Chinese Funk Music You Need to Know

If you’re a fan of funk music, then you need to check out these Chinese funk bands. They’re guaranteed to get you grooving and have you dancing all night long!

Introduction

Funk music originated in the United States in the mid-1960s, and it quickly spread to other parts of the world. In China, funk music emerged in the 1970s, and it quickly gained popularity among young people. Chinese funk music is often characterized by a heavy use of electric guitars, synthesizers, and drum machines. It often has a danceable, upbeat sound, and it often incorporates elements of traditional Chinese music.

If you’re interested in exploring Chinese funk music, there are a few artists you should know. Li Jing is one of the most popular Chinese funk musicians, and his band Red Bike has been making waves in the Chinese music scene for years. Other popular Chinese funk artists include Zhang Yadong, Shou Wang, and Shen Lihui.

The Pioneers

Cui Jian

Cui Jian is a Chinese musician, singer, and songwriter. He is often credited as “The Father of Chinese Rock” for his influence on Chinese rock music. His best-known song, “Nothing to My Name,” became an anthem of the student protesters in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.

Cui Jian was born in Beijing in 1961 to a family of Korean descent. He began playing the trumpet at age nine and was admitted to the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music at age seventeen. He graduated in 1984 with a degree in trumpet performance.

In 1986, Cui Jian formed his first band, “Nature.” The band became popular in Beijing’s underground music scene and released their self-titled debut album in 1987. The album included the song “Nothing to My Name,” which would later become an anthem for the student protesters at Tiananmen Square.

In 1989, Cui Jian performed at a concert in Tiananmen Square just days before the outbreak of the protests. He continued to perform throughout the protests and eventually came to be seen as an icon of the resistance movement.

In the years following the Tiananmen Square protests, Cui Jian’s music became more political and reflective of China’s social and economic changes. He released several albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s that dealt with topics such as corruption, censorship, and poverty.

Cui Jian remains an important figure in Chinese music today. His unique blend of rock, jazz, and traditional Chinese music has inspired generations of musicians and continues to garner him new fans both inside and outside of China

Zuoxiao Zuzhou

Zuoxiao Zuzhou is a musician who often dabbles in various genres, but is most well-known for his work in the Chinese funk scene. He has been active since the early 2000s, and has released several albums, both solo and with his bandmates in The Pioneers.

One of Zuoxiao Zuzhou’s most famous tracks is “Bei Dao”, which was featured in the popular Chinese film “Lost in Beijing”. The song perfectly encapsulates the feeling of alienation and disconnection that many people experience in large cities. It’s a groovy track that will get you moving, even as it makes you think.

If you’re interested in exploring Chinese funk music, Zuoxiao Zuzhou is a great place to start. His music is fun and accessible, while also being thought-provoking and beautiful. You won’t be disappointed.

The Second Wave

In the 1970s, a new type of Chinese music emerged that was heavily influenced by American funk and soul music. This new style, known as Chinese funk, quickly gained popularity among the youth of China. Many of the biggest names in Chinese funk are still active today, and the genre continues to evolve.

Hanggai

Beijing-based Hanggai are often hailed as the standard-bearers of the Chinese “new wave” of traditional music. Formed in 2005 by Mongolian-born producer/vocalist Ilchi, the band sought to revive the long-standing tradition of Mongolian music – particularly the morin khuur, or horse-head fiddle – for a new generation.

While Hanggai’s sound is deeply rooted in tradition, they also incorporate elements of modern rock and roll, giving their music a unique hybrid quality that has helped them gain a wide following both inside and outside China. In addition to their albums, Hanggai have also released a number of singles and EPs, including 2015’s “I Believe” – which was featured in an Apple commercial – and 2017’s “Instinct.”

Carsick Cars

Carsick Cars are one of the leading lights of China’s so-called “second wave” of indie rock. Formed in 2005, the Beijing-based trio emerged from China’s burgeoning underground music scene with their self-titled debut album in 2007.

The album was a ground-breaking release for Chinese indie rock, mixing elements of western punk and alternative rock with traditional Chinese instrumentation and themes. It gained the band a devoted following at home and abroad, and helped to pave the way for a new generation of Chinese bands.

Carsick Cars’ sound has evolved over the years, as they have experimented with different styles and genres. But at their core, they remain one of the most exciting and inventive bands in China today.

The New Guard

Re-TROS

If you’re looking for a band that is truly representative of the new generation of Chinese funk music, look no further than Re-TROS. Hailing from Beijing, this trio has been making waves since their formation in 2005, and they show no signs of slowing down.

Re-TROS (short for “Rebuilding the Rights of Statues”) is composed of singer/guitarist Lu training, bassist Ding Zhenyu, and drummer Guo Wenjun. Their music is a unique blend of post-punk, new wave, and avant-garde influences, with a heavy dose of Chinese flavor.

The band has released four studio albums to date: “Watch Out! Danger Ahead!” (2006), “Before collapsing, the sky was blue” (2007), “Eureka” (2009), and “RedRummology” (2011). They have also toured extensively both inside and outside of China, performing at festivals such as SXSW and Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival.

If you’re looking for something new and different in the world of Chinese music, be sure to check out Re-TROS. You won’t be disappointed.

AV Okubo

AV Okubo is at the forefront of a new wave of Chinese funk musicians. His unique style combines elements of traditional Chinese music with contemporary R&B and hip-hop, creating a sound that is both fresh and familiar.

Born and raised in Beijing, Okubo began his musical career as a member of the underground rap group “#1ST”. The group’s raw, DIY aesthetic caught the attention of legendary producer J Dilla, who invited them to collaborate on his last album, “The Shining”.

Okubo’s solo debut album, “The World Is Yours”, was released in 2017 to critical acclaim. The album’s lead single, “I’m the One”, quickly went viral, racking up millions of views on YouTube.

With his mix of traditional instrumentation and modern production values, AV Okubo is leading the way for a new generation of Chinese musicians.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a lot of Chinese funk music out there that you need to know. This genre is not only popular in China, but in other parts of the world as well. If you are a fan of this type of music, then you need to add these artists to your playlist.