Live China Music Podcast

Elie Rosenberg & William Griffith

Have you ever wondered why a country with a population of 1.4 billion people hasn't produced a global superstar yet? China's music scene is rich, diverse, and colorful but hardly ever reaches other countries. Those of you into classical music probably heard of Lang Lang and Yo-Yo Ma, if into post-rock then Wang Wen and Chinese Football are names you might be familiar with, and the metalheads out there could possibly have heard of Nine Treasures. But these bands barely scrape the top of the iceberg. Will Griffith, founder of the longest lasting blog on China's indie scene, Live China Music, and myself, Elie Rosenberg, hope to take you on a discovery of this bubbling music scene, with new episodes every two weeks covering the latest releases. We will focus on emerging artists, although if a particularly noteworthy track comes out from an established or legacy act, we won't fail to mention it. All the music we cover is from artists based in China.

  1. 3D AGO

    New Releases: Dizkar, Moxizishi, Jailwhale, and more...

    Live China Music Podcast — Discover China's Indie & Underground Music Scene English-language weekly/biweekly podcast exploring new music from China's vibrant indie, alternative, rock, electronic, punk, experimental, hip-hop, and post-punk scenes. Dropping an episode right on Chinese New Year, Will and Elie wish you the best for the Year of the Horse, introducing as we do some fresh new cuts from China, from some smooth R&B to melancholic folk with a healthy dose of rock music. 马年快乐! Oopsie: Elie messed up while reading the Chinese name of the Step, it's huixuan louti!Deepest apologies!   Tracks 朱门 Crimson Door / 地磁卡 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1wBMqwDvWnlJpXcQRtPUnI?si=2d54ba3733fa478d  His Bandcamp (not up to date): https://dizkar.bandcamp.com/album/rational-loop    原地踏步 / JAILWHALE  Bandcamp: https://jailwhale.bandcamp.com/album/cool-state-2    赣愚Stiff-necked Fools / 大象暮地Elephant Grave Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/3UVEbzjP8jFkbb5gj9qY16?si=db482904426e4e52    异乡人 / 回旋楼梯  Bandcamp: https://thestephuixuanlouti.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-echo-fades    旧事 / 莫西子诗  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5Hd4HPQKHN10YUNY76PZAu?si=56ffdaeeb9b741a9    About us: Every episode, hosts Elie Rosenberg and Will Griffith review the latest tracks from bands and artists living in China, spotlighting underground and emerging talent rarely heard outside Asia. Expect 4–6 freshly released songs, artist context, genre highlights, and short audio clips in each ~30-minute show. Whether you're into Chinese indie rock, avant-pop, experimental electronic, punk, underground hip-hop, post-punk, jazz-inspired sounds, or cross-genre alt music, this is your guide to what's new and compelling in Mainland China's music world. We systematically sign waivers with the artists or their label to ensure we do not infringe their copyright. Hope you'll enjoy and please support by sharing around, don't hesitate to reach out by finding us on instagram (livechinamusic or zefrenchvillain) or writing to livechinamusic@gmail.com  Credits: Producer: Elie Rosenberg Co-producer: William Griffith Hosts: Elie Rosenberg & Will Griffith Editor: Elie Rosenberg   Timestamps: 00:00 Dizkar - R&B from Kunming and Chengdu 07:15 Jailwhale - alt indie from Beijing 14:10 Elephant Grave - indie rock from Nanning 19:22 The Step - indie rock from Guangzhou 28:24 Moxizishi - folk from Sichuan

    38 min
  2. FEB 2

    New Releases: Lao Dan & Vasco Trilla, Gogoj, Li Daiguo & Slim Rothaus, Gooooose, and Ruhao

