From 'bedroom heroes' to music stars in China

Being valued

For British indie band Swim Deep, who completed their fourth tour last year, one of the most rewarding aspects of performing in China is feeling valued.

Formed in 2011, the Birmingham band has played over eight shows since 2014 and sold out many of them, playing to hundreds and sometimes thousands of fans.

"Every time we go back to China, we feel a little less like being a tourist there, it's a bit more of a feeling of coming home," said Austin Williams, the band's front man.

"We always feel so welcomed by the friendly, supportive, dedicated, loyal and passionate fans out there," he said.

One of Swim Deep's most memorable China shows was the 2019 Strawberry Music Festival in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.

Keyboard player James Balmont said audience numbers in China often far surpass what they draw in the United Kingdom.

The biggest UK festival crowd they have played for was 500, while in Guangzhou, they performed to around 10,000 people on the main stage.

While backstage riders of beverages and food for performers are common overseas, Williams was impressed that the Guangzhou organizers had gone to the trouble to prepare a big box filled with imported cheeses, beers, potato chips and other goodies.

"I felt very grateful that they've gone out of their way to do that for us… And it made me realize how these people are working beyond (the basics) to make the artist feel good," Williams said.

"It really proves that they consider art as a valuable and important necessity in culture and life."

Balmont also appreciated the Chinese staff's extra efforts and the respect they showed, which made the band feel valued.

Both band members expressed hope other venues follow this lead and create more comfortable conditions for the artists.

Organizers and promoters of tours and music festivals in China also often pay for performers' travel and accommodation expenses, reducing costs and financial risks for emerging overseas bands.

Touring in China sets a high standard for the rest of the world to follow. Also, the fans are always respectful and polite, show their loyal support in an orderly way, and welcome new music with open arms, Balmont said.

"When you combine all of that, it creates wonderful experiences that make you feel being a touring artist can be really worthwhile," he added.

Sam Tucker, manager of Swim Deep, said: "I think the future of the Chinese music market is very bright. The way the Chinese live market has embraced international artists and tours enables so much potential future growth. As culture becomes less specific to one country or city, it feels like the Chinese music market can only continue to grow and develop."

wangxin2@chinadaily.com.cn