Glastonbury, Woodstock and Love Parade are all words aurally etched in the mind when one thinks of outdoor music festivals. What many Shanghai expats are unaware of is such a term already exists in the psyche of China – MIDI. Since 1997, MIDI Modern Music Festival has rocked Beijing nearly every spring, helping solidifying the city’s music credentials. After a long wait, China’s largest music festival will make its Shanghai debut on the weekend of 6 – 8 May. Playing a large role in helping organise the event is the city’s own The Antidote. TALK caught up with the collective’s Michael Ohlsson to find out more about this northern import.

Why did it take 13 years for the MIDI Festival to finally make it down to Shanghai?

For the past five years the organisers have tried to hold a festival in the city, but have run into permit issues. However after the success of the Zhenjiang Festival the past two years, Shanghai now seems to understand its value and wants to replicate this in Century Park. Moreover, with an increase in outdoor music festivals around China, MIDI needs to evolve and expand or face the clear possibility of becoming irrelevant.

What role is The Antidote playing?

Originally we were contracted to only organise the electronic music stage. However as MIDI doesn’t have any organisational structure in Shanghai, we are now helping with finding sponsorship, promotion and expansion of the brand. We’ll also be running a bar next to our stage; while beer and food will be available throughout the park, it will be the only place to buy cocktails.

How important is MIDI for the development of music in Shanghai?

Historically the festival is very important in China, as it was the first outdoor music festival in the country. For anyone under the age of 40, MIDI is synonymous with the word festival. The organisers have stuck with their roots, refusing to go overly commercial, while competing events have gone too far the other way. In some ways the festival is like a pilgrimage for rock fans around China, and therefore this will finally place Shanghai on the map in the national conscious of rock. I think several thousand people from all over the country will make it to Shanghai for this weekend, to add to the tens of thousands of Shanghai residents who will attend the event. This is a great opportunity for Shanghai to let loose and have fun. Don’t be afraid to dress up in silly costumes, not take yourself seriously for a few days and just let go.

There are 50 acts, most of them from or based in Shanghai. Why is there such a strong local influence?

As it is the festival’s first year in Shanghai, it needs to play it safe – not to mention budget issues. The organisers don’t want to import the Beijing line up, that’d be a little cocky, and instead have elected to work with a base of local acts to support the few international and national artists. A rock festival in Shanghai needs to have Shanghai acts.

What bands and DJs are you looking forward to seeing?

I actually think it will be fun to see the headliner Mr Big, to see fabulous glam rock and metal like that. It’s stadium rock which will have the crowd singing along. Also I love seeing local band Boy Climbing Ropes; I know that I am biased since I am their manager, but I truly believe they are the best band in China [editor’s note: agreed!]. Caliph 8 – we are flying him out from Manila – produces and spins atmospheric post-hip hop in the same vein as DJ Shadow. He is an act to watch internationally – he’s co-producing the next Gaslamp Killer album. Shanghai favourites Acid Pony Club will be playing a live set of new material, from indie rock to dubstep, which should be fun too.

Every year MIDI chooses an environmental issue to raise awareness; what is this year’s theme?

The organisers are very green-minded and this year they are dedicating themselves to raising the awareness of bear slaughtering in an effort to stop bear bile consumption. Be nice to bears!

Web: www.midifestival.com