Noise Pollution: Reeperbahn Music Fest, Timber Timbre, Backspace, Sofar Sounds, Jazzmeia Horn
Things are getting nice and muggy this weekend and with the onslaught of music coming at us we might as well just lay into it. Sweat up a storm at one of these fine establishments and titillate those eardrums till the heat waves become a thing of the past. Festivals, punk legends, intergalactic dimensional art/music hybrids, and enough rock 'n' roll to wake up the corpse of you know who, it’s time to cut loose.
Friday, May 17
Brain Failure, Gum Bleed, Hang Nail at School
Brain Failure kicked off their 20-plus city tour of China in late April, and tonight is their tour's hometown gig in Beijing. Instead of playing a much larger venue, as they should, the veteran punk band have chosen the small, dirty, sweaty, booze-infused School Bar as their home base for the evening. Expect a packed house. Opening the show are 13-year veterans of the punk scene Gum Bleed, and newcomers fresh off opening for The Descendants, Hang Nail. RMB 120
Shtuby (Israel), Lei Puyan, Duan Yankun at Mao Livehouse
A wild global sound that mixes funk, jazz, and enticing electronic grooves, Shtuby is a one-man (in a full body suit to boot) music machine who utilizes every instrument and trick in the book to create a-one-of-a-kind show bound to keep your ears bumping. Invited by China Music House, a platform and label that specializes in reconceptualizing traditional Chinese music, he’ll be joining an array of Chinese acts including Lei Puyan on flute, Duan Yankun on pipa and dancers Li Guanyang and Gao Yingyue. RMB 150
Guiguisuisui, Bayan Dalai at Aotu Studio
Shining Dimensions – the new series curated by Guiguisuisui and Aotu Space aims to create an intersection between different dimensions of creativity (Sound Art, Multimedia Vision, and Movement) all mixing together whilst removing the barrier between performers and the audience. The first volume under the theme ‘Choose a Mask’ will invite audiences to take on alternate identities and will feature the music of Guiguisuisui and Bayan Dalai (of Horse Radio), the Tagtool visuals of Nan Guazi and Nickolai, plus the improvisational dancing of Emily Wong. RMB 50
iri (JP) at Omni Space
Japanese pop and R&B singer-songwriter iri's reputation has impressed the likes of big-name labels and fashion companies, and she isn't afraid to flaunt her crossover appeal. Switching up styles from underground electro hip-hop to more clubby-Jpop vibe, she brings a unique sound that simply captivates. RMB 200
White Paper, Paths, The Glamour Manifesto at DDC
Fresh off their latest LP, Electro-rock duo The Glamour Manifesto bring their dirty, tough but always fun vibes to DDC alongside the ever righteous post-punk pile-drivers White Paper and art-rock group Paths who cite The Pixies, Interpol, The Mars Volta, and more as influences. RMB 80
Lips Mckenzie, Dose The Delta at Modernista
Shenzhen jam band Lips McKenzie, following in the footsteps of such legendary jam bands like Grateful Dead, The Disco Biscuits, and Phish, bring their animated selves and upbeat stylings to Modernista tonight. A band that’s not afraid to toss in hip-hop breakdowns in the middle of a psychedelic swirl of guitar solos and funk, they’re a lively bunch. Support from Dose the Delta, another band that has no qualms tossing everything into the blender – from grassland sounds to dub. Read our recent interview with Lips McKenzie here. FREE
Solent & Hadi, Strunobit at Jianghu Bar
Ambient producer Solent are teaming up with Tabula player and vocalist Hadi for a trance-filled session at the cozy Jianghu Bar alongside fellow guitar and percussionist duo Strunobit. RMB 80
Sophie Zelmani (Sweden) at Century Theater
Swedish singer-songwriter Sophie Zelmani has been releasing music since her first single "Always You" was released in 1995. Her music was part of iconic '90s TV and movies like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson’s Creek, and Independence Day. See her live at the Century Theater as part of her Sunrise tour. RMB 180-380
Bob Dupont & The Outstanding Vegan Bankers, Oldy Baby at Temple
Bob Dupont & The Outstanding Vegan Bankers – Djang San’s alter ego and the natural sequel to the much beloved The Amazing Insurance Salesmen hits the stage for a night of experimental high-quality music alongside riotous garage punk outfit Oldy Baby. Prepare to be electrified. FREE
Noah Preminger (US) at Blue Note
Brooklyn-based saxophonist Noah Preminger, who “designs a different kind of sound for each note, an individual destiny and story,” is a true blood killer. Winner of Downbeat Magazine’s Rising Star Best Tenor Saxophonist, he has recorded over 14 critically acclaimed albums – catch him mesmerize tonight at Blue Note. RMB 120-320
Zhang Qianqian at Pink Moon
Veteran sing-songwriter Zhang Qianqian, a staple of the folk scene since her debut in 1996, gives a special showcase courtesy of Pink Moon. RMB 80
Hu Xiao Chun, Yinshi Xiao Tian Bing at Mogu Space
