How Kool-Aid Man bust through the Great Wall
Who would have thought last January that in 2007 we’d see such a cavalcade of top notch international acts coming through the capital? Ziggy Marley, The Roots, Killa Kela, Goldie, Laurent Garnier, Sonic Youth and Public Enemy all gave Beijing audiences brief glimpses of what a single month is like in many international cities. And, many people in and out of Beijing finally drank the Kool-Aid, believing that this city has a need and a market for a vibrant and internationally recognized music scene.

Beijing-based musicians, bands and DJs made noise abroad on a regular basis, perhaps most notably sultans of sonic subtlety FM3 and White doing it up at Spain’s forward thinking Sonar Music Festival, which regularly profiles unique and unassailably cool music acts. Venues like The Bank, China Doll and White Rabbit all made strong moves for the more music-focused new nightlife spots, Yugong Yishan moved into substantially larger space with the similar eclectic events that they’ve always been known for, and newcomer Mao Live provided a stable venue for live music and a platform for highly buzzed bands like Snapline, Hedgehog and a host of others. D-22 kept it real and regular out in Wudaokou for live music even starting a record label for the output there engenderedBut most notably Beijing nightlife patrons showed an increased interest in DJs without massive PR teams and Booze Company backing, who still gathered impressive attendance. DJs like LocoDice, Klute and Stamina MC, Funk D’void and other more underground acts gained high praise for memorable Beijing performances.

In short, 2007 had a bit of everything: successful foreign expeditions, local acts’ growing in potential and festivals like MIDI and Beijing Pop. Every genre gained ground in 2007: from hip-hop and house (due in part to house music mafia Bai Cai) to post punk and experimental electronic. In 2008, we can expect the Gongti marquees of “Top 100” DJs to give way to more eclectic and talented DJs. Of course, corporate megaclubs set to launch in 2008 are legion, with global clubbing brand Crobar leading the pack. This means the forces of music homogenation still stand tall against the quirky assemblage of independent promoters dedicated to bringing something different. But, whichever side of the battle lines you stand on, take another sip of that Kool-Aid because 2008 will be Beijing’s best year yet.

by Dan Stephenson