, metal scrappers Left Behind Child, indie-punk quartet He Zi, and longstanding alt-rock outfit ShenSe Kongbaichu. RMB 80
The Billy Hart Quartet at Blue Note
Catch jazz drummer and educator Billy Hart for a night of unforgettable jazz. The 76-year-old Hart has played with jazz and soul legends, and teaches widely, including at the New England Conservatory of Music and New York University. He leads the Billy Hart Quartet with Mark Turner, Ethan Iverson, and Ben Street. RMB 400-500
Xu Peng Jazz Trio at Modernista
An evening of classic jazz at Modernista with saxophonist Xu Peng and his trio of skilled musicians. Accompanied by Scott Silverman on drums and Wang Chenhuai on bass expect good vibes to close out your weekend. FREE
Mojo Hand at Jianghu Bar
Blues supergroup Mojo Hand, made up of some of the skilled rockers of the Beijing scene, including OOC frontman Cheng Chen, bassist Wang Zheng, and guitarist Wei Wei, bring their richly flavored Chicago blues to Jianghu Bar. FREE
Qin Zhen, Hex at Mogu Space
The ‘slightly vulgar’ singer-songwriter Hex joins finger-pick guitarist and singer Qin Zhen for some Sunday evening folk offerings. FREE
Looking for something boozier? Check out this week's (overflowing) Booze News.
Images: Live Beijing Music, courtesy of event organizers
