Recording their youths

Updated:2011-09-28 18:13

(chinadaily.com.cn)

 

 

 

Nanwu Band

Members: Lead vocalist & lead guitarist Liu Xiangsong, guitarist Zhang Lan, keyboardist and folk music player Xia Guoxing, bass guitarist Li Si, percussionist and band assistant Zhang Shuo, drummer Guo Beibei and backup vocalist Wang Pei and Piaopiao. All of them met at Beijing Forestry University.

Liu Xiangsong:

After I came to Forestry University I found the folks here have a great musical vibe. They're not really skilled, but the vibe is great.

In the past, I'd have to hold a guitar to go to sleep. When I came to Forestry University, I brought my instrument. But I vowed I wouldn't play it again. But I had to bring it. If I didn't, my heart wouldn't be at ease.

My band never does anything very formal. The long sutras we sing - like our band's "Playboy" and "How Did I Get So Handsome", I dare say these pieces have some traces of Zen - not a single word related to Buddhism, just the sentiment.

For example, this song "Playboy"

I use a very happy demeanor to criticize myself:

I see you crying,

I see you crying,

And I don't feel lucky enough.

So many ladies,

All with their beautiful parts,

For just one little tree,

How can you give up the whole forest?

If I could, I'd hug you all up,

I wanna, wanna hug you all up.

Everyone says playboys aren't bad,

Everyone says ladies just love boys' dirtiness,

And me? My ladies are more and more,

That feeling's really hard for folks to understand.

That's the main bit, continuously criticizing myself.

The refrain:

The road ahead, the further it goes, the rougher it gets,

Playboy-me, the more helpless, the more lonely I get,

Who can come and help me, huh?

Who can come and understand me, huh?

I know this is what they call being damned for my sins,

I know this what they call being damned for my sins.