Noise Pollution: Mike Shinoda, Octopoulpe, Totemo, Forests, Pangbianr Farewell Show
Let the good times roll and let the music wash away all your summertime woes. Too hot? Blasphemy! Too much overtime? Forget about it! Mid-life crisis? Join the club! One thing that stays constant is the sweet sweet tunes emerging from Beijing’s hodgepodge of live houses. So whether you’re in the mood for tentacled math rock mayhem, synth-driven industrial noise, or old fashion rock and roll – Beijing has got you covered. Here’s your weekend roundup.
Friday, Aug 10
Octopoulpe, TOSS, Labor Glory at Temple
Seoul-based one man math rock and hardcore monstrosity that is Octopoulpe returns to Beijing. Screaming into a microphone whilst playing drums alongside his digital doppelgangers on the projector, and backed up by a cast of characters on screen, Octopoulpe is an entire band born out of the mad Frenchmen’s head – a "pedagogic experience about cats, penises, bald people and fashion punks." He’ll join grunge trio renegades TOSS and Labor Glory this evening. Read our recent interview with the man himself here. FREE
Windsor Forest, Electric Lady at DDC
Indie band Windsor Forest, whose earnest, melodic folk-tainted Britpop has garnered them quite the fanbase, are back at DDC for some fun. They’re joined by the always entertaining stoner rock outfit Electric Lady. RMB 60
Xigua Guantou, Panda Eyes, Ghetto Blaster, Wireless Puppet at School
Beijing punk rockers XiGua GuanTou hold a special summer showcase show with friends in celebration of rock n' roll and summer fun! Gigging around China and also overseas since 2012, join the band tonight for an evening of good times and good music as they’re joined by pop-punkers Panda Eyes and Wireless Puppet, as well as blues rockers Ghetto Blaster. RMB 40
By Dream x DJ Joyz at Soi Baochao
Long-standing post-rock outfit By Dream who bring in a whirlwind of influences – from emo rock to metal – into their soundscapes, hit up Baochao Hutong with a little help from DJ Joyz. FREE
WHAI at Jianghu Bar
Everyone’s favorite prog-rock group WHAI, who have been together since 2012, have committed themselves to their heavy, offbeat brand of psychedelic rock and roll and now find refuge in the cozy hutong spot. RMB 80
Strike on the South Wall, Ramblin Roze, Shouting Control at Laifu Livehouse
Old school hardcore ska punks Strike on the South Wall, who seem to be getting around quite a bit these days, joins tight-jeaned '80s hair rockers Ramblin Roze and more down in Shuangjing. RMB 60
Mojo Hand at Modernista
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 Modernista. FREE
Naughty Boy$, Bluso, Dirty J, DJ riri, East Run West, Xiao YuShiYe at Yue Space
Get your hip-hop on this evening with this wild n’ out rap showcase featuring an array of Beijing’s up and coming genre showstoppers including Bluso, Dirty J and many more. RMB 100
Masaaki Kishibe, Kotaro Oshio and Andres Godoy at Tango
Naga Guitars, Singa Guitars and VertechNK present the latest Finger-Style Guitar Festival at Tango. See Japanese artists Masaaki Kishibe and Kotaro Oshio, both from Osaka and both mixing Eastern and Western influences, and San Antonio, Chile’s Andres Godoy, who draws on Chilean guitar traditions. Heavyweights in the guitar game! RMB 550
Sara Gazarek (US) at Blue Note
Vocalist Sara Gazarek appears at Blue Note with Isaac Wilson on piano, Jonathan Richards on bass and Dan Schnelle on drums. At 34, the artist has already released four acclaimed albums. The Los Angeles Times called her “an early bloomer who has not only shown gratifying determination but also a capacity for artistic growth,” worth watching in a crowded field of female jazz vocalists. RMB 120-380
Zhao Peng at Mogu Space
Take in the lo-fi and tranquil melodies of singer-songwriter Zhao Peng, a name that’s familiar with many folk and poets in China, at Xizhimen’s Mogu Space. RMB 150
Tsering at Snail Club (Sihui)
Tibetan folk artist Tsering Norbu returns to Snail Club’s new digs in Sihui next to Ciyun Temple, with his music that’s rooted in the traditional Tibetan folk traditions from Lhasa, as well as world music from around the globe. RMB 80
Eric Allen, Kamau, Teddy Strings at fRUITYSPACE
Singer-songwriter Eric Allen brings the soulful sounds of America's heartland to fRUITYSPACE alongside Kamau, singer of electric blues group Great Buffalo Blues, and Teddy Strings, a producer, singer, multi-, and poet from Ghana, West Africa. RMB 50
Steve Blaque, Mystery at Pink Moon
American artist and producer Steve Blaque, who also plays in genre-bending rock band The Radiance, joins female singer-songwriter Mystery. RMB 66
Saturday, Aug 11
Forests (TW), Division Control at Mao Livehouse
