Noise Pollution: Glory of the City Night, 10 Hours of Music at Antipodes, Struggle Session, WR/OC Fest

November continues to bear some pretty wicked and luscious fruit with a jam-packed weekend. Don’t believe me – just look at Saturday, where cutting-edge electronic acts face off against a powerhouse hip-hop festival, math rock wonders, post-rock piledrivers and more. Or even Sunday, where it all repeats itself again. Whatever you fancy, this weekend has got it. So pick yourself up, round up a crew, and journey forth into the night and treat yourself to the music scene’s finest.
 

Friday, Nov 16

AV Okubo, Underdog, Uncle Bad, Wasted Laika, The Sailors Grape at School
No doubt the show of the month at School Bar – ‘Glory of the City’ has wrangled up a wallop of an evening, chock full of punk, reggae, and more. Set to play and making the trek in from Wuhan are industrial electro punks AV Okubo, ska punk super group Underdog, female-fronted oi punks Uncle Bad, artsy punks Wasted Laika, and last but not least, new reggae rocking supergroup The Sailors Grape – made up of members of P.K.14, Bedstars, and the legendary hardcore band Shit Dog – whose surprise debut last month was a loose, unfastened, and endlessly rewarding listen that touches on punk, ska, reggae, and '60s Buddy Holly-style early rock music. RMB 120

Nightingale, Sky Fire, Fomalhaut, Diablo at Temple
Those who complain that Temple is hard enough – that its soul isn’t quite the shade of black they’d hope – should check out 330 Metal’s lineup at Temple. The long-standing metal promoters have stocked the evening with metal regulars – from the melodic Nightingale to the more death-curling Sky Fire. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. FREE 

Meng Qi, Fenni at Aotu Studio 
The multifaceted artist Meng Qi – an electronic music maker, synthesizer designer and all around grand wizard whose endeavors never cease to amaze, joins singer and experimental artist Fenni who ‘creates a sound aura with her own voice, ambient sounds, noises, animal sounds, and sound effects.’ The two cutting-edge artists will appear at Aotu Studio, the Beixinqiao space that’s killing it as of late. RMB 60

Starcardigan (RU), Rhonda, Xiao Yao at DDC
Electro-pop nu-disco outfit Starcardigan, known as one of the most perspective Russian bands in the country, return to Beijing this weekend to stir up some trouble. Supporting them are hard-edged instrumental rockers Rhonda, and newly formed Britpop outfit (with some psychedelic flourishes thrown in for good measure) Xiao Yao. RMB 80

Hang on the Box, Double Beat at Jianghu Bar
Female punk rock stalwarts Hang on the Box, who have been around for decades, hit up the cozy intimate Jianghu Bar for a performance alongside Chicago blues outfit Double Beat. RMB 100

6501 at Yue Space
Changeable, intense, sharp, dark, experimental, calm, introverted, direct – no matter what kind of reaction you have, you’ll be strongly impacted by 6501 – a rooted and swift guitar, bass, and drums trio from Xinjiang that’s making their way across China. The band released their debut earlier this year on Modern Sky’s more offbeat and rowdy Badhead Records – always a plus in my book. RMB 100

Styles Infinite, L-Force at Soi Baochao 
Raised in South Los Angeles, Isaac Anthony Rodarte aka Styles Infinite has been in the hip-hop game since the ripe age of 13, first, part of the active 8-Ball Crew, before performing solo across the West Coast. Catch him perform today alongside local rapper and producer L-Force. RMB 70

Burnett Thompson at La Plantation 
Pianist, composer, educator, and concert producer, Burnett Thompson is the real deal. His performances include partnerships with major concert halls, museums, and galleries in Washington, DC and dozens of major universities in China, including Fudan University, Yunnan University, Wuhan University, Ningbo University, Xiamen University, and more. Catch him and friends tonight at La Plantation. 7.30pm start. RMB 200

Scorpions (US) at Beijing Olympic Center Stadium 
German hard rock and heavy metal act Scorpions – together since 1965, with 18 studio albums, 27 compilation albums, 74 singles and has six number one hits under their belts – have landed. These “heroes of heavy metal” have already sold out the first tier of tickets so if you’ve been itching to relive the glory days of hard rock then this is your night. RMB 1080-1980

Showhand, Black Bone, Cha, Emotional Recycling Bin, Outstanding Youth at Laifu Livehouse
Punks rock, pop rock, and everything in between – it’s China Rock Camp down in Shuangjing – which puts a spotlight on the young, impassioned bands and musicians looking to cut their stuff on the circuit – tonight features Showhand, Cha, and more. RMB 70 

