INDEX
On Stage Vulnerability: The Yardstick for an Exceptional Live Show
Carsick Cars has actively taken the stage internationally, such as joining Sorry Youth on their European tour. How has this global experience impacted the band?
Qing (Dr.): It’s a good opportunity for the three of us to face the same direction. We have been together for many years, but we are not a close band that goes out for dinner. But when you leave the country, you have to go through many things together. To use an Evangelion analogy, I imagine the three of us working together in the Third New Tokyo City to face the 10th Apostle (laughs).
Shouwang (Vo&Gt): If I were to compare the experience of this Japan tour to a movie, it would be “Lost in Translation” for me. You feel like you are in a dream because you are in a new environment and don’t understand the language. But when you get on stage, you suddenly wake up and go back to a state where you can feel the reality and the connection with the members and the audience.
How was it playing in Japan this time?
Weisi (Ba): The people at the live venues in Japan are very professional, both in terms of technique and appearance. The band scene has been mature for a long time, so they may not always have the latest equipment, but I didn’t mind that at all. Although live music venues are expanding in China and you see a lot of the latest equipment, you realize that it is only the people who create the live show, and the equipment is only a part of it.
Lastly, observing the endeavors of Carsick Cars, it appears to convey a message of “pursue what you believe in.” What are your reflections on this perspective?
Weisi (Ba): To be honest, I really don’t think that deeply about it (laughs). I continue to do it simply because I love music. But there are a lot of great bands in Asia. Asian rock music is based on Western musical styles and adds its own uniqueness. We take pride in that, and I think everyone should take pride in that.
Qing (Dr.): Not only in music, but also in painting, for example, after seeing a good work of art, you may feel a shock like being struck by lightning, and the sender’s energy, thoughts, and worldview are transmitted to you all at once. In order for people to have that kind of feeling with music, it is necessary to expose all of oneself in a live performance, and the criterion for a good live performance is whether one is able to do so. As a result of this being communicated, “Do what you want!” Maybe that’s what they felt.
Shouwang (Vo&Gt): Making music is the starting point of everything, and the three of us share the common value of thinking that there is no point in living if we don’t do so. I think we can say with confidence that the sound we have created with these members is the same sound that we have been making since the band was formed.
