Talking Tunes: No Limp Bizkit, July 4 Gigs and a Detroit House Legend

Nick Richards | Jul 4, 2013 5:00 pm | Add a comment | 2018 reads

Prepare for double whiplash in Shanghai: Limp Bizkit will be playing only a few days after Metallica this August - another narrow miss for Beijing. The “Nu-Metal” (remember that?) rockers and Jamiroquai have been announced as the headlining acts of Sonic Shanghai 2013 -- a new music festival taking place from August 17-18.

I sweat fear for Shanghai: these tremors from the 90s may finally sink the city, but there’s hope yet -- the rest of the festival roster will be rolled out over the next seven weeks.

Here’s what’s coming up in Beijing this week:

Independence Day (Tonight):

Randy Abel teams up with The Hutong Weasels and Kate Smith for a giddy up of classic American folk tunes at Jianghu. Randy’s the man who just released a new album with his Stable, now available on iTunes.

Listen: Bruce Bailey's Legendary Set at The Metroplex (More on this below)

Another Americana tribute, The Beijing Dead will be performing at 4corners with a full set of Grateful Dead material and those “traditional” hippy space jams. Ribs, chili and Casey Jones will be served by Uncle Jun (the chef, not the guy in the song).

For something that has nothing to do with Independence Day, because some of us don’t care, French jazz accordionist Matthieu Ha is performing at Au Goulot, a new venue by the Drum Tower.

Friday Pick:

Mao Livehouse hosts Hong Kong post rockers TFVSJS, who are described as mysterious with space and sonic visualizations included in their act. I would pick this show to see opening band Illness Sickness. Their set at dazeFEAST last Saturday was beautiful. The heavy bass and guitar juxtaposed with melodic lines from a trumpet and cello make them a very original and moving local band.

Saturday Pick:

Tiger Beer is hosting their Beijing Finals for the Battle of the Bands at Yugong Yishan. I would pick this show to see special guest Residence A - by far the most talented act in the city. Their original drummer recently rejoined the band, a relief for their fans: this guy’s kick drum will send tingles up your spine. Their sound is indie rock with some electro in the mix.

Listen: "Song Chun" by Residence A

On the Heavy Side:

Raaaw! Thrash Metal meets ethnic Mongolian music at Mao Livehouse on Saturday with Ego Fall. They are touring for their latest album Duguilang.

On Sunday, XP is bringing in rock from the seaside town of Dalian with performances by Talk Shock and Which Park. Heroes of the Beijing sound and bygone D-22 era, Mr. Graceless will join.

Watch: Illness Sickness at dazeFEAST 2013

<

On the Groovy Side:

2 Kolegas gets rasta-fied with Summer Reggae Session One Step Forwad. Acts include Banana Kings the Meiwenti DJ Crew and the Ultimate Pro. Dj Crew featuring MC Norrisman. The bananas get peeled on Saturday.

On the same night, This Town Touring is presenting indie rock group The Royales at Temple. Hailing from the land of kangaroos these Aussies sound like a promising act, with a combo of synths, guitars, bass and drums. Local synth wankers, Not There will open.

Listen: The Royales "Leave me Something"

On the Decks:

Detroit house legend Bruce Bailey is slowly gaining recognition as one of the best DJs in the world. Migas snagged him up for a sweet set on Saturday night. Hold that thought: Legendary Detroit techno on Nali Patio? WTF? C'mon kids, bury that shindig in a warehouse.

Dada keeps things local on Friday night. WEED records is hosting a free party to put the spotlight on Beijing talent the likes of Zaliva D and Noise Noise. It’s gonna be all EBM and electro with some minor tweaks.

The Rest:

Enjoy your music.

Full Disclosure: The author is the guitarist in The Beijing Dead and Not There, he’d rather be seeing Matthieu Ha tonight.

Photo: www.jkmortonphoto.com