Formed in 2011 as dark-tinted garage rock outfit, Taiwan’s Forests have been one of the scene’s leading acts in Taipei’s underground rock scene. In recent years the outfit has followed the dark path before them – leaning into abrasive industrial rock and most recently on their just-released Idol Collapse into synth-driven noise and alternative club music. Invigorating for sure, I’m curious how it’ll all play out over in Wukesong. Support from Tianjin post-punk kids Division Control. RMB 120
Jajatao, Dawei & The Social Poets at DDC
Grunge opera revisionists or just really awesome rock 'n' rollers Jajatao have been quietly working on their highly anticipated sophomore release. They’ll be showcasing some of their new material tonight at DDC with a little help from rap mainstay Dawei and his funk-driven hip-hop troupe. RMB 120
Octopoulpe (SK), Machines (SK), Struggle Session, Strike on the South Wall at School
Struggle Session are back from their massive, jam-packed, and intensely fun tour of South America. Join them at their homecoming show as they’re joined by one man math rock/punk/hardcore/VJ act from South Korea Octopoulpe, new Korean based punk three-piece who just released their dizzying 12 songs in 12 minutes debut album Machines, and old school hardcore-ska outfit Strike on the South Wall. RMB 80
Steely Heart, Residence A, Black Mint, Perpetual Motion Machine, Panda Eyes, Fatiaokamusuo at Yugong Yishan
A who’s who of the contemporary indie rock scene – these bands have been kicking for well over a decade and they've got the chops and the massive fanbase to prove it. From the rave indie poppers Residence A, to the old school Chinese-centric Perpetual Motion Machine, to the intoxicated electro punk charm of Steely Heart – there’s no denying the prowess on display tonight. 6pm start. RMB 120
Totemo (Israel), Residence A at Omni Space
Israeli dream-pop star Totemo will grace the Omni Space stage with her gentle, neon bright synths and melancholy singing. Despite being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, the artist has marched forward, using the experience to motivate and console her, many themes explored on her latest album, Desire Path. Support from the always-dependable Residence A. Read our recent interview with Totemo here. RMB 120
Inxu, Bad Clutch, Hz, Sense, All Unknown at 13 Club
Wudaokou’s 13 Club kicks it up a notch with a fine lineup of some of the hardest working rock bands in the business – from the ever popular pop-punk group All Unknown, to the epic soundtracking of instrumental rockers Inxu – there’s a bit of something for everyone. RMB 80
fatsKINI Lanuch w/ Xiao Meng, Ming Xu, Dr. Bob x Yuan at fRUITYSPACE
fatsKINI is a new party/non-art label from Beijing that focuses on the fusion of electronic music and design bringing a unique live experience to artists and spectators. For their first offline event they will have performances from Xiao Meng, Ming Xu, and Dr. Bob x Yuan, matched with independent photography, installation, and a clothing exhibition. Color me intrigued. 8pm start. RMB 60
Jurat T.T, Li Er Yang, Zhang An, Pony Mischief at Yue Space
Xinjiang raised singer-songwriter Jurat, whose psychedelic progressive rock has graced stages for over ten years joins fellow guitar maestros and singer-songwriters Li Er Yang and Zhang An, as well as Pony Mischief, the indie-pop version of Swarrm, featuring Shi Xioafei on vocals. RMB 80
Mural Bimurat at Caravan
Mural Bimurat brings his expansive knowledge of traditional Kazakh music to Caravan along with his Dombra, whose use he perfected across many years and many collaborations. RMB 60
The Bug Band at Yue Space
Pop rockers The Bug Band bring their new set to Yue Space. Under the name ‘Begin Again’ it’s clear the band is heading in a new direction. See if it’s worth the trouble this afternoon. 2pm start. RMB 80
Samuel Wexler at DDC
Classical music is forever a bedrock for both technique and inspiration in Samuel's life. He graduated from CSU with honors in 2012, earning a Bachelor of Music- Violin Performance, and continues to delight in the practice of classical violin repertoire. Catch him this afternoon at DDC. 3pm start. RMB 50
Wang Wu at Pink Moon
Northeastern Chinese singer-songwriters, Wang Wu, whose loose hair and vibrant voice made him one of the finalists on one of the country’s top-rated American Idol clones, performs. RMB 66
Nancy Jenkinson Brown Quartet at Bricks
Nancy Jenkinson Brown alongside with her ever-skillful band of troops presents a delicious cocktail of music and playful renditions of songs you know and love, providing listeners a new sense of joy for jazz. FREE
Templo do Samba at Modernista
