Black Rabbit Music Fest - What's In It For You?
By Julie Levin
We doubt that Ludacris ever thought he’d be performing at the same concert as Hebe – or that he’s even heard of the Taiwanese pop star – but the Black Rabbit Music Festival will bring these two unlikely acts together along with more than a dozen other performers in September. Whether you’re a head banging, chain-wearing punk rocker or a Chinese tween defying your parents’ better judgment, this event is sure to offer you a little something to excite your aural sensations. Here’s what to look forward to:
If you’re looking to relive your middle school glory days: Yellowcard is back. The Florida natives released a new CD this year after a bit of an extended hiatus. Remember 2003’s Ocean Avenue? Well this is a lot like that. Think poppy punk in the same vein as Blink-182, New Found Glory and Sum 41. Surprisingly, after two years of complete obscurity, Yellowcard’s latest album, When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes, is entirely decent. Tracks like “For You and Your Denial” highlight singer Ryan Key’s powerful vocals without getting too heavy or emo for our tastes.
If you’re the clubbing type: Ludacris promises to offer up his signature selection of sensual lyrics and hardcore beats as he performs songs off his latest album, Battle of the Sexes. Since first telling ladies in 2000, “We can do it on stage of the Ludacris concert, cause you know it got sold out,” this rap legend has been riding high with colossal commercial success and collaborations with everyone from Sean Kingston to Justin Beiber. We just hope Nicki Minaj makes a surprise appearance for “My Chick Bad”.
If you’re a rocker (or are still struggling to get over your all-consuming teenage obsession with Jared Leto): 30 Seconds to Mars has retained a fair amount of popularity since its 1998 inception. More recently, their 2009 single “Closer to the Edge” shot up the Top 40 list, proving the band has broad appeal beyond the cult of swooning female fans who have been loyal to the band’s lead singer since he made his movie debut in My So-Called Life. The Festival is just one stop on the band’s 23 city world tour, so we’re expecting big things. Listen for the band’s mega ballad “Hurricane”.
If you’re a creative history buff: Titus Andronicus strives to go against the grain with a punk rock sound that is a little more spazzy than its rocker brethren’s. The band’s latest album, The Monitor, is a guitar laden, auditory indulgence, ostensibly inspired by the American Civil War. It’s replete with all sorts of pop culture references from Abraham Lincoln to Bruce Springsteen. Frontman Patrick Stickles tends to scream on some tracks, but whereas that might make you want to cover your ears in a confined space, it only enhances the excitement of a live show like the Black Rabbit.
If you’re into jamming old-school style: At 53-years-old, Grandmaster Flash has still got it, or at least festival promoters are hoping he does. Though his status as a hip-hop pioneer and DJ legend is undeniable, Flash’s last LP The Bridge (2009) was pretty much a flop in every sense of the word. Sales figures were paltry, lyrics were unimaginative, and the album quickly became irrelevant. Still, if Flash sticks to what he does best (if you’re unfamiliar, try The Official Adventures of Grandmaster Flash or his 1997 disco mix Salsoul Jam 2000), this could be one of the major highlights of the festival.
If you’ve ever dreamt of your household furniture coming alive: The British duo, Mount Kimbie, is getting a lot of positive attention these days from people who seem to know what they’re talking about. The major debate is over whether or not they are heavy enough on the bass to be considered a true dubstep band. Whatever Mount Kimbie’s classification, the pair produces an alluring assemblage of electronica, bass music, and isolated strange sounds sure to appeal to anyone looking to add a little trippy-ness to their festival line-up.
Beyond those acts, there’s a whole host of local bands and djs, including Rainbow Danger Club, an American group who has been living and performing in Shanghai for the last several years. Also look out for Lil’ Ray, a real live Chinese rap artist, and Uprooted Sunshine Soundsystem, the festival’s only reggae performers.
Black Rabbit Music Festival. RMB 260 pre-sale, RMB 350 at the door. 18 September. Shanghai Rugby Club. 2700 Zhangyang Bei Lu, near Wuzhou Da Dao. Web: http://hei-tu.com/2011/en/
