Based now in Chengdu, indie electronic artist and singer-songwriter Shii took her stick synth-pop world to new heights on her sophomore release Tears of Acquaintance 相识之泪. Whether or not the album will propel her into an increasingly elastic Mandopop world remains to be seen, but there’s a lot to like here - the way its analog synths weave around the singer’s ether-like vocals; the way the tracks bleed into one another while each retaining its melodic touch. Electro pop that steers toward one triumphant pop vista after another, the artist is kicking off a nationwide tour this month with a showcase at Yuyintang Park.

After relocating to Xi’an, noise rock daydreamers ReJianBeiShaShou reinvented themselves, deepening their evocative lyricism whilst expanding their musical palette in new and enticing ways. Their sincerity, simmering rage, and existential anxiety ring loud and true, and it’s always a treat when they roll through town. Tonight they’ll be hitting up Specters as part of the nationwide tour.

Trigger brings a spectacle of noise with four acts from New Zealand and Shanghai. ‘The smashed guitar on the poster carries its own strange symbolism—complete with a bloody guitar pick, a lock of hair, a drummer’s molar, toenail clippings, a shard of glitter, and half a pack of ADHD medication’. Acts include Flesh Bug - made up of Dunedin New Zealanders, who play punchy and peculiar noise rock that is both pleasant and unpleasant at the same time. Chengdu-based yoga noise’. Representing Shanghai are prolific musicians and sound explorers (or destroyers) Aming and Torturing Nurse. Ear protection is recommended.

Step into the outer realms of sound with the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, one of the most visionary and electrifying ensembles in jazz history. The Afrofuturism pioneer and originator of space jazz, the group led by Marshall Allen, has graced renowned concert halls and the world’s most celebrated music festivals for over half a century. They’ll be heading a jazz gathering at Modernsky Lab alongside two very special guests, including UK saxophonist & composer Jasmine Myra. Part of the new wave of UK jazz, Jasmine has been turning heads with her distinctive sound—gentle yet powerful, spacious yet deeply emotional. Her music blends spiritual jazz, meditative ambience, and cinematic arrangements, creating an atmosphere that feels both grounding and uplifting. Last but not least, the avant-garde jazz group Fuma Works, headed by composer, double bassist, and leader Daisuke Fuwa (a core member of the Shibusashirazu Orchestra). Expect a magical evening.

The China Hardcore Music Festival returns! Running on and off for over a decade, the CNHC festival is a gathering of China’s best and most fierce in the hardcore scene, as well as special guests from across Asia. With a whopping thirteen bands in the lineup, expect nothing but nonstop mosh pits and hardcore camaraderie. Visiting guests include female-led Hong Kong hardcore outfit Snails, OG Singaporean hardcore act Overthrown (going strong for thirty years), beatdown rapture group Reverse Boys, metalcore band Universe Last A Ward, and True Fight, all from Japan. Elsewhere, you’ve got Shenzhen ruffians Shoot the Gun, Zhuhai’s Such Great Heights, and one-man grindcore act Impure Injection. Beijing wrecks some havoc in the form of D.T.L. (Dragon, Tiger, Leopard) and OH hardcore torch bearers Return the Truth. Finally, Shanghai is represented by Loudspeaker, No More Harm, and ButterSoda. Pace yourself out there - it’s gonna be a long one.

A hazy layering of guitar dissonance, a glazing of ethereal vocals, and a hefty dose of reverb - tonight the Pillow Shoegaze Mini Festival over at Mosh Space in Yangpu, inviting four bands in the shoegaze, dream pop, and prog rock scene to whip up turbulent walls of sounds to wash over you. Visceral, cracking soundscapes to get lost in courtesy of Shanghai’s RUBUR, known for their ruthlessly gorgeous and evocative sound; Beijing’s sumina who bring atmospheric prog rock tones to their sound; Clay Doll from Suzhou, who wrap their shoegaze in a blanket of tender indie pop and slow grooving surf rock; and the intensely visceral and emo-inflicted arrangements of Shanghai’s Nerve Passengers.

Chengdu-based platform Kiwese - who has brought in some stellar acts from New Zealand in the past, hosts indie art punks Dale Kerrigan. A cacophony of ‘abrasive punk edge meets swirling psychedelics, and Pixies-esque power dynamics that is both challenging, confrontational, and liberating’ the band are lean and mean - crafting a hectic DIY-driven sound, blending post-punk, noise-rock, and improvisation. For those who want a little punch with their rock and roll look no further. Support in the form of Shanghai’s ever-busy noise punk rockers Moya, fresh off their debut EP.