The best gigs in Beijing this May

The best live music in Beijing this May

Beijing's music scene frequently attracts some of the best names in music, both locally and from abroad, and May is no different. Don't miss the chance to rock out with a bunch of brilliant artists, right in your own backyard.

Carl Barât

Tango. Wed May 8. 380RMB; 320RMB (presale). 

After selling out all three of his Mainland gigs last year, Carl Barât returns to China for what we can only imagine will be even more sell-out shows. Catch the former Libertines co-frontman as he bashes out grungy indie-blues once more.

Explosions in the Sky

Tango. May 10. 420RMB; 360RMB (presale).

If you've ever watched an episode of Friday Night Lights, you've probably heard the triumphant, guitar-driven strains of Explosions in the Sky. The Texas post-rock outfit has been mining grandiose, soundtrack-worthy melodies and slowly building arrangements for more than 15 years. After hundreds of thousands of album and ticket sales with features in major picture soundtracks, this iconic instrumental band will be celebrating their 20th anniversary with two nights of performances in China.

Andy Shauf

Blue Note. May 11-12. 240RMB (side seat); 300RMB (table seat).

Best known for his lyrical grace and delicate melodies, Andy Shauf's folk-pop tunes go off the beaten track with an eclectic range of instruments backing his stirring vocals. The Canadian singer-songwriter has won, and been nominated for, numerous awards over in the Great White North, and his hit songs, including 'The Magician', have seen him gain fans around the world.

The Royal Concept

Tango. May 15. 180RMB; 150RMB (presale).

First attracting worldwide attention with self-produced hit 'D-D-Dance' – which introduced their Phoenix-like mix of pop-rock and electronic elements – Stockholm's indie dance-rockers The Royal Concept are known for their sun-soaked melodies, upbeat swing and uncontainable energy. Their biggest hit to-date, 2013's 'On Our Way' was featured in FIFA 14, an episode of Glee, plus a bunch of MTV reality programs. Having spent the last few years touring, the Swedish rockers are set to perform music from their latest EP The Wake Up.

Timber Timbre

Mao Livehouse Wukesong. May 18. 150RMB; 120RMB (presale).

Mixing melodic rock beats with a haunting eerie pulse, it’s no wonder this Canada-based crew have landed a few scores in The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad. Timber Timbre make lush, sombre folk with a quirky edge that resembles early-twentieth-century blues recordings. Catch them in Beijing for some psychedelic folk.

Ally Kerr

Omni Space. May 19. 150RMB; 100RMB (presale).

With a knack for consistently writing heartfelt gems and a growing and dedicated following across the globe, Scottish folk-pop singer-songwriter Ally Kerr heads to Beijing in support of his newest album Upgrade Me.

Leech

Omni Space. May 19. 180RMB; 150RMB (presale).

Formed back in 1995, Swiss post-rock outfit Leech devote themselves to experimental instrumental music, connecting unusual rhythms with floating melodies into one eclectic soundscape. Having released their seventh studio album For Better or For Worse just last year, expect a mix of old and new tunes.

Vijay Iyer Trio

Blue Note. May 23-24. 380RMB (table seat); 280RMB (side seat).

Trailblazing pianist Vijay Iyer, one of his generation's brightest jazz luminaries, explores jazz, pop and electronica vanguards with equal curiosity. You can hear the eclecticism throughout his impressively prolific portfolio the past few years: chamber works, a multimedia collaboration and a curatorial position as Musical Director of the Ojai Music Festival. Join him as he performs over two nights at Blue Note.

Joyce Jonathan

Mao Livehouse Wukesong. May 26. 240RMB; 190RMB (presale).

With several China tours under her belt, as well as her ability to sing in both French and Chinese, 29 year-old singer-songwriter Joyce Jonathan has already developed a sizeable Chinese following. She's now five albums in (including French-Chinese album Ça ira) and her sound has been compared to Tracy Chapman though, to us, she sounds more like a French Katie Melua.

For more excellent things to do in Beijing this May, hit 'Read more' below.

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