PK14

Since 1997, PK14 have been imbued with the same passion as a bunch of kids who’ve just formed their first band. Though a democratic self-managed outfit, singer Yang Haisong is described in alternative circles as the ‘kernel’ of the band, and it is clearly his off-beat, very oblique view of the world that informs the bands strange but catchy angular melodies and discordant notes.

PK 14 occupies a space in Chinese music that might be analogous to that of Television or the Talking Heads in the New York of the 1970s. They are among the most thoughtful and self-referential of bands, with an enormous curiosity about music coupled with a complete inability to care about musical fashion. Among the older bands (i.e. those formed before 2002-3) they have the greatest influence on Beijing’s younger bands, especially on the brilliant group of bands that emerged during Beijing’s miracle years – 2004-04. But for all the love these bands have for PK14, and although they are at the heart of the Beijing scene and among the most loved and respected of the Chinese indie bands, at the same time they are wholly unique and seem to be traveling in their own scene – one which consists of only one band.

P.K.14’s lyrics are predominantly about China’s disaffected urban youth. The titles may seem gloomy yet the songs beseech the listener and, as Yang explains, have elements of hope. But this is not to suggest that they are insular band or an acquired taste. PK 14’s concerts are almost always packed to the last inch and their songs can provoke the same out-of control dancing and passion that the wildest bands in town. Legend has it that Yang’s worn the same pair of glasses he’s had since secondary school - perhaps they are what help him preserve his youthful worldview.

Line Up:

Vocals : YangHaiSong ( 杨海崧)

Guitar : XuBo (许波)

Bass : ShiXuDong ( 施旭东) (Subs, Guai Li, Brain Failure)

Drums : johnny (雷坛坛)