Someone whose only exposure to Chinese music is Chinese radio stations and karaoke might have the impression that Chinese music is nothing but the sappy love ballads and bubblegum pop of Mandopop idols. They would be wrong. China's music scene is full of socially conscious, artistic, and technically skilled artists creating all genres, including rock, folk, punk, and even traditionally Mongolian-inspired music. You just need to know where to look. To get you started, here are six of the most innovative and exciting Chinese bands playing today.
1) Avant-garde: Zuoxiao Zuzhou
A poet, novelist, composer, musician, and founding member (along with Ai Weiwei) of Beijing's East Village artist community, Wu Hongjin, whose stage name is Zuoxiao Zuzhou (左小祖咒), is one of the most creative and experimental Chinese rockers active today. He founded the band No in 1994, then went solo in 2001. A long-time friend of Ai’s, he’s collaborated with him on art and political projects. Zuoxiao Zuzhou was detained for one day in 2011 after writing an op-ed for a Hong Kong newspaper in support of Ai during his imprisonment. He has been hard at work lately, releasing four albums since 2011.
While many of his songs contain references to social and political issues, his song Injustice (冤枉) suggests he has a more detached view on politics, recognizing the danger of addressing politics head on:
I try to summon strength by being silent for a long time
All just to dredge thought for advocating their noble souls
You already act, to be at ease. Being at ease is freedom.
Freedom is a Human Right. But Human Rights are politics!
Comrade, you have stumbled onto the stage of politics.
By whistling insanely for a moment I try to establish a monument of experience.
All just to open a portal to announce them:
“Tourist Comrades, carriage twelve is on fire,
passengers of carriage eleven, the fire will get to you any moment!”
Ladies and gentlemen, we are in the underground. Not the underground elite, just a passage.
You’re no poet, you don’t like politics, I’m no punk either
We’re just the vagabonds in carriage thirteen.
Notable Songs: Daughter, I Stole God's Purse; Love Gun (爱情的枪); 你的萧声你的身影
Notable Albums: The Missing Master, The USA, Trip to Temple Fair, Trip to Temple Fair II
Website: http://www.zuoxiaozuzhou.com
