16mins's Music Video "XXRR" Closing Winner For MusicDish*China MV Competition

The word "independent (underground) music" first appeared in China almost two decades ago. Without doubt, Beijing, the capital of China, is a nest for some of the most pioneering and vibrant indie music. What is it like to be the only-child generation, facing a world of change and uncertainty? Beijing based indie rock band 16mins (16分钟) music video "XXRR (熙熙攘攘)" says it all. Set through Beijing's subways and major roadways, the juxtaposition sequence of personal experience with the public space reflects a critical background of cultural and political dimensions of post-socialist generation. The fragment of personal encounter with a mixture of unsettling feeling of contraction serve as the core subject throughout the music video. Dazed and confused, the musician, as an isolated subject in the neon city embodies a strong sense of insecurity. ShanShan Wang, MusicDish*China



Experimental indie band 16 mins' new video "XXRR" stretches the musical boundaries to the max. Filmed in Beijing, one really interesting thing about the video is that it focuses on motion in many forms -- cars on the highway, people walking, buses, stairs, and escalators. The lead singer seems to be unable to find her way to the place she wants to be, and she appears to be in a sea of people and yet all alone. The lyrical melody is sung very softly in what seem to be maneuvered acoustics, which adds an interesting element to the song. "XXRR" is definitely a video that viewers will talk about as it leaves a lot open to interpretation and some creative mental gymnastics. Michele Morris, MusicDish


http://youtu.be/Bqo5OfjodJQ

MusicDish*China

Mercy And Sorrow Place Third In MusicDish*China MV Competition

The video "1945" by China-based band Mercy And Sorrow (大悲) directs our attention to the year 1945, when World War II (in which 50-70 million lives were lost) ended. "1945" begins slowly, solemnly, with Albert Einstein's quote, "I do not know what weapons World War III will be fought with, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." A long corridor through which one must pass is shown, and then the video shifts to scenes of everyday life progressing normally, followed by scenes of soldiers and war.



As a lone plane drops a bomb, the song changes pace, becoming more of a rock track with a hard edge and the vocals transitioning from the soft beginning to a much louder and grittier tone. The pace of "1945" quickens once again and seems to have a sense of urgency to it as the bomb drops in slow motion to the ground while the people below are completely unaware of the impending doom. Scenes of destruction and the blinding light of the explosion are gripping and sobering, as we see that no one is spared.



As we see the mushroom cloud appearing, the plane that dropped the bomb returns to its origin, giving the impression that while the pilot did his job and it ended there for him, many died on the ground as a result of his "labor." The song then changes pace back to its original slow tempo, amidst pictures of devastation beyond belief. "1945" is a reminder of what we shouldn't have to remember, but what we must never forget.


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ViVA Girls Grabs 2nd Place In MusicDish*China MV Competition

The video "Yin Yang (阴阳)" by China based group ViVA Girls (雅乐团) is exceedingly entertaining from start to finish. A musical masterpiece showcasing the talent and expertise of these female musicians, the video is vibrant, robust, and spirited. With the music being played using Asian instruments, the sound is spectacularly refreshing to this Westerner, and is somewhat reminiscent of the group Hiroshima's music. "Yin Yang" begins with an almost "Star Trek" like scene where the viewer is drawn into a "universe" which then explodes into this most amazing and impressive performance that shows each of the talented ladies looking as cool as ice, but playing with a sound that's hot as hell!! People of all cultures and musical tastes will be able to appreciate the precision and proficiency with which the Viva Girls perform. This is 100% good music, no matter where you live on the globe.



"The complexity of the video was very creative. The band has an image that is unique and great for brands. The band was stylish and the sound and performance was great." Jewell Sparks, Indie Vixens



"This is an innovative way of combining traditional Chinese instruments performance with modern music production. It reminds me of 12 Girls band once in a while, but compare to 12 Girls band, band members are all young and pretty and this band is more modernized. They got the beats, the rhythm and the visual design." Fay Peng




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