It's been just a shade under three weeks since the folks at SOMA Records began their exclusive lease at the Zhijiang Dream Factory and it remains to be seen whether or not their initial intentions of creating a "livehouse revolution" will ever be fully realized.

To SOMA's credit, the new PA, amps and lights are a vast improvement over the dismal gear the Dream Factory was previously using, but it seems as though live music (i.e. rock/indie) has already taken a backseat to simply filling the venue (this is in no way a criticism of the label or venue's right to make money. It's understood that in order for the joint to survive they need cash).

While the new Dream Factory kicked off their SOMA Live series with much pomp from Beijing's Muma & Third Party and, courtesy of S.T.D., had their first ever sell-out with Ratatat, the venue has lately been going more of the DJ route, bringing in Andy C (courtesy of Phreaktion ) and is now hosting Grammy Award-winning rapper, promoter and radio/internet personality Fatman Scoop, tonight, May 27th, and former DMC champion A-Trak on Thursday, May 28th.

Granted, all of these acts are lauded and respected in their own spheres of influence, but do drum and bass, hip hop and turntablism really belong in the same house has rock and roll, punk, metal and indie music? If the venue's real intention is to spark a growth in local live music by promoting bands and artists that will pique the interest of locals and ex-pats alike, then the answer is clearly no, but if the objective is monetary, than anything goes.