Folk-pop outfit Hermit & Cookie join indie rock band Hu Xiao Chun for some easy vibes over in Xizhimen’s Mogu Space. FREE
Cheng Kamlung, Zhou Li, Li Mu at La Plantation
Violinists Cheng Kamlung and Zhou Li join pianist fro an evening recital at La Plantation where they’ll touch upon everything from Mozart to Beethoven. RMB 200
RoOom at The Bricks
RoOom is a jazz trio led by Italian guitarist Simone Schirru – a meeting of three eclectic and original personalities that are brimming with the wonderfulness of international experiences. FREE
Saturday, May 18
Backspace, Rejian Bei ShaShou at School
Backspace, Beijing’s killer indie rock scrappers whose debut Human Nature Architecture was one of our favorite spins last year, are back after a busy 2018, and they’re ready to ramp it up and take it to the next level. Formed in Yulin, Guangxi province and now based in Beijing, psych-infused noise rockers Backspace are one of the most talented and sincere bands in our fair city. They’ll be joining Maybe Mars’ newest recruits, noise pop Xiamen youngins Rejian Bei Shashou (Hotkey Killer) – whose make bounce between reverb-heavy shoegaze and emo-tainted post-punk that’s not afraid to wear its adolescent heart on its sleeve. RMB 100
Timber Timbre (Canada) at Mao Livehouse
Canadian psychedelic folk group, Timber Timbre, featuring Taylor Kirk, Simon Trottier, Mathieu Charbonneau, and Olivier Fairfield find their way over to Wukesong for some deviously alluring indie rock music influenced by pre-war folk and blues. After releasing two indie albums, their eponymous album became a critical success after being long-listed for a Polaris Prize. Since then, their music has popped up on award-winning television like Breaking Bad and they’ve toured with Laura Marling and Feist. Read our recent interview with the band here. RMB 150
David Boring (HK), Mavi Phoenix, Jungstotter, white+ at UCCA
This year's two-day WISE The Future Think Tank event expands from its humble beginnings last year to not only include 16-panel talks featuring a huge array of industry experts but also two full evenings of music calling upon the help of Hamburg's Reeperbahn Festival to oversee the lineup at the Danish Cultural Center. Night one features Hong Kong art punks David Boring, Australia’s Mavi Phoenix, Germany’s Jungstötter, and Beijing’s own white+. Read our in-depth coverage of the event here. RMB 260 (includes conference and music)
Lips Mckenzie, Dose The Delta at DDC
Shenzhen jam band Lips McKenzie, following in the footsteps of legendary jam bands like Grateful Dead, The Disco Biscuits, and Phish, bring their animated selves and upbeat stylings to DDC tonight. A band that’s not afraid to toss in hip-hop breakdowns in the middle of a psychedelic swirl of guitar solos and funk, they’re a lively bunch. Support from Dose the Delta, another band that has no qualms tossing everything into the blender – from grassland sounds to dub. Read our recent interview with Lips McKenzie here. FREE
Cult of Fire, Zuriaake, Sigh (JP), Be Persecuted, Laster, Cohol, Frozen Moon, GDC, Gaerea at Tango
Pest Productions and Unknown Art Productions present the Sirius Metal Festival – a mammoth evening of high-quality, high octane black metal that’ll likely blow your socks off. Featuring established acts like Cult of Fire from the Czech Republic, extreme metal band Sign and Cohol from Japan, renegade Shandong black metal king Zuriaake, plus up-and-coming acts like Gaerea from Portugal, Goûte du Cadavre, and RNV from Beijing, there’s something for every fan of Chinese metal. 2.30pm start. RMB 260
Sofar Sounds at 798 Space
Sofar Sounds turn the ripe age of ten! What started as a little side hobby in a London flat with just eight people is now in over 400 cities around the world. Join them in kicking off the next decade of music discovery with some of our favorite alumni artists and good friends – all on a secret rooftop in 798. RMB 125 (register for a spot here)
Hell City, Hind Brain, Need A Name at Temple
Mohawked metalhead street punks Hell City return once again for Operation Mayhem over at Temple as the longstanding renegades bring fist-pumping goodness to the venue alongside breakout grunge rockers Hind Brain, and Need a Name. FREE
Spirit Rebellious at Soi Baochao
K&S Africa Week is fast approaching and this year its bigger than ever. In the order of this, we are bringing back the BiG RaGGae Night in the African spirit of "Kasiki" to prepare you for the festivities ahead with headliner band Spirit Rebellious with its serenade of original Roots. RMB 80
Jazzmeia Horn at Blue Note
Grammy Award-nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn has a name that speaks for itself, capturing her very essence. Since winning the Thelonious Monk Competition in 2015, Jazzmeia’s star has continued to rise, along with her reputation as an artist with an assured maturity and vocal confidence far beyond her years whose "vivacity, imagination, gutsiness and sociopolitical savvy echo the likes of Carter and Abbey Lincoln." RMB 160-400
