It’s that time of year again. Time for another slate of new music variety shows attempting to plug into what young Chinese kids are listening to.
One of the biggest variety shows hits over the past few years has been rock and roll show, The Big Band. While that show announced that it would be taking a break from filming this year, the void left behind will be filled by a new music talent show, Strawberryman, which will debut this Friday. It’s produced by one of China’s largest independent record labels Modern Sky, Chinese streaming platform Youku, ticketing platform Damai, and another label, The Better Life. Watch the trailer here:
The show is basically the TV version of Strawberry Music Festival, one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the country, which was launched by Modern Sky in 2010. Musicians will be in competition with one another as they perform outdoors in a festival setting.
The line up for the show features a mix of 24 rising bands and indie musicians, covering a wide range of styles.
Wuhan rock group Hardcore Raver in Tears, formerly known as AV Okubo, join the show after the launch of their recently released debut EP under their new name: WUHAN2020.
Electronic musician Shii will also bring her catchy vocals and experimental songwriting to the stage.
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Mentors on the show include Taiwanese pop singer, Jam Hsiao, co-champion of Rap of China Season 1, GAI, one of China’s best-known record producers, Zhang Yadong, and standup comedian, Chizi.
If you can’t wait until tomorrow to sink your teeth into some music show drama, Tencent’s newest rap show Girls Like Us is launching tonight. The show focuses on female rappers in China and was initially slated to screen earlier this year, but was beset by delays. Iconic pop star Jackson Wang will also appear on the show as a mentor. Watch the pilot here:
Another hip hop music show, Rap Star will kick off its second season on the Chinese streaming site Mango TV this Sunday. Veteran rappers Danko, MC Pharaoh, Boss Shady, and Key.L all join as mentors.
Cover photo: Courtesy of Strawberryman
