The Bang Gang: Odd-Girl-Out Pupi's Ideal Life

Guangzhou girl Pupi came to Beijing three years ago on her own following the musical flow. Soon after, she formed the band Bigger Bang. It didn’t take long for the follower to start leading. Here, she shares her feelings about music and life.

Many musicians leave their hometowns to come to Beijing. Why?
I think it’s natural. I have local Beijing friends going to other cities for other reasons; everybody is trying to choose a suitable lifestyle.

Why is it that so many Chinese bands sound similar to Western bands?
I believe that nobody wanted to copy others in the first place. Rock music is originally from the West. When Chinese bands searched for their path, Western music was the only standard to compare with. There’s a lot of catch-up for Chinese bands to do. I think this problem is temporary – we will grow eventually.

What’s your “proper” job?
I’m not sure about the term “proper” job. To me, music is the most important of the “things I should do” for now, but I don’t see it as a job. If you’re talking about how I make a living, I’m involved in a small business with my friends, which is not quite formal either. We all have to do something to earn money, after all.

Who have you been listening to lately?
The 11 songs from Foals’ new album Total Life Forever has been the only music on my MP3 player for the whole summer. To me, real music is music you’ll never get bored of. The world is moving too fast – some music may sound good, but only good enough to use as the background for dancing. I also like Leonard Cohen a lot.

What goals have you not achieved yet?
Too many things, such as traveling to as many places as possible. I want to travel with my parents, want to have babies, want to help more people, want to change the world. Or at least make an effort to change the world.

Describe your ideal life.
I’m living it now. Most dreams I had when I was a kid have come true. I think more of them will come true in the future. Enough is as good as a feast.

Bigger Bang explodes at Modern Sky Music Festival on Oct 3.