Djang San at Jianghu Bar
East-meets-West fusionist and veteran show stopper Djang San – a jack of trades include "zhongruan player, philosopher, poet, composer, guitar hero, DJ, one-man orchestra, and explorer of new sounds" bring their buck wild tunes to Jianghu Bar as he releases his latest Mask Music. RMB 50
Ally Kerr (UK) at Valley Children Music Space
The Glasgow singer-songwriter, known for his melodic, tender and wistful folk-pop returns to China on the heels of his successful first major headlining tour in China – he’ll be supporting his new album Upgrade Me, wryly finding beauty in the chaos and swirl of present-day living. Read our recent interview with Ally Kerr here. 7pm start. RMB 180
Our Tango Orchestra at La Plantation
Inherited from the Argentine tango to the Tango Nuevo in the late 20th century, Our Tango runs their own style while adhering to the interpretation of the orthodox tango style and attempting to interpret tango with the Oriental flavor elements – enabling the two great civilizations to meet through the bridge of tango art and link together, and shinning sparkly. RMB 200
Mademoiselle Et Son Orchestre at Modernista
Mademoiselle et son Orchestre return to Modernista for some breezy fun. The premier gypsy jazz outfit has been igniting crowds left and right for endless years – a true joy to behold. 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 66
Lilith Liu Quartet at The Bricks
Jazz it up this Saturday with the new phenomenal diva Lilith Liu and her quartet which features Pierre Pradat on piano, Philipe Mege on bass and Victor Bastidas on drums. FREE
Sunday, May 19
Chagall (Germany), Lows0n, The Hormones, Catnapp (Netherlands) at UCCA
This year's two-day WISE The Future Think Tank event expands from its humble beginnings last year to not only include 16 panel talks featuring a huge array of industry experts but also two full evenings of music calling upon the help of Hamburg's Reeperbahn Festival who oversee the lineup at the Danish Cultural Center. Night two features rising female hip-hop star Lows0n from Xiamen, Germany electro-grime protégé Catnapp, China's next indie-hope The Hormones from Chengdu, and music-tech pioneer Chagall from the Netherlands. Read our in-depth coverage of the event here. RMB 260 (includes conference and music)
Leech (Switzerland) at Omni Space
Formed in 1995 in Switzerland by Marcel Meyer, Urs Meyer, and Serge Olar, Leech are true grit veterans devoted to experimental instrumental music full of dramatic changes, electronic flourishes, keyboard displays, and crescendoing guitars where rhythm meets melody – conjuring up epic soundscapes that you float through. RMB 180
Ally Kerr (UK) at Omni Space
The Glasgow singer-songwriter, known for his melodic, tender and wistful folk-pop returns to China on the heels of his successful first major headlining tour in China – he’ll be supporting his new album Upgrade Me, wryly finding beauty in the chaos and swirl of present-day living. Read our recent interview with Ally Kerr here. 4.30pm start. RMB 150
Fatiaoka Musuo, Chen Liang and Band, Yiyantang at School
Local promoters Zing are back at it with an evening of alternative rock lined up to help you finish the weekend on a strong note. Making the trek in from Tianjin are rockers Fatiaoka Musuo, more well-known from his time in the rock act Fusion Chen Liang now leads his new band aptly called Chen Liang and Band, and Yiyantang. RMB 59
Zhang Yelei at DDC
Riding on a wave of success from her debut album last year, independent singer-songwriter Zhang Yelei, who honed her chops at the Cornell Conservatory of Music will tender melodic indie-pop sounds to DDC as part of her nationwide tour. RMB 100
Jazzmeia Horn at Blue Note
Grammy Award-nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn has a name that speaks for itself, capturing her very essence. Since winning the Thelonious Monk Competition in 2015, Jazzmeia’s star has continued to rise, along with her reputation as an artist with an assured maturity and vocal confidence far beyond her years whose "vivacity, imagination, gutsiness and sociopolitical savvy echo the likes of Carter and Abbey Lincoln." RMB 160-400
Kottos Quartet at La Plantation
Made up of the exquisite recorder player Pernille, soulful accordionist Bjarke, masterful sting player and progressive folk musician Christos, and finally, contemporary cellist Josefine – Kottos Quartet from Denmark don’t mess around when finding new paths in the jazz world. RMB 200
Nancy Jenkinson Brown Quartet at Modernista
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
Diamond Dogs, LicyJones at Mogu Space
Britpop singer-songwriter LicyJames who dips his toes into dream pop from time to time joins David Bowie tribute act Diamond Dogs. FREE
Take to the club instead with this weekend's best dance nights.
Images: Live Beijing Music, courtesy of event organizers