    A whole episode of new experimental music for your ears! Elie and Will nurse hangovers with a slate of experimental music from some of China's most esteemed experimental musicians. We also dig into two new compilations from two emerging electronic music labels. Take the ride and get ready to expand your horizons! Li Daiguo & Slim Rothaus Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/50sblBL9HjewGHNMYzfEQo?si=467ff1801614419e    新物种 1 New Species 1  / Lao Dan & Vasco Trilla Bandcamp: https://laodan.bandcamp.com/album/new-species    Shrimpy / Goooose Bandcamp: https://open.spotify.com/track/3F8WjNUxYCZijwQCBZJPR9?si=c3c5d19fdb2a4509    20240107 / Ruhao  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6JQh58Jwz5OyKkAlG889QX?si=2e2cf3f5408746c4    Duo Improvisation by Sheng Jie & Shenggy #1 / Gogoj a.k.a Sheng Jie, ShenggyShen, Emily Ritchie Bandcamp: https://shanavlab.bandcamp.com/album/horses    Additional information: Tomorrow Festival: https://b10live.cn/tomorrowfestival  Old Heaven Books: https://oldheavenbooks.bandcamp.com/  SVBKLVT: https://svbkvlt.bandcamp.com/    About us: Every episode, hosts Elie Rosenberg and Will Griffith review the latest tracks from bands and artists living in China, spotlighting underground and emerging talent rarely heard outside Asia. Expect 4–6 freshly released songs, artist context, genre highlights, and short audio clips in each ~30-minute show. Whether you're into Chinese indie rock, avant-pop, experimental electronic, punk, underground hip-hop, post-punk, jazz-inspired sounds, or cross-genre alt music, this is your guide to what's new and compelling in Mainland China's music world.   We systematically sign waivers with the artists or their label to ensure we do not infringe their copyright. Hope you'll enjoy and please support by sharing around, don't hesitate to reach out by finding us on instagram (livechinamusic or zefrenchvillain) or writing to livechinamusic@gmail.com    Credits: Producer: Elie Rosenberg Co-producer: William Griffith Hosts: Elie Rosenberg & Will Griffith Editor: Elie Rosenberg   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:12 Li Daiguo & Slim Rothaus - experimental acoustic music from Dali 08:56 Lao Dan & Vasco Trilla - experimental jazz from Shenzhen 16:46 Gooooose - experimental electro from Shanghai 22:30 Ruhao - experimental ambient 27:24 Gogoj & Shengji - experimental from Beijing

    35 min
  3. JAN 19

    New Releases: PK14, SHQT, Aza's Piper, Spring Hill Post Tide and Railway Suicide Train

    Live China Music Podcast — Discover China's Indie & Underground Music Scene English-language weekly/biweekly podcast exploring new music from China's vibrant indie, alternative, rock, electronic, punk, experimental, hip-hop, and post-punk scenes. Today's episode discusses a very exciting batch of new releases all along the spectrum of post-rock, including many acts that have been influential over decades or in recent years. Dive in! Tracks:   痛苦的故事 (Painful Story) - Shanghai Qiutian from Shanghai Website: www.shqt.live    午夜来客 (Midnight's Cosmic Guest) - Spring Hill Post Tide from Wuhan Bandcamp: https://springhillposttide.bandcamp.com    篝火日 (Bonfire Day) - 旧日的派珀(Aza's Piper) from Hangzhou Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/39dNcaW0g6xUyJQH9BvD3E?si=v3fHklwjTX-5z4Q8Dpkj9Q    在河边找甘草 - Railway Suicide Train from Hangzhou & Beijing Previous album on Bandcamp since this new one isn't available yet! https://woguidehuoche.bandcamp.com/album/continent      5 . Crossing The Boundaries of Reality 跨过现实的边界 - PK14 from Beijing Bandcamp: https://storecords.bandcamp.com/album/appearances    About us: Every episode, hosts Elie Rosenberg and Will Griffith review the latest tracks from bands and artists living in China, spotlighting underground and emerging talent rarely heard outside Asia. Expect 4–6 freshly released songs, artist context, genre highlights, and short audio clips in each ~30-minute show. Whether you're into Chinese indie rock, avant-pop, experimental electronic, punk, underground hip-hop, post-punk, jazz-inspired sounds, or cross-genre alt music, this is your guide to what's new and compelling in Mainland China's music world. We systematically sign waivers with the artists or their label to ensure we do not infringe their copyright. Hope you'll enjoy and please support by sharing around, don't hesitate to reach out by finding us on instagram (livechinamusic or zefrenchvillain) or writing to livechinamusic@gmail.com  Credits: Producer: Elie Rosenberg Co-producer: William Griffith Hosts: Elie Rosenberg & Will Griffith Editor: Elie Rosenberg   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:20 SHQT (post-rock from Shanghai) 09:19 Spring Hill Post Tide (Psychedelic music from Wuhan) 16:17 Aza's Piper (Lovecraftian dream-pop from Hangzhou) 23:36 Railway Suicide Train (Psychedelic Folk from Hangzhou & Beijing) 30:28 PK14 (post-punk from Beijing) 36:25 Outro

