Ballads of East and West
Shanghai’s local music fans will have noticed the way in which audiences tend to be split along cultural lines. It’s so prevalent that people often speak of two music scenes in Shanghai, not one. In response to this trend, Brian Offenther aka DJ BO, a promoter known for his Trash A Go-Go nights, and Xiao Wei, promoter and member of local band Da Bei, have decided to organise an event to unite these two music communities.
On 7-8 January, Yuyintang will host two shows: the first a line-up of local Chinese bands marketed to Shanghai’s foreign population and the second bringing foreigner bands to local Chinese. The duo wants this to work so badly that they’re not just putting on the show for free, they’re actually paying audiences RMB 1 at the door, calling the event “The RMB 1 Challenge”.
It’s a bold (albeit gimmicky) move, but both promoters felt it is a necessary first step towards further integration. “A lot of expats have talked to me about really wanting to engage in the Chinese art scene and this is literally the most inviting chance for them to do it,” says Offenther. “They’re gaining money on this transaction. If they really want to do it, they will have no excuse.”
But why does there tend to be such a divide? Saying that it is simply a difference of language and culture isn’t enough. Offenther points out, “Language is an important factor in the music, but I don’t see it as the end all be all. I think that the texture is the most important part of the experience – not just the melody and harmony, but the type of sounds and the kind of feeling it evokes.”
Wei agreed that language and culture were not the main issues holding back a richer communication between these two music scenes. For him, it came down to marketing. “Chinese performances are promoted on Douban or Weibo, which not many foreigners use,” he explains. “Foreigners have their own outlets for promoting shows. It’s not for a lack of interest that Chinese audiences don’t attend these shows; they’re very interested in foreign music.”
Andy Best, co-author of the prominent music blog Kungfuology, thought that the current lack of communication between the scenes was not just about the method of promotion, but the style of shows as well.
“Bigger Chinese bands will play a show with one guest who plays music in a similar style. Audiences come because they are fans of that band, not necessarily for a party,” he says. “Foreigners in Shanghai tend to like the party atmosphere with many different types of bands and DJs playing all night long.”
Wei agrees, saying, “Foreign audiences tend to have wider tastes. Chinese audiences want to see a band that they have an emotional connection with,” before going on to cite economics’ important role in determining tastes and shaping the way that shows are promoted, saying foreigners were less price conscious.
Dostav Dixit, a former booking and promotions manager for a live house in Wuhan says, “Local kids will always go to selective shows if it is a big name, but I don't think a normal Chinese college kid can afford to spend RMB 300-400 on shows every month.”
The reason for the current division of Shanghai’s music communities proves to be a complex one and concerning their show, both Offenther and Wei have modest expectations. “I’ll be happy if we get three new Chinese fans of some of these local foreign bands,” Offenther says. Wei had similar sentiments, saying, “I hope that this can be a good start to further collaborations.”
9.30pm. 7 January. +1 RMB. Yuyintang. 851 Kaixuan Lu, near Yan’an Lu. Tel: 5237 8662. Web: www.yuyintang.org
