Maybe Mars at SXSW

Here is an exclusive review of the South by Southwest Music Conference in general, and the Maybe Mars shows there in particular, by Francis Tseng, Layabozi’s new writer and special reporter on the event.

Independent China in Person

Most people have already commented on the Maybe Mars Showcase at MAO Livehouse last Saturday night and moved on, but I was busy this weekend and didn’t have time to collect my thoughts and put fingertips to keyboard until now.

Editor’s Picks February 24th-28th

If live music is your drug, the last week of February is going to be pretty epic, but it is only a prelude to a very, very busy March coming up. Who has time for rumination? Rehab is for quitters. Let’s keep the musical high going and get to the Picks. **Now with Self-Improvement Links!**

Viva la Republica!!! – 60 Chinese Albums to Show Off

October was the happy anniversary of the Party. To commemorate this unforgettable date and help it be a bit more unforgettable, we created a little anthology of China’s music. Check it out

Counterpoint: S.T.D + Ratatat + AV Okubo + Youth and the Destroyer

“I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t believe Ratatat is playing!” said one concertgoer last Thursday night at the Zhijiang Dream Factory. Believe it, sister. We were packed in on the floor so tight I am still picking her DNA out of my elbow as I transmit this dispatch. Me? I was trying to believe that someone else was as cuckoo for this Brooklyn band as I was.

S.T.D. + Ratatat + AV Okubo + Youth and the Destroyer

Editor’s Note: It took us awhile to collect our thoughts and reflect upon the events of May 21st. Like any eventful night, it inspired conflicting opinions. We will bring you two of those opinions, the first from Mache here, and the second from Zack in the next post.

Shanghai Music Chronicles: When Music is Rocking in Shanghai.

Last week our editor’s picks were in tune with my mood for music, and I followed the instructions provided by Mike “Big Duck” Brownell almost to the letter.

Re-tros Preview + Contest: Win 2 Tickets

Win tickets to Saturday’s YYT show! Click through to find out how.

Here’s my review of what they did with Cut Off!:

Dark.

Very Dark.

I think its safe to put this in the Gothic Rock section.