Templo do samba, have been pushing the Brazilian music culture in China, growing from a handful of people to a full-blown group of samba professionals with over 55 active members. Catch the enchanting sounds of a Pagode – Bossanova, Samba, and Latin flavors – this evening. FREE
Carlos Henriquez Latin Sextet at Blue Note
The Bronx, New York raised guitar virtuoso Carlos Henriquez, an essential member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, with countless world tours and featured on more than 25 albums, has performed with just about everyone including Chucho Valdes, Bob Dylan,Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz, and Marc Anthony, among others. RMB 120-360
Chen Fei at Jianghu Bar
Independent musician and producer Chen Fei (formerly Haozi), founder of Pine Cone Music Studio, brings a new take on Chinese folk music – making somber folk driven melodies that sink deep. RMB 80
Sunday, Aug 12
Bye Bye Thanks for the Fish, Simon Frank, Menghan at fRUITYSPACE
For eight years, pangbianr has represented the underground music scene in Beijing (and beyond) with finesse and respect. The platform and its de facto leader Josh Feola are heading to Shanghai for good and they’re throwing a farewell party at fRUITYSPACE – expect live sets from Bye Bye Thanks for the Fish (SUBS avant-garde folk project), Simon Frank (of Hot & Cold), and producer Menghan. Plus, wicked DJ sets from Nevin Domer, Krish Raghav, and more. It’s gonna be emotional and a heck ton of fun. FREE
Mike Shinoda at Beijing Exhibition Center
A poignant gig for more reasons than one, Mike Shinoda comes to share his grief of losing bandmate and friend Chester Bennington last year with China’s legions of Linkin Park fans at Xizhimen’s Beijing Exhibition Center. The gig is part of a world tour behind Shinoda’s debut solo EP Post Traumatic. RMB 480-1,280
Scraps of Tape (Sweden) at Yugong Yishan
Swedish post-rock act Scraps of Tape takes the stage at Yugong Yishan as part of their ‘The Will to Brun’ China tour. Together since 2001, the group is a collective of musicians and friends who have taken pleasure in creating a noisy, but melodious atmosphere in their epic and dense tracks, some that can go over 20 minutes. Sweden’s best kept secret or more post-rock comfort food for the masses? You decide! RMB 120
Akira Yamaoka (JP) at Tango
Guitarist and film composer Akira Yamaoka, best known for his masterful work on Silent Hill, one of the truly great atmospheric video games of the '90s and one that still haunts me to this day. His style wanders from baroque rock to traditional heavy metal to industrial noise, bringing gothic styles like baroque piano, gloomy repetitions, and sudden mutations, like if Poe and Po Songling had afternoon tea. RMB 450
Seagull, Laoban & the Alcoholics at DDC
Formerly the indie pop band Irreversible, Seagull has been around for some time. They first dabbled in psychedelic rock they have increasingly been moving into progressive folk and pop music territory and over the course of five years have become known as China’s Coldplay. They’re joined by indie rock outfit Laoban & the Alcoholics whose retro sound blends folk, blues, and jazz. RMB 60
Hey Man Cool at School
Currently on an eight-city tour of China, the Hey Man Cool hip-hop ensemble is taking over School! Set to appear tonight include the Hey Man Cool gang (C.J, Bartholomew, $almon, DJ Amstrad, Red Killer, Devil T, Mustang, KaKa_Two, ChunChun and more), as well as Muti, Bluso (Yinu Boy and Baddie Rose), EVOL, Li Jian, and countless other guests. RMB 80
Flower Wall, Snow Windmill, Yu Zi Jun, Zhang Ziwei, Poshangcun at Yue Space
Indie pop outfit Flower Wall say farewell to the scene as its members spread out across the world and China. They will join friends and singer-songwriters Zhang Ziwei and Yu Zi Jun, as well as Snow Windmill and indie folk band Poshangcun. RMB 90
Carlos Henriquez Latin Sextet at Blue Note
The Bronx, New York raised guitar virtuoso Carlos Henriquez, an essential member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, with countless world tours and featured on more than 25 albums, has performed with just about everyone including Chucho Valdes, Bob Dylan,Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz, and Marc Anthony, among others. RMB 120-360
Make Tuzhou, Sen at Pink Moon
Avant-garde folk-rock singer Make Tuzhou joins fellow singer-songwriter Sen for some laid-back folk tunes this Sunday at Pink Moon. RMB 60
Shi Yuji Jazz Trio at Modernista
Enjoy relaxing Sunday evening with the finest jazzy tunes by Shi Yu Ji (sax), Da Huai (bass), and Victor Bastidas (drums). FREE
Want to cut a rug instead? Check out this weekend's nightlife offerings here.
Photos: Live Beijing Music, courtesy of the organizers
