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 Beijing’s NEW PANTS are China’s answer to Joy Division, the Ramones and the question, “How much can you rock?”. JODY MACGREGOR talks to them via email translator before they arrive in the country to play GoMA Up Late and some sideshows.
JODY MACGREGOR: You played at GoMA Up Late once before, during the Andy Warhol show. What was that like?
NEW PANTS: That was amazing. Can you imagine that you play at a hall, and all Andy Warhol works hanging around?
JM: Are you art-lovers? Are you familiar with any of the artists being shown at the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art?
NP: We love art. [Frontman] Peng Lei himself also is an oil painter, he had his own exhibition in 2006. We’ve heard some of the artists shown at APT, but not very familiar, we’re curious to see the works as well.
JM: You’re one of the few Asian acts playing at the APT6. How does it feel to be representing such a significant chunk of the human race?
NP: Feel good to show people in Australia different side of China, this time is not Peking Duck or Peking Opera, but Peking Rock.
JM: You’ve supported Regurgitator before; how does it feel to have Quan opening for you?
NP: Apart from Regurgitator, Quan has also done a great solo work, we’re really really excited, can’t wait to rock with him.
JM: Does the language barrier ever cause problems when you’re in Australia?
NP: We thought it would’ve be a problem when we first time toured there, but actually not, music connected people there and they certainly got it.
JM: Is rock & roll a universal language?
NP: What do you reckon? It must be.
JM: Does much Australian music make it to China?
NP: It seems like not very much. We didn’t see much Australian music promoted here, specially cool stuffs.
JM: Are you working on new music at the moment?
NP: Yes. We hope we could play some new songs by the time we get Australia next month.
JM: How do you collaborate on songwriting?
NP: Generally, we write songs separately, then send the demos to each other, and build it up together in rehearsal room.
JM: Do you come from musical families?
NP: No. And our family actually never see us on stage, I guess the music we made don’t really entertain them.
NEW PANTS play at Bon Amici’s on Thursday Mar 4 with The Rational Academy and more, then appear with Quan and DJ Polar Bear at GoMA for APT Up Late on Friday Mar 5. They also play with Monotonix, DZ and Oh Ye Denver Birds at Rosie's Sunday Mar 7. See www.myspace.com/beijingnewpants for more information.
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