Hedgehog: A Sonic Spike Through China's Indie Scene

Hedgehog, the Beijing-based trio formed in 2005 by ZO (Zhao Zijian) and Atom (Shi Lu), has become a cornerstone of China's indie rock scene. Known for their infectious songwriting and electrifying live performances, they've earned a reputation as a must-see act across the country.

Their sound is a potent blend of influences, drawing from the raw energy of The Ramones, the melodic hooks of The Jesus and Mary Chain, and the grunge grit of Nirvana. This potent cocktail has landed them features in City Weekend's "The Beijing Bands You Should Already Know About" and "The Hottest Bands of 2011", solidifying their status as a major player in the Chinese music landscape.

A key element of Hedgehog's energy is Atom, whose small stature belies a ferocious drumming style. Her moniker, a nod to Astroboy, embodies her surprising power and energy. While ZO primarily handles lead vocals in both Mandarin Chinese and English, Atom also occasionally takes the mic, adding another layer of dynamism to the band's sound.

In 2011, Hedgehog took their sound stateside, embarking on a US tour alongside Xiu Xiu. This tour culminated in the recording of "[Sun Fun Gun]" in New York City, produced by Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's John Grew and Russell Simins.

Beyond their main act, ZO and Atom also have a side project, B-Side Lovers, which they formed in 2009. This two-piece venture allows them to explore a more experimental edge, focusing on raw songwriting and instrumental innovation.

Hedgehog, with its unique sound and explosive live shows, continues to push boundaries and pave the way for a vibrant indie rock movement in China. Their music, a sonic blend of influences and infectious energy, is a powerful force that transcends language barriers and captures the hearts of audiences both in China and beyond.

High Vis: A Blast of Working-Class Punk Rock

High Vis, a London-based rock band formed in 2016, is a potent mix of hardcore punk, post-punk, indie rock, and a dash of baggy influence. This four-piece, born out of the UK's vibrant hardcore scene, has already built a reputation for their high-energy live shows and distinct sonic identity.

From Hardcore Roots to High-Vis Rebellion

Vocalist Graham Sayle, hailing from New Brighton, Merseyside, found his musical footing in London's hardcore punk scene. He cut his teeth in bands like Dirty Money and Tremors, alongside fellow musicians Rob Moss and Edward "Ski" Harper. After Tremors disbanded in 2012, Harper started experimenting with post-punk sounds, eventually laying the foundation for High Vis.

The band's name, a playful take on high-visibility clothing, speaks volumes about their working-class origins and the alienation that comes with it. As Sayle explained in an interview with NME, "It's the unifying clothing item of the working class. It also completely alienates you; nobody wants to see you or speak to you unless they want something."

A String of Releases and a Pandemic-Stalled Momentum

High Vis hit the ground running with their debut EPs, I and II, released in early 2017. They followed up with a third EP, III, later that year. Their full-length debut album, No Sense No Feeling, dropped in December 2019, just before the world was plunged into COVID-19 lockdowns. The pandemic, unfortunately, hampered their momentum, forcing them to put touring on hold. This period also marked the departure of guitarist Romain Bruneau, who returned to Paris, leading to the recruitment of Martin MacNamara.

A Band with a Future

Despite the pandemic's impact, High Vis continues to build their fanbase, known for their captivating live shows and raw, uncompromising music. Their unique blend of genres and working-class grit sets them apart, making them a force to be reckoned with in the UK rock scene. With their sights set on the future, High Vis is ready to make a statement in the world of punk rock.

Jimmy Eat World: From Mesa to the Mainstream

Hailing from the desert heat of Mesa, Arizona, Jimmy Eat World emerged in 1993 with a raw, energetic sound that quickly captured the hearts of alternative rock fans. The band – featuring the songwriting duo of Jim Adkins (lead vocals, guitar) and Tom Linton (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), along with bassist Rick Burch and drummer Zach Lind – have remained a tight-knit unit, their consistency reflected in the nine studio albums they've released together.

The band's breakout moment came with their 2001 release, Bleed American. This album was a veritable hit machine, spawning four top-20 singles on the Alternative Songs chart, including the iconic "The Middle" which soared to the No. 1 position. Their momentum continued with Futures (2004), which boasted the chart-topping single "Pain" and solidified their place as a major force in the rock scene.

The RIAA recognized the immense success of Bleed American with a platinum certification, while Futures achieved gold status, reflecting combined sales exceeding 1.5 million units. The band continued to climb the charts with their sixth LP, Chase This Light (2007), which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, becoming their highest-charting album to date.

Jimmy Eat World's story is one of unwavering dedication and an ability to connect with audiences through their passionate and relatable songwriting. From the desert heat of their beginnings to the pinnacle of the rock charts, they've carved their own path and left an enduring mark on the music world.