    39 min
  4. 12/31/2025

    Best of and recap of 2025!

    Elie and Will break down the past year. Best bands, best albums, what's been trending and what's impacted the Chinese music scene in 2025, as well as some thoughts and hopes for 2026. For more detailed lists in the written form, check out the following links: Beehype: https://beehy.pe/best-albums-of-2025/  Live China Music Wechat: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/GznN61SlozcrSIzvXQsStQ    See below links to listen to the albums mentioned, in no particular order of our top picks:   Riot In School - Punk Rock Blasphemy https://riotinschool.bandcamp.com/album/punk-rock-blasphemy    The Beneficial Society - The Beneficial Society https://open.spotify.com/album/6G27ZALN3N5wE8UtoKT7pz    Linfeng - Sad But Beautiful https://open.spotify.com/album/3BdHmNjVippCYm4uLQ7OK2    Wasted Laika - Red Dragonfly, Green Peacock https://open.spotify.com/album/7KfjHxQBja1UWmF6LlNhlz    鸡毛大 - I Only Sing In Winter https://open.spotify.com/album/0B96F31OU1L0VlbcCVvSk3?si=llm5CWyrQguPtoO_YupGng   施鑫文月 Gray Gray Sun https://open.spotify.com/album/3HeO54HGPMW10gcQbllZIz?si=dYR4kvRrRSiUXJHHbqsMvw   Smiqra - Rɡyaɡ̇dźé! https://hoplites.bandcamp.com/album/r-ya-dz-e    Cola Ren - Mekong Ballad https://colaren.bandcamp.com/album/mekong-ballad    Khunati - Misty Mountain Pagoda https://wvsorcerer.bandcamp.com/album/misty-mountain-pagoda     About us: The mission of the Live China Music Podcast is to shed light on Chinese music, providing listeners with insights and information on the Chinese music scene that they would not be able to obtain elsewhere. Every episode, hosts Elie Rosenberg and Will Griffith review the latest tracks from bands and artists living in China, spotlighting underground and emerging talent rarely heard outside Asia. Expect 4–6 freshly released songs, artist context, genre highlights, and short audio clips in each ~30-minute show. Whether you're into Chinese indie rock, avant-pop, experimental electronic, punk, underground hip-hop, post-punk, jazz-inspired sounds, or cross-genre alt music, this is your guide to what's new and compelling in Mainland China's music world. We systematically sign waivers with the artists or their label to ensure we do not infringe their copyright. Hope you'll enjoy and please support by sharing around, don't hesitate to reach out by finding us on instagram (livechinamusic or zefrenchvillain) or writing to livechinamusic@gmail.com  We systematically sign waivers with the artists or their label to ensure we do not infringe their copyright. Hope you'll enjoy and please support by sharing around, don't hesitate to reach out by finding us on instagram (livechinamusic or zefrenchvillain) or writing to livechinamusic@gmail.com    Credits: Producer: Elie Rosenberg Co-producer: William Griffith Hosts: Elie Rosenberg & Will Griffith Editor: Elie Rosenberg

    39 min
  5. 12/29/2025

    Last releases of 2025 from China: The Cheers Cheers & Chestnut Bakery, PPT, 饮马池...