Lawrence Clark Quartet at Blue Nore
For years, tenor saxophonist Lawrence Clark has entrenched himself into the restive jazz scene in New York City. Driven by persistence and passion, and inspired by the John Coltrane quartet the Miles Davis quintet and a 10-year apprenticeship in the Rashied Ali quintet, Lawrence strives to reach new horizons with his own ensemble. RMB 120-360

Jasmine Monk, Su Yuyang at Pink Moon
Indie folk artist Jasmine Monk, a fixture of the folk scene for years with a voice of pure emotion that’ll transport audiences – hits up Pink Moon alongside fellow singer-songwriter Su Yuyang. RMB 80

Nancy Jenkinson Brown Quintet at The Bricks
Nancy Jenkinson Brown alongside with her ever-skillful band of troops presents a delicious cocktail of music and playful renditions of songs you know and love, providing listeners a new sense of joy for jazz. FREE

The Hunters at Modernista
Beijing’s hottest crowd-pleasing outfit and one of Beijing’s best foreign cover bands The Hunters combine old school funk, soul, and rock classics with intoxicating delivery. FREE

Li Qinzhan, Lei Fengmao at Mogu Space
Acoustic ramblings and tender folk songs over at Xizhimen’s Mogu Space courtesy of young Beijing-educated singer-songwriters Li Qinzhan and Lei Fengmao. RMB 60

Saturday, Nov 17 

Four Tet (UK), SHAO at Omni Space
A savant in meshing the electronic and the organic, the living with the non-living, the UK electronic musician Four Tet has one of the brightest resumes in the business, with nine full-length albums under his belt – each one rich in tone and texture. Whether it is folk, jazz, hip-hop, or even Krautrock, there has always been a buoyant discovery to how his compositions unfold – melodic yet abstract, full of glitchy mischievousness and acoustic wonder. His innate passion of excavating music of all ilk found him working an array of industry heavyweights such as jazz drummer Steve Reid (James Brown, Sun Ra) and Jamie xx, all the while retaining his street cred. Catch him this evening alongside minimal techno king Shao, fresh off his latest LP. RMB 300

Faded Ghost, 777, Shao, Porter Ricks, pink;money, MengHan, Thomas Köner, Wang Changcun, JFI at Goethe-Institut China 
The Antipodes program installs a contemporary musical space to be entered and left at any time during the 10-hour program – a space to experience, to contemplate, to meet, to dance, and to listen to a prelude to future soundscapes. On the local front we have Tian Peng aka 777, the pioneering electronic musicians of the longstanding (and perhaps first) electronic Chinese outfit Supermarket, Faded Ghost, the nocturnal pagan witch house project from renowned Shanghai artist Chacha, Hangzhou-based Wang Changcun – “a contemporary artist, a programmer, an explorer of sounds, spaces, and music” who “completely runs and operates outside any specific identity,” minimal techno king Shao, Changcun sound artist JFI, and Wang Menghan. The younger generation is represented by pink;money (You Long and Shen Qi) and the now Berlin-based Wang Menghan. On the international front, there’s Belgrade-based German artist Thomas Köner, known equally for his sound-based artworks as well as his more club-oriented techno project Porter Ricks with Andy Mellwig whose affinity for undersea sonar frequencies with Detroit techno has made them an influential part of the dub-techno movement. If you stay awake through the morning breakfast is on the house. Read more about what to expect from these 10 hours here. FREE 

J.I.D (TW), Bohan Phoenix, Chic Pi (TW), Lil Akin, Giib-Z, Young Gorilla at Tango 
WR/OC is a young label that believes in original spirits, fresh blood, and hip-hop. Their festival is bringing together local and international artists for a night of crazy commotion. The two-day festival kicks off with headliner J.I.D – the Atlanta rapper whose boom-bap revival is inspired by everyone from Sly and the Family Stone to D’Angelo. Joining him will be an array of red-hot hip-hop acts on the China scene including New York raised Chengdu-born Bohan Phoenix, Taiwanese act Chic Pi, R&B act Lil Akin, Giib-Z and Young Gorilla. 6pm start. RMB 450

GriffO at Yue Space 
Hangzhou math rock group GriffO, whose bubbly, intricately layered arrangements and cheeky indie-pop allure have made them one of the scene’s most sought-after groups, swings through Beijing as apart of their nationwide tour in support of their upcoming album. Seriously, check out their kinetic new single Tamagotchi to get a sense of the Technicolor-fun that awaits you. RMB 80

Macondo, Acid Accident at DDC
An eclectic mix of ethereal synth with searing elements of math-core and instrumental rock, Macondo has been growing and innovating around Beijing’s vibrant music scene for almost four years – they return from their latest tour ready to rock. Joining them are post-rock groovers Acid Accident, who also joined DDC’s flagship label DDL. RMB 80

The Flood, Starcardigan (RU), Hugh Reed & The Electric Shadows, Boss Cuts at Temple
Temple goes big once again as they welcome two out-of-town guests, Shanghai rockers The Flood, and Russian electro-rock Starcardigan, who have returned with their upbeat and crowd-moving tunes. Supporting them are the grand and delightfully mad Hugh Reed & The Electric Shadows plus surf rock regulars Boss Cuts. FREE 

Chill Boy, Dabozz, Aosaki at Mao Livehouse
Jazz hip-hop star Chill Boy who’s been making a name for himself since the 2015 release of his mixtape, heads over to Wukesong where he’ll be joined by producer Aosaki and Nanjing trip-hop rapper and artist Dabozz, who’s also having a hell of a year. RMB 160

Last Goodbye, DVC at Fruityspace
Whoever ‘Voice of the West Sea’ is they’re celebrating two years of doing their thing with a free kick-ass gig over at Fruityspace with downtempo hip-hop artist DVC joining shoegaze groovers Last Goodbye for some fun. FREE

WHAI at Soi Baochao
Everyone’s favorite psychedelic prog-rock outfit WHAI, who have been together since 2012 have committed themselves to their heavy, offbeat brand of trip-hop-tinted psychedelic rock and roll find refuge this week in the frequently busy Baochao dive as they release their new three-track EP which finds them falling further down the EDM rabbit hole. Read our recent interview with frontman Zhang Wei here. RMB 80

Sai Kung Dogs at School Bar
School Bar goes full-on experimental this evening and I’m gonna in love – electric noise, interpretative dance, raw breath, and more mayhem awaits as the female duo performers from Guangdong bring their mysterious, chaotic, and dare I say titillating act to Wudaoying Hutong. RMB 60

Scary Honey, Soul Mate, The PrizaX, Lost in Space, Awake Mountains at Laifu Livehouse
Emocore, pop rock, pummeling rhythms and melodic black metal that’ll crush your soul – these are a few of Laifu’s Livehouse’s favorite things this Saturday as The ProzaX join Awake Mountains and more for some rock and roll rambunctiousness. RMB 100

Kooj, General Huge, Raddam Ras, King Lion Miguel, Rawhxvan Marley & DJ Sowl at The Playhouse
The Playhouse gathers some of the hip-hop and reggae scene’s fiercest characters ready to set forth good vibes and smooth beats as General Huge and Rawhx Van Marley of Ultimate Band Crew join SistaKilla.L, SOLGI, and more. RMB 100

Death Penalty, Stabbing, Outspoken, A Moment Apart at 13 Club 
13 Club – doing what it does best – giving thousands of young adults an outlet to relinquish their demons via metal music. Tonight’s theory session will be held by none other than Death Penalty, Stabbing, Outspoken, and A Moment Apart. RMB 80

Pony Mischief, Evening News at Jianghu Bar
Made up of several experienced and talented musicians, including Swarrm, Pony Mischief’s music is free, wild, naughty, decadent, sexy, and delicate. A uniquely charming, avant-garde and retro music atmosphere. They join Evening News this evening at Jianghu Bar. RMB 70

Templo do Samba at Modernista
Templo do Samba has been pushing the Brazilian music culture in China, growing from a handful of people to a full-blown group of samba professionals with over 55 active members. Catch the enchanting sounds of a Pagode – Bossanova, Samba, and Latin flavors – this evening. FREE

Jamison Ross (US) at Blue Note
Vocalist and drummer Jamison Ross – a Jacksonville, Florida native, delivers messages of humanity through the medium of jazz. His 2015 debut release introduced the world to his concept of rhythm and melody and also garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Catch him this weekend at Blue Note. RMB 260-380

The Hunters at Caravan
Beijing’s hottest crowd-pleasing outfit and one of Beijing’s best foreign cover bands The Hunters combine old school funk, soul, and rock classics with intoxicating delivery. FREE

Victor Bastidas Quartet at The Bricks
Columbian percussionist Victor Bastidas exploration of his native Colombian folk music, through the elements and language of jazz music, continues tonight with an all original repertoire of Victor Bastidas compositions. FREE

Steinberg Duo (US) at La Plantation 
A special violin and piano recital from Louisa Stonehill and Nicolas Burns that’ll cover everything from Beethoven to Schumann. RMB 200

Zhao Shuo, Make Tuzhou at Pink Moon
Poet, avant-garde folk-rock singer and avid exploring of sounds, Make Tuzhou, fresh off a 2017 summer debut release, looks to exercise some demons and lay it all bare this evening at Pink Moon alongside Zhao Shou. RMB 66

Max Sleigh, Wu Younan at FM Live
Acoustics wonders and tender folk songs via independent singer-songwriters Max Sleigh and Wu Younan. RMB 66
 

