A New Era for Beijing’s Quirky Music Scene
Beijing’s “uniquely intellectual” indie music scene has entered a new era, shaped by new restrictions (pandemic and otherwise) but still going strong.
The supernova-like lights dimmed on the huge stage at the new iteration of the Dusk Dawn Club (DDC) in favor of a subtler spectacle. During the 700-capacity venue’s long anticipated late-April re-launch, psych-rockers Sincerely Yours, Sergei stepped aside for clarinetist Hadi, his solo a stark – but equally awing – contrast for the packed house. Then Sincerely Yours, Sergei joined the clarinetist in a genre-confounding jam, recapturing the preceding DDC’s intimate artistry, even as the new stage’s lights gleamed loftily.
The zero-COVID lockdown soon halted that ambitious re-opening. A brief lifting of restrictions ended after a few short days, and the future of Beijing’s nightlife remains uncertain, with bars and music venues shuttered once again – for how long is anyone’s guess. All that and more make DDC emblematic of Beijing’s unique live music restrictions and resilience.
Opened in 2014, the first DDC’s distinctively traditional Chinese courtyard ambiance, and grab-bag bills (including jazz, Kazakh folk, and legendary punk artist Mike Watt) made it a favorite of adventurous expats and discerning locals – so much so that Rolling Stone set much of its Beijing music scene profile there.
Want to read more?
Subscribe for full access.
SubscribeThe Authors
Kyle Mullin is a magazine editor and freelance reporter based in Beijing.