    We cover the last (well, almost last) releases of 2025 from hardcore to a lovely indie pop jam perfectly suited to the holiday season! Don't miss out on new music coming out of China with our latest episode - and keep your eyes peeled for our 2025 recap this week!    Tracks: PPT / What is SSD Anyway Bandcamp: https://pptviolence.bandcamp.com/track/what-is-ssd-anyway  饮马池 / 向前 Artist Spotify (track not available yet): https://open.spotify.com/artist/2QkClfOJ8NEoiG7uXTjGm0  河馬難受  / 扮鬼 Bandcamp: https://hemananshou.bandcamp.com/track/-    巧克力工厂 / Run, Ade, Run! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/3tZYaqami2DVaFNDMUQPKa?si=a72c540a75174e97    Cheers Cheers & Chestnut Bakery / Flickers Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/030yKKuFaWpuR2ukBi3vKB?si=a8272b8661074337    About us: The mission of the Live China Music Podcast is to shed light on Chinese music, providing listeners with insights and information on the Chinese music scene that they would not be able to obtain elsewhere. Every episode, hosts Elie Rosenberg and Will Griffith review the latest tracks from bands and artists living in China, spotlighting underground and emerging talent rarely heard outside Asia. Expect 4–6 freshly released songs, artist context, genre highlights, and short audio clips in each ~30-minute show. Whether you're into Chinese indie rock, avant-pop, experimental electronic, punk, underground hip-hop, post-punk, jazz-inspired sounds, or cross-genre alt music, this is your guide to what's new and compelling in Mainland China's music world.   We systematically sign waivers with the artists or their label to ensure we do not infringe their copyright. Hope you'll enjoy and please support by sharing around, don't hesitate to reach out by finding us on instagram (livechinamusic or zefrenchvillain) or writing to livechinamusic@gmail.com  We systematically sign waivers with the artists or their label to ensure we do not infringe their copyright. Hope you'll enjoy and please support by sharing around, don't hesitate to reach out by finding us on instagram (livechinamusic or zefrenchvillain) or writing to livechinamusic@gmail.com    Credits: Producer: Elie Rosenberg Co-producer: William Griffith Hosts: Elie Rosenberg & Will Griffith Editor: Elie Rosenberg

    25 min
  6. 12/25/2025

    Special Episode: How to explore Shanghai's live music scene!

    Elie heads over to Shanghai and gets a crash course of the Shanghai music scene for a special edition of the LiveChinaMusic podcast. We'll take listeners on a gonzo tour of the city's various music venues and hotspots, indulging in everything from experimental sets in homey living rooms to underground bomb shelters. We'll get into the nitty gritty of what makes this city tick!  Venues visited: Ming Room: https://rateyourmusic.com/venue/ming-room/2025  Trigger: https://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/29800/trigger  Yuyin Town: https://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/34209/yuyintown_cube  Specter's: https://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/16191/specters_yuyuan_lu Ok Ok: https://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/27969/ok_ok_bar  C's : https://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/210/Cs_shanghai  Tang: https://rachelgouk.com/3-underground-bars-in-shanghai-tang-cave-hole-in-the-wall/  Tracks: 1 - Dizang / 土星 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/283Dqk89wtFXfBS9yJCidD?si=2c0ef8aabb2a4330  2 - Torturing Nurse & John Duncan / Glass Mind Bandcamp: https://wvsorcerer.bandcamp.com/track/glass-mind  3 - Diels Alder / Dying For Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/track/0PMToGL3ToPM9VEqcBk0D9?si=b48a8f0f79824797  4 - FYB / Skyscraper Bandcamp: https://fuckyourbirthday.bandcamp.com/album/skyscraper  About us: The mission of the Live China Music Podcast is to shed light on Chinese music, providing listeners with insights and information on the Chinese music scene that they would not be able to obtain elsewhere. Every episode, hosts Elie Rosenberg and Will Griffith review the latest tracks from bands and artists living in China, spotlighting underground and emerging talent rarely heard outside Asia. Expect 4–6 freshly released songs, artist context, genre highlights, and short audio clips in each ~30-minute show. Whether you're into Chinese indie rock, avant-pop, experimental electronic, punk, underground hip-hop, post-punk, jazz-inspired sounds, or cross-genre alt music, this is your guide to what's new and compelling in Mainland China's music world.   We systematically sign waivers with the artists or their label to ensure we do not infringe their copyright. Hope you'll enjoy and please support by sharing around, don't hesitate to reach out by finding us on instagram (livechinamusic or zefrenchvillain) or writing to livechinamusic@gmail.com  We systematically sign waivers with the artists or their label to ensure we do not infringe their copyright. Hope you'll enjoy and please support by sharing around, don't hesitate to reach out by finding us on instagram (livechinamusic or zefrenchvillain) or writing to livechinamusic@gmail.com    Credits: Producer: Elie Rosenberg Co-producer: William Griffith Hosts: Elie Rosenberg & Will Griffith Editor: Elie Rosenberg   Timestamps:   00:00 Intro 02:49 First venue: Ming Room 08:41 Dizang (psychedelic jazz-rock) 10:15 Cedar Kitchen 15:05 2nd venue: Trigger 24:44 Torturing Nurse & John Duncan (noise) 28:45 3rd venue: Yuyin Town 32:57 Diels Alder (emo) 35:24 4th venue: Ok Ok 38:46 FYB (math grunge rock) 41:37 5th venue: C's Bar 45:55 6th venue: Tang