Joyside: From Underground to International Acclaim

Joyside, a Chinese rock band forged in the underground scene of Beijing, burst onto the scene in 2001 under the leadership of frontman Bian Yuan. For three years, they honed their sound in the intimate spaces of small clubs, building a dedicated following. This dedication translated into recording albums and conquering larger stages, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Chinese music landscape.

The band's lineup is a testament to their dynamic sound: Bian Yuan on vocals, Liu Hao on bass, Liu Hongwei and Yang Yang sharing guitar duties, and Guan Zheng pounding the drums. While united as Joyside, each member also explores their individual musical passions, contributing to a rich and multifaceted creative force.

Their journey was documented in Kevin Fritz's "Wasted Orient," a film that showcased a side of China often unseen by the West - a vibrant and independent underground music scene.

Joyside's global impact became evident in 2007:

• European Tour Domination: Their sold-out shows across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and England solidified their international appeal, garnering significant media attention in Europe, including German television.
• Documentaries & Recognition: They were featured prominently in "Beijing Bubbles," a German documentary showcasing the Chinese underground scene, and in other films chronicling the history of Chinese rock. They were crowned one of the top ten bands in China by "That's Beijing" magazine, cementing their status within the Chinese music industry.
• Sharing the Stage with Legends: The highlight of their year came when they performed alongside their musical heroes, the New York Dolls, at the prestigious Beijing Pop Festival.

Joyside's story embodies the spirit of rock and roll – an unwavering passion for music, a dedication to pushing boundaries, and a commitment to sharing their artistry with the world. They have etched their name in the history of Chinese music, becoming ambassadors of their country's vibrant underground scene and captivating audiences on a global scale.

KALEO: The Icelandic Blues Rockers Taking the World by Storm

KALEO, the Icelandic blues rock band, emerged from the small town of Mosfellsbær in 2012, quickly captivating audiences with their raw energy and soulful sound. Led by vocalist and guitarist Jökull Júlíusson, the band features drummer Davíð Antonsson, bassist Daniel Kristjánsson, lead guitarist Rubin Pollock, and harmonica player Þorleifur Gaukur Davíðsson.

Since their inception, KALEO has released three studio albums: "Kaleo" (2013), "A/B" (2016), and "Surface Sounds" (2021), along with the EP "Glasshouse" (2013). Their second album, "A/B", achieved remarkable success, selling over a million copies worldwide.

One of their standout tracks, "Way Down We Go", became a global hit, achieving double platinum status in the US and topping the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in August 2016. The band's powerful performance of "No Good" earned them a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Performance in 2017.

From Local Heroes to International Stars:

The band's journey began with a strong foundation in their home country. Jökull, Davíð, and Daniel, close friends since elementary school, started playing together at the age of 17. They later welcomed guitarist Rubin Pollock in 2012 and solidified their name as KALEO, meaning "the voice" in Hawaiian.

Their early success came from a series of energetic performances at the 2012 Iceland Airwaves music festival, marking their first major public appearance. Their cover of "Vor í Vaglaskógi" quickly gained popularity, becoming a radio staple in Iceland and featuring on the popular TV series "Trapped".

KALEO's distinctive blues-rock sound, infused with elements of folk and Americana, has earned them global recognition and a dedicated fan base. They've toured extensively, performing on major stages around the world, solidifying their position as one of the most exciting and authentic rock bands of their generation.

Kings of Leon: From Southern Roots to Global Stardom

Hailing from the heart of Tennessee, Kings of Leon emerged in 1999, a family affair featuring brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill alongside their cousin Matthew. Their early sound was a potent cocktail of Southern rock grit, garage rock energy, and bluesy swagger. But Kings of Leon weren't content to stay in one lane. As their career progressed, they embraced a more diverse musical palette, venturing into alternative rock territory while still retaining their signature raw energy.

The band's initial breakout came in the UK, where they racked up nine top 40 singles and two BRIT Awards in 2008, solidifying their status as international rock royalty. Their first three albums stormed the UK charts, with Because of the Times claiming the coveted No. 1 spot.

Then came the monumental Only by the Night in 2008, catapulting Kings of Leon into the stratosphere of American music. The album's anthemic singles, "Sex on Fire," "Use Somebody," and "Notion," dominated the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart, reaching the pinnacle of rock radio airplay. Only by the Night achieved platinum status in the US, cementing their position as a global force and becoming the best-selling album of 2008 in Australia, achieving a staggering nine-times platinum certification.

Kings of Leon continued their winning streak with their fifth album, Come Around Sundown, released in October 2010, proving their staying power and solidifying their legacy as one of the most important and enduring rock bands of the 21st century.

