Random Tidbits: Interview with Wu Wei, Singing in Chinese, AM444 and M
some cool little things been happening in the music-sphere lately.. here is a little roundup of things:
Interview with SMZB Frontman, Wu Wei
I love me SMZB, one of the most interesting bands to come out of China and find myself wishing that they were based in Beijing instead of Wuhan. I can’t change that but i can definitely appreciate this in-depth interview with their front man, Wu Wei, over at The China Story.
It’s pretty darn candid, revealing and one hell of a good read.. Learn more about his background, the challenges of being in music and not knowing who Cui Jian is.
Singing in Chinese..is the new black
I find this weird.. a San Fran based Rock band, Dream Rush, singing in Mandarin! They’re making a name for themselves covering this niche market. As far as I know, in one of their interviews, most members don’t even speak the language yet they manage to sing in it. I’ve taken some of their songs for a spin and it’s not sounding half bad. Like a mix of Tang Dynasty and Black Panther. They even have themselves a douban page!
http://site.douban.com/dreamrush/
on the same token, Juliane Jones, an aspiring pop folk artist, has now released an album half in English and Half in Chinese. I never even heard of her but she’s one of a legion of acts looking to capitalise on the popularity of Mandarin Chinese. Here is her latest video (VPN needed)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5pagFkfhn8#action=share
I’m not commenting on the quality of the music but the trend of bands singing in Mandarin is going up.
AM444 and M
in what looks like the next episode of the love story between France and China Based musicians, we have AM444 and M that cooperated on a sultry version of “Detache Toi”
It’s not my kind of music but is pretty darn goooooood. Chacha’s voice and that of M mash up pretty darn well. Check it out for yourselves:
Outside of China: http://www.madmoizelle.com/detache-toi-clip-am444-m-exclu-261333
Inside China: http://www.letv.com/ptv/vplay/20134716.html