For almost a decade, Maybe Mars has been helping to define indie in China. And just months ahead of its milestone 10th anniversary, the Beijing-based label is still at it.
The voracity of new signings Gate to Otherside is a fitting tribute to a decade in the game. It’s a role that the trio’s bassist, Alex Turner, takes seriously.
“Maybe Mars has developed a crowd and a sensibility about music that we’ve all inherited to some degree,” he says, citing labelmates Ourself Beside Me and Snapline as influences. “[The label] is wonderful in that they don’t push music, plans or commercial activities on its artists. There’s a very simple commonality, and everything flows naturally from that.”
Although comprised of veterans of Beijing’s music scene (Turner and vocalist-guitarist Sun Heting previously played in Carsick Cars; drummer Jiang Mengyang is a member of riot grrrl punks Free Sex Shop), Turner describes Gate to Otherside’s formation as “chance.”
“Jiang and Sun happened to be jamming for fun and they liked what they made, but needed a bassist,” he explains. “Moreover, when we started playing, we each had the feeling that this was something we should do – that it was natural. This ‘ought’ comes from the environment of the Beijing music scene, and because we were ready to start making music.”
While Turner admits that “the scene has declined,” he’s hopeful that Gate to Otherside, along with other Beijing upstarts like Lonely Leary, Future Orients and Dice, will turn things around.
“There’s a gap open to young new bands, especially since crowds seem to be growing,” he says. “Kids are looking for something right now. When they find it, everyone will know.”
With a sound that marries psychedelia with heady hooks inspired by Maybe Mars stalwarts, the trio have succeeded in their goal of “trying to make a specific world with every song.”
“The three of us enjoy [the idea that] music can be transported from one world to another – one which we’re learning to create,” Turner adds.
Already live favorites in Beijing’s underground scene, the group hope to reach new fans with the release of their debut disc, Dragon Bus Terminal. The album was recorded and produced by co-founder of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Ricky Maymi, who will also produce the sophomore disc for labelmates Birdstriking.
“Recording was quick and concentrated, which didn’t allow for hesitation or regret,” Turner says.
“When we did come to a crossroads, Ricky was there to guide us – ‘Left sucks, you should go right.’ His experience with songwriting and understanding of what kind of sound international listeners will respond to was invaluable.”
To support the disc, the group is embarking on their first national tour, which stops off at School Bar this month. Turner admits, “We have some work to do before the tour, but if we’re nervous, it’s because we’re young and excited. I bet the crowds are too.”
And having only just released their debut album, the band is already eyeing a second disc. “It’s already been a year since we finished recording, but in that time we’ve collected a lot of new material,” Turner says.
“We’ll use the summer after the tour to put it through the grinder and make our next piece.”
Sat May 13; Price TBD; School Bar, see event listing.
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