Hailing from the legendary music scene of Asbury Park, New Jersey, Latewaves are a rock band bursting with raw energy. Their self-titled debut album is a thrilling journey through a sonic landscape defined by potent riffs and anthemic choruses that demand singalongs. Expect catchy hooks, intricate guitar work, and soaring three-part harmonies that will leave you breathless. This record launches into orbit from the very first note, propelling you through a rollercoaster of emotion. Latewaves' self-titled album is a testament to the power of rock, weaving together gut-wrenching vulnerability and infectious optimism in lyrics that resonate with anyone who cherishes self-discovery and growth.

Luan Tan, a renowned Taiwanese band, adopted "Luan Tan" from the traditional Taiwanese Northern Opera style "Luan Tan Xi" as their band name. Their live performances are energetic, vibrant, and incredibly passionate. In 1997, they released their debut album "Hope," fusing Taiwanese folk music with rock and roll to create an avant-garde style that drew attention from all sectors and earned them numerous awards and recognition.

After releasing their second album "Lantern" in 2000, the band ceased performing. They participated in the Super Slipper Party 3 concert in 2012.

== Members == Luan Tan is a four-piece male band. The members first met at the Fuxing Vocational High School in Yilan (currently known as Lanyang Technical College). During a time when rock music was not widely accepted, they tirelessly pursued their passion for rock music together. They experienced a period where they had nothing but music.

MIXER (English: Mixer) is a Taiwanese band consisting of five members: vocalist Wu Shenghao, acoustic guitarist Lin Zhean (formerly known as Lin Zian), electric guitarist Xiao B Yu Boxi, bassist Zhang Yinuo, and drummer Lu Yifan. MIXER's exhilarating music style, paired with poetic and psychedelic lyrics, combined with the vocalist's unique voice and powerful stage presence, has quickly gained attention. The band first received a nomination for Best Band at the 25th Golden Melody Awards for their album "Circus Movement," and ultimately won the award.

Several members of MIXER started playing music together in school. They formed different bands and participated in school music competitions across Taiwan, winning numerous awards. Zhean and Shenghao were then scouted by a record company and released their first EP as a duo, "Zian Shenghao" in 2011. To enrich their performance styles, they later recruited Yinuo and Xiao B to join their live performances. Finally, they added drummer Yifan in October 2012 and officially formed the band, adopting the name "MIXER." In June 2013, they released their debut album "Circus Movement." In 2016, their album "Nameless Humans" was nominated for Best Band at the 27th Golden Melody Awards. In October of the same year, they released their third album "Wild." In 2016, they were named the fourth-best independent band in Taiwan by the website "Network Thermometer." On December 29, 2018, they held their first large-scale ticketed concert at the National Taiwan University Gymnasium. On October 8, 2020, they released their fourth album "Animal of Love," and held a nationwide tour at the end of the year.

On October 17, 2023 (their debut anniversary), MIXER released their fifth digital album "It's All Romance's Fault" and followed with a physical release in November. They also embarked on a multi-city tour. The album was nominated for Best Band at the 35th Golden Melody Awards.

My Bloody Valentine: Shoegaze Pioneers and Sonic Innovators

My Bloody Valentine, often stylized in all lowercase or abbreviated as MBV, are a legendary alternative rock band hailing from Dublin, Ireland. Formed in 1983, the band has remained a core unit since 1987, consisting of founding members Kevin Shields (vocals, guitar, sampler) and Colm Ó Cíosóig (drums, sampler), joined by Bilinda Butcher (vocals, guitar) and Debbie Googe (bass).

Widely recognized as pioneers of the shoegaze genre, My Bloody Valentine's signature sound is characterized by ethereal and hypnotic textures, achieved through dissonant guitar layers, subdued and androgynous vocals, and innovative production techniques that blurred the lines between instrument and effect.

Their journey to sonic prominence began with a series of early releases and lineup changes. After signing with Creation Records in 1988, they released a string of successful EPs and two landmark albums, Isn't Anything (1988) and Loveless (1991). The latter, considered their magnum opus and a cornerstone of alternative rock history, achieved critical acclaim but also marked a turning point for the band.

The album's extensive production costs, pushing the boundaries of sonic experimentation, led to their parting with Creation Records. In 1992, they signed with Island Records, accumulating a wealth of unreleased material, but largely retreated from the public eye.

By 1995, Googe and Ó Cíosóig left the band, followed by Butcher in 1997. The weight of following up Loveless proved too much for Shields, who, in his own words, "went crazy" in the years after.

A long-awaited reunion in 2007 saw them embark on a global tour, reintroducing their music to a new generation of fans. In 2012, they released the compilation EP 1988-1991, showcasing the evolution of their sound through their early years.

My Bloody Valentine's impact on alternative music is undeniable. Their sonic explorations, particularly on Loveless, continue to inspire and influence musicians across genres. They stand as a testament to the power of experimentation and the enduring impact of a sound that redefined the boundaries of rock music.