Music Industry Insight: Felix Liu, Robust Husband Entertainment

For our September Music Issue, we asked a selection of the city's music experts for their take on the current state of the 'scene' here in the capital. Their insight was adroit, humorous and controversial in equal measure. In this blog series we post the interviews in full. Next up, Felix Liu, label director at Robust Husband Entertainment.

On the best new band
Rolling Bowling, they will become China’s Stray Cats! The current best Rockabillly Punk!

On the development of the Beijing "scene"
More and more new bands have emerged, but they are still caught on Beijing rock’s last cycle’s tail; there are no special or new sounds. The surprising element would be that indie music is working tighter with businesses, brands and clients as they become more accepting of rock music.

On the future of "the scene"
Local Beijing bands or Beijing indie music becoming the mainstream is because of the media direction as well as the government’s tongue being on their side. That may lead to conversations about the future. Otherwise, the future only exists in artists’ minds.

On trends
Real Rock’n’Roll has come back! Early 21th century Beijing Punk/Rock dynasty (or a better word) reappears. True Chinese Rock will lead the China market!

On unsigned bands getting recognition
New bands are always imitating, but who you are imitating is very important. New bands have to know how to manage themselves and know where they stand. New bands need experience; they can't aim too high. You can tour outside the country, but if no one in China buys your CD, you are only nothing.

On getting ahead
Do lots of live shows, get to know more people, but the most important thing is the music!

On the most accommodating venues in town
Hot Cat Club, What Bar, School, 2 Kolegas.

Click here to see the September issue of the Beijinger in full.