    49 min
  7. 12/15/2025

    New Releases: Berlin Psycho Nurses, postmodernhippies, REV, and more

    We're digging deep this week with a collection of offbeat electronic tracks from some of the scene's most unique new producers. The other half of our episode were gets nice and rugged with some retro garage rock and blue collar punk rock. Plus, the latest from the aptly named Berlin Psycho Nurses - soundtracking a UFC documentary? All that and more in our latest LiveChinaMusic Podcast episode! Tracks Berlin Psycho Nurses - Thistles Song on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1vDgOzt2wVboWEmgjfhziU?si=221af9e83b574095   Artist bandcamp: https://berlinpsychonurses.bandcamp.com/album/berlin-psycho-nurses-2   The Farmers - Summertime Blues Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1B8jnGiaNE34sCJt1j61sb?si=d8cc49c12cf5464f   REV - Mind Game https://planetmu.bandcamp.com/track/rev-mind-game  xx/Postmodernhippie - GURU GURU https://postmodernhippie.bandcamp.com/  UNTECHCIRCLES - Not Just Chaos https://untechcircle.bandcamp.com/album/dying-light-2   东南不锈钢 (South-Eastern Stainless Steel)- 当工厂倒闭,我们该怎么办? Artist bandcamp: https://orientalstainlesssteel.bandcamp.com/   About us: The mission of the Live China Music Podcast is to shed light on Chinese music, providing listeners with insights and information on the Chinese music scene that they would not be able to obtain elsewhere. Every episode, hosts Elie Rosenberg and Will Griffith review the latest tracks from bands and artists living in China, spotlighting underground and emerging talent rarely heard outside Asia. Expect 4–6 freshly released songs, artist context, genre highlights, and short audio clips in each ~30-minute show. Whether you're into Chinese indie rock, avant-pop, experimental electronic, punk, underground hip-hop, post-punk, jazz-inspired sounds, or cross-genre alt music, this is your guide to what's new and compelling in Mainland China's music world. We systematically sign waivers with the artists or their label to ensure we do not infringe their copyright. Hope you'll enjoy and please support by sharing around, don't hesitate to reach out by finding us on instagram (livechinamusic or zefrenchvillain) or writing to livechinamusic@gmail.com  We systematically sign waivers with the artists or their label to ensure we do not infringe their copyright. Hope you'll enjoy and please support by sharing around, don't hesitate to reach out by finding us on instagram (livechinamusic or zefrenchvillain) or writing to livechinamusic@gmail.com  Credits: Producer: Elie Rosenberg Co-producer: William Griffith Hosts: Elie Rosenberg & Will Griffith Editor: Elie Rosenberg Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:13 Berlin Psycho Nurses (post-punk) 08:08 The Farmers (garage rock) 13:12 REV (electro) 19:04 postmodernhippie (breakcore) 23:57 UNTECHCIRCLES (electro) 29:18 South-Eastern Stainless Steel (punk) 35:07 Outro

    37 min
  8. 12/01/2025

    New Releases: Jimaoda, Zhang Gasong, Underdog, and more...