Sunday, Nov 18 

Machine Gun Kelly, Lows0n, SafeLanding, NINEONE#, YOUNG13DBABY, Young Poc, ZIV, KUCCI, MC天天 at Tango
WR/OC's a young label that believes in original spirits, fresh blood, and hip-hop. Their festival is bringing together local and international artists for a night of crazy commotion. For day two they've got the rat-tat-tat-tatted Machine Gun Kelly, who's been spitting fire since he was 16. Hailing from Cleveland, he's released three studio albums, the latest being Bloom from 2017. Sharing the stage with him is rap group SafeLanding, female pop rap singer Lows0n, NINEONE#, and more. RMB 450

Struggle Session, Boss Cuts, Rainbow Machine, SHAS at DDC
With a steady stream of interviews, articles, and events bringing the creative minds of Beijing together, Loreli has become a crucial part of the scene here in Beijing and has only grown and evolved since its incarnation. This month they turn the ripe age of three and they’re celebrating in style, and by style I mean, unhinged lunacy and debauchery at DDC this Sunday with sets from Struggle Session (making their first appearance at DDC), Boss Cuts, SHAS, and Rainbow Machine who’ll also be releasing a cassette tape and indulging in some Yoga during their set. No lie - you best believe things are gonna get weird. RMB 60

The Molds, Simon Frank at fRUITYSPACE
The Molds are back from their nation-wide tour! The long-standing cult porto-blues rockers just released their debut – the gangly and atmospheric debut Born Astride the Grave. Full of surf rock strung out on methadone, it’s psychedelic rock for those who prefer the company of tumbleweeds and soaking in the desert sun in a derelict roadside bar. Simply put, it’s pretty badass. Supporting the band is Simon Frank who’s been popping up on more and more bills since his return to Beijing. RMB 80

Little Wizard at Mao Livehouse
Little Wizard – the hard-hitting Shaoxing instrumental rockers return with a gut punch of an EP – an exhilarating roller coaster ride of rock and roll that leaves nothing on the floor. While there are still plenty of traces of the band’s math rock acrobats, the band is operating on another level here, charging full steam ahead with two tracks (after an improvised warm-up) that ignite as soon as they hit the floor, oozing with magnetism and dynamo craftsmanship. Simply put, Little Wizard has cut off all the fat and delivered a crowd-pleasing, stadium-ready jam. More, please. RMB 100

Hong Qile, Zafka, Wang Changcun, Mao Wengweng at Today Art Museum 
For those who didn’t have the will (or stamina) to make it through Goethe-Institut China’s Antipodes program the night before – this should be able to satisfy those looking for a little audiovisual action. The Bwave collective, full of cutting-edge electronic musicians and visual artists heads over to the Today Art Museum with sets from glitch artist Hong Qile, sound artist and electronic wonder Zafka (who have released two stellar LPs with playreclabel), Hangzhou’s Wang Changcun and Mao Wengweng. 4pm start. FREE 

The Hotline at Yue Space
Electro-rock outfit The Hotline has been going strong since 2014, building their legion of fans in School Bar and across China with their kinetic, frisky and rebellious and flavorsome indie rock that tip-toes the line between pop and punk effortlessly. They are releasing their debut LP Please Answer The Call tonight at Yue Space. RMB 80 

MC Sweet, DJ Orientlic, Jet Raw, Yocho, Naggy, Novaesnowy, Mr. Trouble at School
Boogie Camp Records and their family of hip-hop artists descend upon School Bar this evening for the Beijing stop of their current China tour – set to appear among others are MC Sweet, DJ Orientlic, Jet Raw, Novaesnowy, Mr. Trouble, and more. Expect a lot of spillover from the adjacent WR/OC Festival next door. RMB 130 

Jamison Ross (US) at Blue Note
Vocalist and drummer Jamison Ross – a Jacksonville, Florida native, delivers messages of humanity through the medium of jazz. His 2015 debut release introduced the world to his concept of rhythm and melody and also garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Catch him this weekend at Blue Note. RMB 260-380

Rhonda, V89 at Temple
Hard-edged instrumentalists Rhonda, who has been tearing up the scene for years, return to Temple for some more alongside hard blues rockers V89. FREE

Wang Chenhuai Electro Trio at Modernista 
Modernista continues its seven-year anniversary celebrations with a special Sunday evening jazz act as they welcome the Wang Chenhuai Electro Trio feating Victor Bastidas on drums, Nathaniel Gao on sax, and Wang Chenhuai on bass. FREE

Fofox at FM Live
Hear covers of prominent Chinese rockers Zhang Chu – whose Shameful Being All Alone, released in 1994, continues to influence a generation of Chinese artists – from mega-fan and folk-rocker Fofox. RMB 66

Want to cut a rug instead? Check out this weekend's nightlife offerings here.

Photos: Will Griffith, courtesy of the promoters