Chinese bands rock Europe

 

Musical love affair

Athens hosts Chinese music concert

"The different approach to music of the audience and the exposition to new places are very enriching. That's what we try to create with our China Drifting events," Walti says. "In previous years we focused more on acts from the electronic scene. Now we're focusing more on the indie scene."

One of the indie bands from China, Re-tros, who established their name in China's indie music scene in 2003, started to collaborate with Miro China two years ago and did a seven-country tour of Europe. They met up with Vonplon in Switzerland, who helped to organize the biggest show of their European tour in Zurich, with a crowd of nearly 500 people.

Formed in 2003 by singer-guitarist Hua Dong and singer-bassist Liu Min, the band was inspired by '70s post-punk masters like Bauhaus and Gang of Four. Drummer Ma Hui joined later.

The band has played an active role in China's indie music scene with their renewal of post-punk by incorporating synthesizers and evocative melodies.

In May 2013, Miro China helped Re-tros play one of the most famous music festivals in Europe, Kilbi Music Festival. The band shared a stage with Liars, the Flaming Lips and My Bloody Valentine.

"It was a big success and now people in Europe are beginning to know more about Chinese rock music through Re-tros, Miro China and, of course, this time, China Drifting," says Jacky Zhang Yi, manager of Re-tros.

Walti adds: "To me, it is a good sign that there are some Chinese bands, who can play in Europe in front of a sophisticated crowd and win them over with their music. This shows that the quality of their music has reached the same level as the music of Western bands."

If you go:

9:30 pm,March 28. Yugong Yishan, 32, Zhangzizhong Lu (Road), Dongcheng district, Beijing. 01064042711.

9:30 pm,March 29. Qianshuiwan Cultural Center, 179 Yichang Lu (Road), Putuo district, Shanghai. 02162663190.