Noise Pollution: Damo Suzuki, The Fratellis, Endless White, Wednesday Campanella, Shave N’ Shut
Apologies for the tardiness – moving apartments as you can imagine is pretty much the most fun you can have other than sticking toothpicks in your eyeball every ten seconds. What I thought would be a twelve endeavor has turned into a three-day endeavor. All I can say is I’m looking very much forward to getting out tonight and what better way to unwind than one of these prime gigs.
Friday, Oct 19
Damo Suzuki (JP), Red Scarf at Omni Space
Damo Suzuki is a rare Japanese face in the Krautrock scene. As part of the CAN in the 1970s, he had a deep influence on the scene before quitting the band and disappearing from music for 10 years. Although he’s played around the world, this performance at Omni Space marks his first time in China, accompanied by other great musicians, including noise misfits Red Scarf backing him. RMB 240
Endless White, Brickleberry at DDC
With influences ranging from Cocteau Twins to Ryuichi Sakamoto, the outfit Endless White has been steadily building their fanbase since forming in late 2015. A shoegaze band with an abundance of emotional heft, they have been holding down the Shaanxi fort these past few years, leading the charge for many up and coming indie bands in Xian. Fresh off their debut LP off of Ruby Eyes Records, the band will be swinging through Beijing as part of their nationwide tour. Support from Beijing’s own Brickleberry. Read our recent interview with the band here. RMB 90
Shave N’ Shut, Hell City at School
Beijing's premier oi punks Shave 'n' Shut release their new 7" EP tonight. No strangers to the rock n' roll scene, the band whose members have been active in various bands for years and continue to nurture their DIY spirit. They’ll be playing both new tunes and old, as well as eight special cover songs they have arranged for the evening. Support from mohawked street punks Hell City and some very special guests. RMB 100
Wednesday Campanella (JP) at Tango
Musical group Wednesday Campanella is KOM_I, Kemochi Hidefumi, and Dir.F. They borrow elements from EDM, hip-hop, and J-Pop. Formed in 2012, they’ve released two albums and have fans around Asia, and are becoming increasingly popular in North America. RMB 360
Voodoo Kungfu at Mao Livehouse
Voodoo Kung Fu – one of China’s most famous heavy metal groups, fronted by the “Ultimate Roar Master” Li Nan, who won a scholarship to the Berklee Conservatory for his original heavy metal performances, are back with a vengeance! The band recorded their latest album in LA with Marilyn Manson’s producer and are swinging through Beijing on a small-scale cross-China tour. RMB 300
Pentamorph at fRUITYSPACE
'Five improvising realities meet for an electro-acoustic set oscillating between spontaneous composition, extemporaneous abstraction, occasional melodies and sudden grooves’ with some of the jazz scene’s finest characters when J. Kyle Gregory, Quentin Stokart, Simone Schirru, Nicola Lancerotti, and Antonio Fusco. RMB 50
Rio Wolta (Switzerland), Paths, Joker’s Belief at Temple
Swiss indie musician Rio Wolta, returns to China with a special exclusive treat - his latest album which hasn't even dropped in Zurich where he resides yet. For the occasion, he’ll be belting out some jams at Temple alongside poetry rock outfit Paths and funk rockers Joker’s Belief. FREE
Twinkle Star, Hang on the Box, Radical Spinz, Next Door Band, Panda Eyes at Yue Space
Yew Space looks to get rambunctious with this fist pump worthy lineup featuring some of the rock scene’s biggest contenders - from emo rock favorites Twinkle Star to the one and only Hang on the Box, plus much more - expect this one to be packed with long-term fanboys and girls. RMB 120
Dan Taylor & Heike Kagler at Jianghu Bar
Dan Taylor & Heike Kagler at Jianghu Bar Drawing on Celtic tradition and infused with the poignancy and sadness so often found within the folk music of the British Isles, Dan Taylor (of the Harridans) and cellist Heike Kagler bring their remarkable talents together for a special evening of Celtic Baroque folk at Jianghu Bar. RMB 80
Benzo at Laifu Livehouse
Li Daben aka Benzo, the alternative rap superstar who just recently signed to Modern Sky lays it down over in Shuangjing in celebration of the release of his new album Pretty:23. Check it. RMB 150
Thais, Christine, The Reprobates, The Jamming Brothers, Low Key, The Kabiras, Jun & BHR at Soi Baochao
Cover a wide range of genres, from jazz, blues, punk, and indie rock head over to Baochao Hutong to catch this batch of new and energized bands looking to make some noise. FREE
Yang Ming Trombone Quartet at BSP Livehouse
Yang Ming, representing the top level of trombone musicians of China, founder of the F.O.S. Jazz Union gets down and dirty over at BSP Livehouse. RMB 120
