New Sounds of China Episode 4: The Chengdu Temperament

After two episodes devoted to music from the Chinese capital, our Beijing-centric presenters finally attune their ears to the sounds of a second city. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan (or Szechuan) province, is stereotypically known for its spicy food and spicier women, yet also hosts a thriving alternative music scene.

Positioned close to some of China's most remote and ethnically mixed regions, Chengdu is an obvious base for folksong collectors, yet it has also developed a distinctive urban culture, including a number of small, lively music venues. Therefore, at the same as introducing the local musicians who help shape this rival to the Beijing scene, we also explore (and challenge) the so-called "Chengdu temperament", a concept which supposedly describes the local way of living and making music.

Paul Kendall, a former music journalist (Time Out Beijing, China Radio International, Billboard) and current Chinese music PhD student presents the show alongside Hu Pan, a Beijing-born rock musician, Peking opera performer, and music journalist.