The Western Media doesn’t need much of an invitation to comment on the burgeoning Chinese creative classes. We have entertained in depth studies from all kinds of media – Rolling Stone, the Guardian, the New York Times, DJ Magazine, Wallpaper, Dazed and Confused, the list goes on and on. However, this obsession has now reached new levels, with venerable institution Time Magazine devoting 2 pages to China’s experimental music scene. You can read the article in full here.
We here at the Radar love our music – we love all shapes and forms, and we are regular attendees of Antidote and Shanshui parties here in China. Experimental artists are admirable as they work hard in the niches of the music industry to push things forward, most often with very little/ no reward. The music is often challenging to listen to, but occasionally artists break through and influence whole genres of new music. From Can to Neu! to Kraftwerk to Aphex Twin to Digital Mystikz, these guys work in uncommercial corners and we love them for it. And don’t get us wrong, we also love to see this kind of music given airtime.
Our question is: if this scene was happening anywhere but China, would Time Magazine, venerable institution for the American middle classes, ever give any thought to an artist as confronting as Torturing Nurse? Just so you know what we mean, please take the time to watch the following video: