Talking Tunes: A Successful First Showcase and Not There's New Video

Firstly, we here at the Beijinger would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the bands who performed, and all the folks who dropped by to enjoy a drink with us at our first New Music Showcase last weekend. The performances were fantastic, a good time was had by all and Gary the pink-haired Goat survived the night, just. A success all round.

A relatively quiet news week on the Beijing music landscape this week, punctuated only by the release of Beijing electro rockers Not There's music video for their second single "The Chauffeur". The band gave a great (if somewhat early) performance at the Showcase on Saturday. They've teamed up with New York indie filmaker Gabriel Clermont to produce an intriguing tale of yoga, a flower suit, and wanton littering. Check it out below.

Have you noticed the prices of tickets increasing here in Beijing? The recent hike certainly hasn't gone unnoticed by us and there's an interesting article over at Chinamusicradar.com giving some theories as to the reason for the recent increase in cost. Check out the article.

One other late notice to find us this week gave details of an interesting sounding collaboration called FELL. Toktek, of Holland, and Swiss Simon Berz combine at MAO Livehouse on Friday night for a show which involves the duo "turning pure human emotion and body language into sound" using "their self-made electronic "instruments/interfaces".

Elsewhere this weekend, Infected Mushroom play at Yugong Yishan, before US rapper Kero One raids YY on Saturday night. And then on Sunday, there's a mighty triumvirate of Other Lives, PS I Love You and Daniel Hart, again at Yugong Yishan. One not to be missed.

Here's Not There's new video.

And here are some musical highlights until we meet again next week. Don't forget, you can check out more to do in our Events section.

Until next time.

Thursday August 23

Ember Swift
Canadian songbird performs. Free. 9.30pm. Temple (131 6107 0713)

Matthew Parker’s Bossa Jazz Duo
See Aug 9. Free. 9.30pm. Modernista (136 9142 5744)

Friday August 24

Infected Mushroom
Electronic music revolutionaries Infected Mushroom look to spread “Psychedelic Trance” to Beijing. RMB 280 (RMB 200 advance). 10pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

Mademoiselle et Son Orchestre
French chanson, marble tables and absinthe drinkers bringing you the Old World atmosphere. Free. 9.30pm. Temple (131 6107 0713)

Perpetual Motion Machine
Local rock band with a tight, distinctive sound. Free. 9.45pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

Saturday August 25

Kero One
San Francisco rapper/producer/DJ Kero One performing his mix of jazz and hip-hop. Price and time TBD. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

Planet Mini Electronics Music Festival - Day One
A two-day dance party on the lawn with all the usual trimmings, including a whole lamb roasted on the spit. RMB 80, RMB 140 (two-day ticket). 4pm-3am. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Q Live Presents: CNdY & Not There
Two of the most energetic electronic bands in Beijing take to the stage. RMB 40. 9.45pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

Rockabilly Party with Rolling Bowling
Olivia Newton-Johns and John Travoltas who show up dressed in a rockabilly style will get a free “pink thing” bubble-gum shot. Free. 9.30pm. Modernista (136 9142 5744)

Sunday August 26

Other Lives + PS I Love You + Daniel Hart
Their music was featured on Grey’s Anatomy and Ugly Betty. Now Other Lives make their Beijing bow with two great support acts. Not to be missed. Price and time TBD. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

Planet Mini Electronics Music Festival - Day Two
See Aug 25. RMB 80, RMB 140 (two day). 4pm-3am. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Wednesday August 29

True Live & Mr. Graceless w/Marie-Madeleine & Sir Alice
True Live will join hands with local rock & roll vanguards Mr. Graceless to open their tour. Marie Madeleine and Sir Alice will also be there to rock the stage. RMB 70, RMB 50 (student and advance). 8.30pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)