Brain Failure

Wed 21st Oct, 2009 in Features

China’s pioneering punk band Brain Failure is at last coming our way for the Melbourne International Arts Festival this month.

Aligning themselves with the knockabout ilk of Rancid and Dropkick Murphys, the four-piece has clocked up many tour miles over the years. FasterLouder gets the word on the visit from frontman Xiao Rong.

You’re coming to Australia for the Melbourne International Arts Festival this month. Is the live show the most important thing to get right for the band?
Yes, I think so. The recorded tracks could be the best pick of three to 50 attempts. Live, you just get one try. It represents the most current mood of the musicians. People always expect a little more or a little different from the basic recording sound.

Since Brain Failure formed back in the – œ90s, has the punk scene in China grown much stronger?
I could say yes. And today I see punk rock covered by much bigger indie youth culture in China and the world.

Do you enjoy touring throughout China? Has it changed noticeably over the years?
It’s fun for me touring in China, playing in different clubs every night in each city. The condition of touring in China is getting better and better. The touring in China doesn’t really look like life – œon the road’ thoughl it’s more tramping in the homeland. But there are some good music festivals in China, which are very exciting to play.

Is the political climate in China a continual source of inspiration for your songs?
I’ve never been interested in talking about the political stuff in my music. I think it’s such an empty topic. Unless the musicians want to be the politicians. Well, I’m a musician and I just write about the stuff that comes into my hand and my life.

How often does Brain Failure tour in the USA? Does your live show go down particularly well there?
We didn’t tour in the US for a long time. The last tour was 2007 with Big D from Boston. All the showss were well done when we were there.

Does the band have plans to follow up the Beijing to Boston EP with new material soon?
We already did a new album named Downtown Production. It came out in China in May 2009. It should come out out on iTunes for you guys soon.

After doing Beijing to Boston with Big D and the Kids Table, would you consider releasing a split EP with another band again?
I’m opening ideas for anything that comes up. Who would be a good fit? Why not an Australian band. What about The Go Set? I checked their website – they are a hard-working band.

Finally, what kind of show can your Australian fans expect when you get down here?
Well, a great Chinese band is all I could promise you for now. I’m expecting to rock with you guys.

Brain Failure headline Beck’s Rumpus Room at The Forum Theatre on Thursday 22 October, with The Go Set in support.