'Girls' Are Waiting To See You At Their Show

They’re not the most obvious rock stars. In fact, just by looking at them you might not be able to distinguish them from any other group of laowais hanging out around a table of cheap, greasy Chinese food. Like any group of friends, they chit-chat about their latest visa misadventures (everyone seems to have them these days), swap movie trivia (did you know Harrison Ford hated making Blade Runner?) and, oh yeah, plan their first-ever performance at D22. Despite their inconspicuous demeanor, this circle of mapu dofu-loving chums aren’t just anybodies, they are Girls Are Waiting To Meet You.

Founded on the concept of “playing guitar-free music in guitar band venues,” GAWTMY’s sound ranges from “smoky, smoky” epics and wistful ballads to bouncy gypsy sing-alongs. The creative force behind GAWTMY is British-bred frontman Natan Doron whose foot-stomping, heart-pouring melodies are similar to fellow singer/songwriters Ben Folds and David Gray. He is amply supported by drummer Donna Renae, the only other original member who, despite having now traded in her Doc Martens for more sensible hiking boots, still holds the heart of a rock ‘n’ roll goddess. A series of deaths, near-deaths, possible-but-as-yet-unconfirmed deaths, hirings, firings and other appropriately rock ‘n’ roll events brought about the rest of the band’s line-up: Luke Tweedy on sax, flute, ukulele and backup vocals adds wit and bombast; Michelle Woo is pure class on violin; and Bing, who joined the band after claiming to “know Nick Cave” (what he meant was that he knew of Nick Cave – tomato, tamato), brings it all together on bass. Together, they have the basis for greatness.

So, with their grand debut on the Beijing live music scene now just days away, what is this fivesome doing to prepare? “Don’t know, are we doing anything special?” deadpans Luke. The rest join in with jokes about scripting on-stage banter, making PowerPoint presentations for between songs and wearing matching costumes to liven up their show. GAWTMY’s laidback approach to music and performing is a refreshing change from the typical rock wannabes who lust after popular validation and record deals. Natan shrugs off any suggestion of major-label aspirations, “Record companies just tend to complicate things. We’re just here to play.”

With no ambition beyond putting on one great show, GAWTMY has the unpretentious charm of a band that hasn’t hit it big, doesn’t care if it ever does and is just enjoying the process of making solid music. “It’s purely a hobby for me,” says Luke. “Then again, I’m not working right now, so everything’s technically a hobby.” Michelle adds straightforwardly, “I just needed something to do!” At their rehearsal, they take their time getting set up, unrushed despite the approaching play date. Having only formed in March, there is a sense that they are just beginning to discover their sound as they experiment with different variations and add new elements to their repertoire, all while still trying to memorize the set list.

Although they are starting to hit their stride as a band, this may be the first and last show by GAWTMY. Most of the band members are new and temporary residents of Beijing who will likely eventually depart to pursue greater travel, work, school and life plans. But as usual, the band approaches its situation with lighthearted cheer, “We could be the first band in history to have a reunion tour right after our debut!”

Catch Girls Are Waiting to Meet You while you can. They play D22 on Tuesday, June 10 at 8pm. You can also get a sneak peak by going to their official MySpace page or download their music from Sound Click.