The Beijinger New Music Showcase: Meet the Bands (Part 2)
Only two days left until the inaugural the Beijinger New Music Showcase at 2 Kolegas on Saturday – and it's shaping up to be a ripsnorter of a show. Today is your last chance to take advantage of the early bird discount: tickets for RMB 100. For that, you get nine hours of top Beijing music, enough beer to fell a small horse (or more if you want), and as much roasted goat as you can eat, because we wouldn't advise drinking and moshing on an empty stomach.
As for the main attraction, here's part two of our profile of the acts who will entertain you on Saturday.
Not much is known about the origins of Stiletto. Someone once told me they were forged in the belly of Mount Vesuvius and that accounts for their face-melting licks, explosive drumming and volatile stage presence. As well as their dashing good looks. But in fairness, that gentleman was slobbering at my breakfast table one morning in The Den, and I've reason to believe he might have been drunk. Others say they came together blind-drunk at an open mic session and never looked back. Whatever their origins, we enjoyed their sound and signed them up to play for you at the Showcase. They will perform around 7pm.
Elephant Fresh consist of Tim, Robin, Chris, Jack, Jerome and Lisa, a group brought together from the ashes of their former incarnation, Ashtray Lifeguards. Elephant Fresh fuse psychedelic rock with funk and hip-hop with a dash of electronic for good luck. A melding of influences, nationalities and personalities makes for an incredible live performance. They'll get going around 7.40pm for your listening pleasure.
Next up is Residence A, a local rock outfit who came very highly recommended when we asked some of the city's music mavens who they'd like to see at the Showcase. Residence A has self-released a record (selected cuts of which you can find on their Douban page) and embarked on a national tour, which increased their profile massively. Their name has popped up a lot in the last 12 months on shortlists for various 'band of the year' accolades and we're delighted to have them. They fill our 8.30pm slot.
Metal band Ronnie's Will take the stage around 9.15pm. Formed in June 2010, Ronnie's Will are set to provide some explosive nu thrash to tee the Showcase up nicely for a big finale. Named after the protagonist of a novel written by vocalist Wanghao Chen, the band say they are driven by unrealistic ideals, and that every band member is essential to the creative makeup of the group. They call themselves the rock versions of Don Quixote. Expect explosions.
That's part two of the lineup. You can check out part one here; the third and final installment will follow tomorrow. Don't forget that you can still pick up your tickets for the Beijinger New Music Showcase at selected venues and that today is your last chance to get them at a discounted RMB 100.
