What's New is a recurring column that looks at the new films, music, books and DVD releases in and/or about Chinese mainland
New Film: Xuan Zang
There’s no shortage of Journey to the West related hits but this intriguing Indian-Chinese co-production focuses on the real life travels of monk Xuanzang who made a 17-year journey to India as a Tang Dynasty emissary during the seventh century. Produced by Wong Kar-wai, Xuan Zang is directed by two-time Golden Rooster winner Huo Jianqi. Mr. Angelababy, Huang Xiaoming (American Dreams in China) stars in the titular role, highlighting a mixed cast that includes Kent Tong, Purba Rgyal and Tan Kai. Opens nationwide on April 29.
New Album: MHP - Folding Traces
Often referred to as Shanghai’s son of techno, MHP finally releases his first album available in China. Folding Traces is full of futuristic flourishes mixing warm noirish characteristics and surprising acoustic moments, including a guest performance from former Gorillaz collaborator and guzheng master Wang Meng. A summer national tour is being planned and the disc is available at 163.com. For anyone in Shanghai, catch the hometown album release show on April 29 at DADA.
New Album: Conrank - Hemispheres
Holding it down for Shanghai's bass scene for years, UK producer Conrank's reputation is starting to spread around the world. On his latest EP, Hemispheres, he links with DJ Shadow for the ninth release on the iconic producer's Liquid Amber imprint. As usual, Conrak brings a futuristic take on hard-hitting bass mixing in collaborations with Ranadank's Zean and East London OG rhymer Blak Twang. Available on Bandcamp.
New Album: Deep 19 - Dark Fall EP
Completing this recent triumvirate of Shanghai electronic releases is the co:motion debut by this fixture in the city's underground. Deep 19 has been a music director for Siva, a music editor at uDance Radio and a popular DJ who has shared the booth with Paul Oakenfold and Nguzunguzu. Dark Fall mixes forebading bass with an infectious techno groove, with remixes by Beijing institution Mickey Zhang and rising Shanghai talent Eli Osheyack. Available on Bandcamp.
New TV: Game of Thrones, Season 6
Winter is coming. Well not really, but we couldn't be more excited about the return of Game of Thrones this month. Unlike past seasons, fans won't be able ahead by reading George R. R. Martin's books. While the new season won't be available on Chinese streaming sites, avid fans can find ways to help China top the list in Game of Thrones piracy. Past seasons are legitimately available for QQ Video subscribers. Also in terms of new releases, Beyonce's surprise new disc, Lemonade, is streamable at Xiami.
Deep Dive: Prince
It's been a heavy year in music legend losses but the world is still reeling from the sudden death of Prince. The 57-year-old was just on the road a couple months ago, blowing crowd's minds with recent tours where he performed solo on a piano. Notoriously protective of his intellectual property, it's ridiculously difficult to find the Purple One's music online. However, it seems Tencent holds the exclusive rights in China and all of Prince's albums are streamable at QQ Music, including stone-cold classics like Purple Rain, 1989, Sign O' The Times and really so much more.
For past What's New columns, click here.
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