Going Underground: Queens of Chinese rock
Going Underground is a new monthly column written by Sophia Pederson exploring the Chinese rock scene in association with Wooozy. Launched in April 2009, Wooozy.cn is a Chinese-language online specialist music site, focusing on the latest and best underground and mainstream sounds from China and beyond.
Girls, Girls, Girls
Women may be severely underrepresented in the Chinese rock scene, but that doesn't stop those who are in it from making incredible music. Here’s a selection of some of my favorites – these girls don’t care whether you call them feminist rockers, girl bands or just good listening. Sure, they have their own ideas about equality, but when it comes to their bands, all they want to do is play.
RECOMMENDATIONS
South Acid MiMi Dance Crew
This new three-girl outfit is one to keep your eye on over the coming years. Because they are really good. Their sound captures the real essence of the term ‘world music,’ in that it transcends any national or cultural borders. Lyrics are a medley of Mandarin, English and the band’s local dialect. If you like M.I.A. or Grimes, South Acid MiMi Dance Crew will be up your alley. These girls are based in Yunnan, so you’ll have to make do with their Douban site for now. But keep an eye out for one of the trio’s rare Beijing shows.
Listen / You’ll get addicted to ‘Nunudugu’ – available at site.douban.com/southacidmimi
Subs (pictured above)
Subs formed way back in 2002 and have been through a number of lineup changes since. But lead singer Kang Mao has remained at the center of it all. Thirteen years in the punk, DIY and Chinese music scenes isn’t easy – especially as an outnumbered woman – but she’s shined through. Kang is quick to identify as feminist, not in terms of having more power over men, but equality – not putting extra expectations on any individual because of their gender.
Listen / Last year’s album yoU aRe yoU reflects the Subs sound of recent years
GIG REVIEW
Dummy Toys
Qingdao punk/hardcore band Dummy Toys played a three-stop tour in Beijing last month, appearing at Temple Bar, MAO Livehouse and Tongzhou’s DMC Livehouse over consecutive nights. The band formed in March this year and is made up of four women – now in their late 30s – who have played in bands for the past 10 years. They come all tatted up and with glossy red lips, while their entourage comes complete with husbands and babies in tow. But their shows are no family affairs. After mentioning to one of the husbands that I was feeling tired, he replied: “Just wait until Dummy Toys gets on stage – you’ll wake up.” He wasn’t wrong. Their show was better than two shots of espresso after dessert, as their lead singer thrashed around on stage and the months-pregnant guitarist coolly strummed away.
Keep an eye out for future shows at www.weibo.com/dummytoys
ONE MINUTE WITH…
Xu Shaomeng, founder, bassist and lead singer of Beijing band NUT
SP: So tell me a bit about NUT.
XS: NUT started in March 2014 with a few of my friends – all girls. You could probably describe us as post-punk plus Brit-rock. We’ve been playing around Beijing and the response has been great. Our last show was at School Bar in early June – one of our best shows yet.
SP: Do you consider yourself a feminist?
XS: Without a doubt! I think women should have the same rights as men, but even today we’re not equal.
SP: Where do you like to hang out?
XS: Bye Bye Disco Livehouse out in Yanjiao. I live in Tongzhou, so it’s not that far away for me.
Find more about NUT at www.weibo.com/u/3198595980
Next month: Chinese artists making it overseas
Click 'Read more' below to visit the That's Beijing website for more 'Going Underground'.