Who among us will make the next move?

By the time this column goes to print, Avril will have already dazzled us all and Linkin Park’s highly-anticipated return will be at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts, signifying the dawning of a new post-(para)Olympic era and a more welcoming attitude towards live music. "I keed. I keed."

But seriously, is it possible that the constant game of live music push-and-pull will finally subside, leading to the looming oasis of creativity that’s been dangling in front of our very eyes, ears and noses for so long? If so, what are you willing to do to make it stick and last? “We believe with all our souls that live music has a huge role to play in the future of China,” comments Split Works and Yue Festival founder Archie Hamilton. “To be honest, [I think] it already does.”
b I’ve tried to avoid the subject of our fragile, music “scene” thus far, but after the inaugural Control show at Zhijiang Dream Factory, featuring PK-14, Boys Climbing Ropes and Hard Queen, it has become apparent that the subject must be addressed, at least just once.

While these groups have very little in common, save bass and drums in every band, the diversity of their sounds, when showcased together, offers a wide spectrum of appeal, something for everyone, given you enjoy music in the first place.

But does one great evening denote the (re)birth of an underground aesthetic? Absolutely not. It can, however, inspire someone to get off their ass and become a rock and roll benefactor, a promoter, performer, groupie, deejay or fan. And that’s exactly what we need.

Sure Brad will continue to bring bands down from Beijing (although he isn’t revealing any future plans), S.T.D will import talent from within China and abroad (Oct. 18 and 19 shows by Australian dance-rock outfit Regurgitator are in the works) and people like Hamilton (who’s just finished up a run with Taiwanese pop-rockers Sodagreen) and the deep-pocketed Emma will occasionally offer our starved senses a dose of relief, but in order to really develop and evolve, the push must come from within, through selfless desire and passion.

“Will [China’s] punk, post-rock and metal ever reach the mainstream?” adds Hamilton. “Has it anywhere? I think all edges of the musical spectrum will pick up their own fan bases.” For my contribution, I’ve decided to record an entire album worth of spoons and violas and front an all-Asian tribute to Alice Cooper entitled “Billion Yellow Babies."

Dan Shapiro