Musicians tune in to solace

They inspire with songs that help them overcome challenges, Xing Wen reports.

Music has the ability to mend shattered souls, breathe life into the broken and offer solace to those in need.

One case that exemplifies this is the story of Tan Congchong. The 24-year-old, once a victim of school bullying, says he has discovered a sanctuary of self-healing within the realm of rock music.

Tan's recent performance on a variety music show, Youth Pai Plan, left the audience deeply moved, observers say. The show also brought his music and inspiring story to a wider audience.

The show, produced by Hunan Satellite TV and Mango TV, brings together musicians under the age of 30. Through collaborative performances on different themes, the program aims to showcase the thoughts and expressions of younger generations. It also features renowned musicians, such as Li Yuchun, Zhang Yadong, Na Ying, Nicholas Tse, Zheng Jun and Wang Feng, as judges.

Tan, who graduated from a vocational school in Chongqing, says his life once was governed by a very demanding schedule. During the daytime, he would toil away on a factory assembly line to tighten screws and he also worked part time making deliveries.

But he says his true passion came to life in the evening, propelling him to busy streets and bustling bars to play the guitar and sing.

It was during that time that he met peers who shared the same passion for rock, and in September 2017, as bassist and lead vocalist, Tan formed his own band, Neon Garden. It included 22-year-old guitarist Xia Bing, 24-year-old guitarist Wan Jiahao and drummer Zhao Yang, 22. The four Chongqing natives made a living by playing at bars.

They also dedicated their spare time to writing songs, rehearsing and looking for chances to perform for larger groups.

It wasn't until a music festival in 2019 that Tan's resilience appeared to leave a lasting mark on the hearts of music lovers. On that day, despite a bandaged foot, Tan took to the stage and delivered what was described as an awe-inspiring performance that lasted 40 minutes. With sweat pouring down his face, he stood on one leg, pouring his heart and soul into his vocals.

The performance became a turning point in the band's trajectory, as they began to receive more gig offers and gained recognition from a wider audience.