The above image is a bunch of shirts the Shanghai band Pairs have created and are planning on giving out for free. I dig this DIY attitude which seems to be more pervasive in Shanghai than Beijing (though that is just from what information I gleam from certain blogs like Kungfuology or Layabozi). Either way, Beijing bands could learn a lot from this egalitarian attitude. Too many alternative bands here in Beijing get a little bit of attention and suddenly feel like they have to play the part of the aloof rock stars. There also seems to be a general attitude that popularity comes first, and then after that you should record albums/make videos/do tours. While this would be the way to go in a city with a larger gig-going population, Beijinger punters tend to be less devoted and more in need of something to capture there attention. A few bands do manage to do this, for better or worse. DUDE, Zhang Si’an, many of the Tag Team records artists, and a number of others could be seen as managing to pull this off. All of these acts have an admirable work ethic.
Anyway, Pairs are an excellent band, and good luck on getting a t-shirt. Keep an eye out for an interview with them here later in the month.
4 Comments
i think it shows Rhys’ typical lack of business sense!
What do you mean for better or worse ??
Just acknowledging the fact that you and those other acts put a lot of a grassroots effort in with your music. It was meant as a disclaimer – I’m not talking about those artists music, just they way they put it out.
I love my “I spent my birthday with a bunch of c*nts” t-shirt. Even if it doesn’t fit me.
I have to say that the rock star behavior on display in what is essentially a large sized DIY scene is odd. I don’t want to mention bands as I;m 100% positive, but there are some rude people out there