    Back on the mic and loving it! This week Elie and Will offer up a hearty spread of bubbly math rock, riotous ska rock, and whatever the heck Handycam has cooked up. We also highlight one of our favorite songs to drop this year. With tracks from Hangzhou, Beijing, Guangzhou, and all the way to Gansu in the Northwest - it's an eclectic flavorsome batch - so sit back and enjoy!   Tracks list: Halo / Jimaoda Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1QZu1tHn76RsoMpneEDRDy?si=aa1bf0e8adc04791  哑巴说/  恍神儿 Huang Shen'er Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1NXsGb6thOeVkgLGfcYNkw?si=b61f1f3676a54ac1  My father is not an official / 张尕怂 Zhang Gasong Artist page on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2PBpwW0Cy9qC0qfEZyhUsF?si=_PkN3HRTQyaxnvE96wEINg  Outsider / Handycam Bandcamp: https://handycam.bandcamp.com/track/wakuwaku-outsider  英歌 / 右侧合流 (Right-side Confluence) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/48S0qdUPOtTXwQYHq00UEa?si=e5a46793602c4550  Artist page on Bandcamp: https://youceheliu.bandcamp.com/album/-    对与错 / Underdog Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0fUSX8upJTlk5YksBFW6Zc?si=cc047c2befa74099    About us: The mission of the Live China Music Podcast is to shed light on Chinese music, providing listeners with insights and information on the Chinese music scene that they would not be able to obtain elsewhere. Every episode, hosts Elie Rosenberg and Will Griffith review the latest tracks from bands and artists living in China, spotlighting underground and emerging talent rarely heard outside Asia. Expect 4–6 freshly released songs, artist context, genre highlights, and short audio clips in each ~30-minute show. Whether you're into Chinese indie rock, avant-pop, experimental electronic, punk, underground hip-hop, post-punk, jazz-inspired sounds, or cross-genre alt music, this is your guide to what's new and compelling in Mainland China's music world. We systematically sign waivers with the artists or their label to ensure we do not infringe their copyright. Hope you'll enjoy and please support by sharing around, don't hesitate to reach out by finding us on instagram (livechinamusic or zefrenchvillain) or writing to livechinamusic@gmail.com    Credits: Producer: Elie Rosenberg Co-producer: William Griffith Hosts: Elie Rosenberg & Will Griffith Editor: Elie Rosenberg   Timestamps:   00:00 Intro 01:52 Halo (folk) 07:48 The mute says (post-punk) 12:51 My Father Is Not An Official (pop-folk) 19:12 WakuWaku/Outsider 噗嗵噗嗵/局外人 (experimental hardcore) 23:29 英歌 (math rock) 28:12 Right And Wrong (ska-punk) 31:53 Outro

    33 min

About

Have you ever wondered why a country with a population of 1.4 billion people hasn't produced a global superstar yet? China's music scene is rich, diverse, and colorful but hardly ever reaches other countries. Those of you into classical music probably heard of Lang Lang and Yo-Yo Ma, if into post-rock then Wang Wen and Chinese Football are names you might be familiar with, and the metalheads out there could possibly have heard of Nine Treasures. But these bands barely scrape the top of the iceberg. Will Griffith, founder of the longest lasting blog on China's indie scene, Live China Music, and myself, Elie Rosenberg, hope to take you on a discovery of this bubbling music scene, with new episodes every two weeks covering the latest releases. We will focus on emerging artists, although if a particularly noteworthy track comes out from an established or legacy act, we won't fail to mention it. All the music we cover is from artists based in China.