TYZ, Jamie, Rudy & Prince at Caravan
It’s singer-songwriter night at Caravan with TYZ, of Tydi Knots and Muti; Jamie of Bang Bang Mary; and the classically trained duo of Ruby & Prince. RMB 50 (after 9pm)
More Feel, Li Yu at Mogu Space
More Feel at Mogu Space Indie pop duo More Feel brings their light as a feather and charming keyboard-led pop tunes to Xizhimen tonight. RMB 60
Djang San at Modernista
East-meets-West fusionist and veteran show stopper Djang San – a jack of trades including "zhongruan player, philosopher, poet, composer, guitar hero, DJ, one-man orchestra, and explorer of new sounds," they’ll bring their hypnotic buck wild tunes to Modernista. FREE
Stevie Mac & The Mac Daddies at The Bricks
The ever-expanding (ten members deep at the moment) jazz-pop trope Stevie Mac & The Mac Daddies bring their vintage approach to contemporary music to The Bricks for some good times. FREE
Saturday, Oct 20
GriffO, XianTong, Wonder Sea, Acid Accident, Secret Club at School
Local promoter Drunkard has organized a special showcase show with the theme "Glory of City" this evening that features a trio of Beijing's best bands and a couple of special guests. Making in the trek in from Weihai in Shandong province are the small city's greatest hope for independent music, post-rock group XianTong. The much-hyped math rock outfit GriffO abandon their home of Hangzhou for the weekend and also grace us with their presence tonight. Rounding out the line-up are Beijing's own Secret Club, Wonder Sea, and Acid Accident. RMB 120
Ron Gallipoli (NZ), Umbrellas (NZ), L~N at fRUITYSPACE
Electronic artist from Auckland, New Zealand, former frontman of iconic New Zealand band, Sharpie Crows under Flying Nun Records. With a dark, rhythmic and surprising sound he dubs Tropical-Industrial, his live performances are an unpredictable blend of electronics and vocals. He’ll be joined by fellow New Zealander Nicholas Walsh and his new project Umbrellas, which marries elements of modern hip-hop, with soulful vocals and pop arrangements as well as Shanghai-based sound artists Loads Nothing. RMB 50
The Clean Boys (Denmark), Screaming Kong, Need Will Need at Temple
Those rowdy, righteous Danish punks are back again for more. The Clean Boys, fresh off completing their China tour return to Temple to close out their tour. Folks who managed to catch them last week know the deal - big, loud, and n your face, they bring an energy that is unmatchable. Joining them will be Screaming Kong and Need Will Need. FREE
Black Head at Yue Space
Eleven years and going strong, Xian's Black Head, whose mix of blues-rock injected with indie pop and hip-hop (yeah seriously all over the place) has made them crowd favorites. Join them at Yue Space for the release of a new album – reportedly a tribute to their last decade and a look forward to the beginning of another.
Javon Jackson (US) w/ Joe Farnsworth Trio at Blue Note
Saxophonist Javon Jackson has played with a long list of jazz notables and was included on a commemorative album for jazz legend John Coltrane. Catch him this weekend with the Joe Farnsworth Trio featuring Joe on drums, Spike Wilner on piano and Ji Peng on bass. RMB 120-360
JustChellin Trio at DDC
Just Chellin' is Joy Stuhr (USA), Heike Wyler (Germany), and Nicole Jahng (USA), bringing their 3 cellos and 3 voices to the stage, whilst playing original music and fun covers with fresh creativity and a little jazzy soul. 3pm start. 3pm start. RMB 60
Dafay at DDC
Esteemed blues musician Daffy brings his rich instrumentation and twenty years of experience to the stage as the mainstay kicks off a China tour. 9 PM start. RMB 100
The Jungle Fever, Fair Child, Recycle, Deep in the Heart at BSP Livehouse
Ska rock, campus rock, hard rock, and pop punk – it’s a feast for the ears over at BSP Livehouse as these ruffians take the stage with one goal in mind - show audiences a good time. RMB 100
Zang Li'er, RapaciouzC, Ju Qi, Linga, Jeffo, Strawberry Papa at Song Live
Next door to Laifu Livehouse (they’re the same place really) some of the scene’s finest hip-hop contenders converge for some boisterous lively verses chock full of attitude and fine fashion choices. But really, we’re all here for Strawberry Papa. RMB 150
Her & Her Walk, My Roots at Caravan
R&B, pop, improvisational tunes, and afro-beat coming at ya this evening at Caravan as two new outfits take the stage - Her & Her Walk and My Roots. RMB 50 (after 9pm)
Yu Sheng x Canji Xin, Zhang Qianqian at Mogu Space
The folk duo consisting of Yu Sheng and Canji Xin make their Beijing stop of their tour over at Mogu Space with support from Beijing’s own folk songstress Zhang Qianqian. RMB 80
The Hot Club of Beijing at The Bricks
Multi-national gypsy jazz ensemble brings their 1930s swinging jazz, hot Latin rhythms, and gypsy waltzes to The Bricks so best bring your dancing shoes. RMB 60
Tavey Lean & The Solid Gold Dream Machine at Modernista
Audience favorites, Tavey Lean & The Solid Gold Dream Machine bring their impressive repertoire of classic soul, RnB, 3-piece horn section, rock and roll fun to Modernista in Gulou. FREE
Mademoiselle et son Orchestre at Jianghu Bar
Mademoiselle et son Orchestre return to Jiangsu Bar for one last fall showcase. The premier gypsy jazz outfit has been igniting crowds left and right for years offering a unique repertoire of French songs, both classic and original. RMB 80
Liu Donghong at Pink Moon
Liu Donghong, dusty blues singer of Sand, China’s first ‘cold rock’ band, and a scene player for over twenty years gives an intimate performance on NLGX. RMB 80
Sunday, Oct 21
The Fratellis (Scotland) at Tango
Scottish rockers the Fratellis are best known for UK top 10 hits Chelsea Dagger and Whistle for the Choir. The band recently released a new album, In Your Own Sweet Time, and has been on the road in the US and UK for shows. Kinda a big deal. RMB 580
SHAS, Struggle Session, Tractor, Oldy Baby at Temple
Another Sunday at Temple. Another birthday at Temple. But I’ll be damn if this doesn’t look like one appetizing lineup to celebrate Damon’s birthday. Sludgecore courts of SHAS, fastcore from the Struggle Session boys, old school metal provided by Tractor, and fast hitting punk with Oldy Baby - that’s one way to blow out your earlobes before the week. FREE
Kevin Corcoran, Ake, Anzi, Yan Jun at Xicheng Apartment
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 performances by Kevin Corcoran, Ake, Anzi, and Yan Jun. 2pm. FREE (email subjam@gmail.com)
My Beloved (Denmark) at DDC
Since 1997 My Beloved have been a beacon of light out of the Copenhagen underground scene as a pioneer band that with their unique, aesthetic and emotional music where telling dramatic, painful and sinister stories through instrumental surfaces. Call it instrumental noir tunes – whatever the case – these cats mean business. 7pm start. RMB 100
AVA Trio at DDC
AVA Trio is the brainchild of Turkish bassist Esat Ekincioglu and Italian saxophonist Giuseppe Doronzo. Esat and Giuseppe met during their studies at the Prins Claus Conservatorium (NL), and they were drawn closer due to their shared aesthetic perspective, their common Mediterranean roots and their similar pace of life. 9.30pm start. RMB 100
Vyan at School
Guangdong hip-hop artist Vyan is back in Beijing for another stop at School Bar. Having recently toured across China with fellow hip-hop star Heyo, Vyan returns to Beijing as part of his current 6-city jaunt across China. RMB 100
Miracle Pot, Mournful Theater, Evening Mint Orchid at Song Live
Over in Shuangjing rock out with these new and exciting bands – post-rock grooves from Miracle Pot, dark-tinted hard rock from of course Mournful Theater, and female-led pop rock courtesy of Evening Mint Orchid. RMB 60
Broken at Laifu Livehouse
Founded in 1998 in Harbin, Broken specialize in hard rock with a solid dose of blues thrown in for good measure. The band has been steadily building their fanbase over two decades and they’re returning to the road with a stopover at Laifu Livehouse. RMB 80
Stonetrooper, Dog Slayer, Ancestor, Hellfire, Dinkumoil at Yue Space
Hail the metal heroes! See speed and heavy rock act Stonetrooper, Hangzhou heavy metal act Dog Slayer, Beijing’s old school thrash metal act Ancestor, heavy metal act Hellfire, traditional old school Dinkumoil at Yue Space this Sunday night for an all-night thrash fest. 7pm start. RMB 150
Javon Jackson (US) w/ Joe Farnsworth Trio at Blue Note
Saxophonist Javon Jackson has played with a long list of jazz notables and was included on a commemorative album for jazz legend John Coltrane. Catch him this weekend with the Joe Farnsworth Trio featuring Joe on drums, Spike Wilner on piano and Ji Peng on bass. RMB 120-360
Stokart-Martini Quartet at Modernista
Join us for a very jazzy week wrap up featuring four seasoned musicians including Daniele Martini (tenor sax), Quentin Stokart (guitar), Nicola Lancerotti (double bass) and Antonio Fusco (drums) who’ll bring you an eclectic mixture of jazz standards and experimental music. FREE
The Trees like Torches (Germany) at Mogu Space
Singer-songwriter and acoustic folk musician Simon Hermann aka The Trees like Torches continue his trek across Beijing with a show at Mogu Space. With stories about life on the road, songs about loneliness, anxiety and the search for relief and my favorite, songs of and for hobos, catch the traveling folkster tonight. RMB 50
Want to cut a rug instead? Check out this weekend's nightlife offerings here.
Photos: Will Griffith, courtesy of the promoters
