This week on Noisey Radio on Beats 1, we’re going global. Our territories in China—Shanghai and Beijing in particular—helped curate a playlist of some of the best music coming out of that part of the world. Music in China covers a huge breadth of ground equivalent to the music you listen to on a regular basis. Check out the psych-rock vibes of Chui Wan, the smooth indie of Carsick Cars, and SMZB in your face punk. The music also incorporates covers from other artists, like Gua Li’s guitar heavy interpretation of Kraftwerk’s “The Model.” From there, you’ll get down to the jazzy hip-hop of Gavintoo, the ultra-catchy synth-pop of IGO, and the massive sounding instrumental rock from P. K. 14
So take a trip with us overseas right here on Beats 1 this Saturday at 9AM EST/6AM PST, and again Sunday at 9PM EST/6PM PST. Below are further explanations of the music you’ll be hearing from the Noisey editors in China.
Videos by VICE
Chui Wan（吹万）— “Vision”
The aesthetics of Chui Wan is based on traditional Chinese art and exotic vibes from other Asian countries. After their US tour, including performing at Austin Psych Festival 2015, our favorite neo-psychedelic / experimental band Chui Wan released their 2nd album, Chui Wan. “Vision” shows the band’s consistency in different aspects, which makes it unique.
Carsick Cars — “15 Minutes Older”
Carsick Cars is one of the most prominent Chinese indie rock bands. In dedication to the movement of No Wave back in 1970s/1980s’ NYC, musicians in Beijing created an active scene called “No Beijing” around 2005, and Carsick Cars successfully survives in the underground world throughout years. The title definitely reminds us of the film Ten Minutes Older.
SMZB（生命之饼) — “Scream for Life”
The punk veteran from central China keeps a low frequency in doing gigs, but the band still gets a huge bunch of hardcore fans. They somehow scream out the aspiration of a generation aloud. Rebellion is unavoidable when you are going through a certain phase of life.
Guai Li（怪力 — “The Model”
This song is a cover from Kraftwerk. It’s not the first time that Chinese musicians adapt this track into Chinese context: in the 80s we got a instrumental version of it from a Cantonese artsit. Guai Li’s version expresses more from a guitar rock aspect.
P. K. 14 — “Northern Spiritual”
A howling instrumental anthem from the band’s 2008 album City Weather Sailing. “Northern Spiritual” reflects some of the best moments of P.K.14, one of the most influencial veterans of Beijing rock scene.
Demerit — “T.Z. Generation”
Hailing from Shandong, Demerit sing a punk praise to Beijing’s Tongzhou district—an outskirt area where out-of-town rockers once congregated for cheaper rents and rock n roll brotherhood, whereas now has become yet another playground for real estate developers.
Gavintoo — “Rainy Day” (morning mix)
Working at a major IT company in the day, producing romantic jazzy hip-hop beats in the night, Gavintoo wouldn’t want the day to light, as hisChinese nickname Bai Tian Bu Liang suggests. Based in Shenzhen, his music is elegant and relaxing, blending in the typical chilling lifestyle and humid climate of southern China.
Howie Lee — “门 (Gate)”
This Beijing-born young man is probably the best-known Chinese musician to the world’s electronic music scene. Howie Lee has lived in London, recorded in Taipei, and released on LA’s legendary label Alpha Pup—truly a global phenomenon. He absorbs influence around the world, and dives deep into his Chinese root, bringing an unmistakable Far East flavor to the leading edge of modern electronic music
IGO — “Synth Love”
IGO is a electronic and synth-pop band raised up in Shanghai. With the most advanced background for electronic music in the whole China, Shanghai absolutely influenced many local artists. One of the members B6 is still a leading electronic musicians in Chinese music scene. “Synth Love” truly expressed his love in synth.
Duck Fight Goose — “Horse”
The members of Duck Fight Goose are all familiar sights for Shanghai party-goers. They produced math rock, synth-pop with a very progressive mind—that’s why their music sounds a bit geeky. Still, their insistence in equipments and arrangement makes them stand out.
Check out Noisey China right here.
