Sound Kapital

Overview

There's a familiar sound, but unfamiliar words. Photographer Matthew Niederhauser had given up on the local Beijing rock scene until a  night at a uni bar in 2007 changed his mind. Captivated by the new music on show, he started documenting China's capital's emerging music scene against a distinctive red background. The new authority-agnostic sounds he heard have since had their images compiled into the book Sound Kapital: Beijing's Music Underground. To offer some louder Chinese New Year sounds than Sydney's usually accustomed to, Carriageworks is bringing us this taste of sweaty, Sino-rock in a night of music at Sound Kapital.

Niederhaurser himself will launch the pre-show with a free 6pm talk before the headliners get on stage to educate your ears. The bands will stand safe in a projected blanket of Niederhauser's photos of Beijing's underground, the evening's line up featuring Sex Bob-omb-like AV Okubo, the mellow abstraction of Xiao He and Helen Feng 's poppy, solo facet, Nova Heart. Loud, yes. But a great way ease yourself into with this year's dalliance with the dragon.

For a chance to win one of ten double passes to Sound Kapital, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email [email protected] by noon on Thursday, February 2.

Image: Nova Heart.