New Sounds of China

Series produced by Peter Vautier

Series image
Image by: Shangyi Xie 

An intelligent and authoritative guide to alternative Chinese music.

New Sounds of China is devoted to introducing the best in alternative Chinese music.

Each of our five episodes tackles a particular theme, illustrated with music examples and informed commentary, as well as interviews with band members, industry experts, academics and journalists. Beginning with the history of alternative Chinese music (episode one), we then explore the contemporary Beijing music scene (episodes two and three), before uncovering the little known sounds of Chengdu (episode four), and finishing with an exploration of ethnicity and music in the People's Republic of China (episode five).

We tackle music ranging across the genres of rock, electronica, folk, hip-hop, and ska. Standout musicians include Cui Jian, the dissident godfather of Chinese rock; Car Sick Cars, China's answer to Sonic Youth; and Hanggai, an internationally-acclaimed throat-singing band inspired by the traditions of Inner Mongolia.

Produced by London Chinese Radio, this English-language second series follows a highly successful bilingual first series featured on London's Resonance FM. We will be rolling out the five episodes one by one over the coming weeks. Please feel free to contact us directly with any comments or questions. Hide full description

New Sounds of China is devoted to introducing the best in alternative Chinese music. Each of our five episodes tackles a particular theme, illustrated with music examples and informed commentary, as well as interviews with band members, industry experts, academics and journalists. Beginning with the history of alternative Chinese music (episode one), we then explore the contemporary Beijing music scene (episodes two and three), before uncovering the little known sounds of Chengdu (episode four), and finishing with an exploration of ethnicity and music in the People's Republic of China (episode five). We tackle music ranging across the genres of rock, electronica, folk, hip-hop, and ska. Standout musicians include Cui Jian, the dissident godfather of Chinese rock; Car Sick Cars,... Show full description


5 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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Tibetan hip hop sits awkwardly next to Kazakh folk, and a Beijing rap metal band converts to Mongolian throat-singing. Um...is this Chinese music?

Bought by WLRH and WNJR


  • Added: Mar 09, 2011
  • Length: 59:01
  • Purchases: 2
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A curious mixture of punk rock, localized ska, DIY pop, and cannabis-infused folk from the city of Chengdu, gateway to China's wild west.

Bought by WLRH and WNJR


  • Added: Mar 02, 2011
  • Length: 59:01
  • Purchases: 2
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Episode three explores the diversity of Beijing's underground music scene.

Bought by WLRH, WNJR, and PRX Remix


  • Added: Feb 25, 2011
  • Length: 59:03
  • Purchases: 3
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Episode two provides a frank appraisal of Maybe Mars, Beijing's most globally famous record label.

Bought by WLRH and WNJR


  • Added: Feb 23, 2011
  • Length: 59:02
  • Purchases: 2
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Episode one explores the old sounds that have influenced the new sounds of Chinese alternative music.

Bought by WLRH, KUT, and WNJR


  • Added: Feb 10, 2011
  • Length: 58:59
  • Purchases: 3