Sounds & Sights of Silva – Kōng Zhōng Fēi Rén 空中飞人
When will you land? 何时落地呢？
In Mandarin Chinese, the term 空中飞人 (kōngzhōngfēirén) translates to “trapeze artist”, but the colloquial use refers to someone who is always on the go, flying here and there. It’s largely an innocuous nickname, but a deeper more biting use can refer to the fact that this person is always landing and leaving without much notice.
I’ve had incredible times during my travels over the last few years. My work in music has taken my to many different countries, between proper concert halls and hole in the wall rock clubs, and even to SXSW Sydney. This year alone, I’ve reached new shores – Seoul South Korea, Sydney Australia, Kyoto Japan – and revisited favorites – Taipei, Guangzhou China, Hong Kong, Tokyo – but while each new adventure brings me great joy in its daily discoveries, I can’t help but feel a bit sorrowful.
Seeing some of the world’s most historic sites, meeting new friends and spending more time with old friends, eating foods with flavors yet untasted – it becomes a blur when you’re moving so fast. But I think the lesson learned here is to be as present and devoted to every moment you have in a place or with a person, then take time to reflect in the days, months, years afterwards. Often is the case with my music discovery – I listen to so much music that I come across or is sent to me for work, and the tracks and albums I cherish most in the end are those that even though I may not have re-listened in a while, they come back to memory immediately and vividly. These memories I’ve made in my travels in the last couple years maintain a similar impact on me.
Leah Dou - “空中飞人”
Leah Dou has blossomed as an accomplished artist in her right, occupying a space between the crystalline Mando-pop that her mother Faye Wong championed and a more jazzy, experimental approach. Her new album 空中飞人 is another brilliant combination of styles and substance, but the title track truly feels like an ode to the classics of decades past, a landmark ballad in the oeuvre of Mandarin pop music.
Phoebe Rings - “Daisy”
One of my stand-outs from this year’s SXSW edition in Sydney, Australia was the New Zealand-based group Phoebe Rings. Most of the band has roots in Jazz, but group leader Crystal Choi also brings City Pop and Dream Pop elements into the fold with her songwriting. “Daisy” in particular is a kaleidoscope perfect for a rest on the beaches of Sydney, watching the ocean waves rise and fall.
Listen If You Like: Taeko Onuki, The Beths, xiexie, Soccer Mommy
Sleeping Dogs - “Dahlia”
Never expected classic Afrobeat to make its way to China, but it currently lives and thrives in the band Sleeping Dogs. They’ve always pushed the boundaries of experimental and psychedelic music with traditional sounds and elements, every new release manages to send you on a new adventure. Their newest EP was just released on SpaceFruity Records in China and coincides with an upcoming nationwide tour.
Listen If You Like: Khruangbin, Fela Kuti, Guruguru Brain
Texas 3000 - “ShanburuOn”
Every song from new band Texas 3000 is a confession and a catharsis – lyrically potent, sonically nostalgic, and jam packed with incredible musicianship. I saw this band perform in Taipei in October on recommendation from my good friend and acclaimed Hong Kong artist Rocky (Wellsaid, Emptybottles.). The precision to nail the complicated arrangements but also the feel to play them with heart and soul are just astounding to witness.
Listen If You Like: 90’s Alternative Rock, 00’s Math Rock & Emo, 洪申豪
Follow the full playlist of Sounds of Silva featured tracks.
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