4 best new Shanghai indie bands

Unlike Beijing, where similar sounding bands mushroom as soon as a new genre hits the big time, Shanghai’s indie bands -- though few -- are richly diverse.

Before hitting Jinshan beach and screaming your lungs out at Zebra Music Festival (ZMF), get to know Shanghai's top four up-and-coming indie bands, each one with its own unique style.

One band will appear on ZMF’s stage, and the others could well be rubbing shoulders with you in the surging crowds and mosh pits during the three-day beach music festival.

1. Candy Shop (甜品店)

Having love issues? Candy Shop can help heal your heart with the power of rock.

The band: Although the band has been around since 2005, Candy Shop started capturing the hearts of many fans when female lead singer Sammy Sheng (盛佳慧) joined two years ago.

Fronted by two lead singers -- syrupy-voiced Sammy and her dominant male counterpart Yang Kai (杨铠, aka KK) -- Candy Shop’s songs revolve around love and other relationship issues faced by youth today.

Their live performances have become known for their “healing” properties, helping audiences relax and face life problems with courage.

Besides regular gigs at Shanghai’s major livehouses in August, the band has accepted several offers to perform for commercial brands, such as Dickies and Shanda Games.

They are also set to begin recording for their EP in September.

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The music: Pop rock. With the band's uplifting lyrics and cheerful tunes, Candy Shop is well suited for fans new to rock music.

Next gig: Candy Shop will rock the Dadi Stage (大地舞台) of Zebra Music Festival at 6:30 p.m. on August 6.

2. Forget And Forgive (aka FAF)

Unforgettable: Shanghai's first emo band sounding off.

The band: FAF raised eyebrows as Shanghai’s first emo band when it was formed in 2009.

Vocalist Xiao Ding’s (小丁) voice is explosive and awe-inspiring. Together with guitarist Peng Peng (朋朋), bassist Owen (欧文) and drummer Shi Liu (十六), this vibrant young band had an ambitious start: one of their earliest shows was to play at Shanghai SMP’s Extreme Sports and Music festival in 2009.

They are also a regular feature at live music venues in town, such as Yuyintang and Mao Livehouse.

Though their fans have high hopes, FAF have yet to set out any grand plans. At the moment, they just want to enjoy the music they play and love.

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The music: As emo as their band name suggests. Emo songs are raging hot and the punkish outer appearance and artistic moodiness of FAF’s band members are as sexy as it gets.

Next gig: FAF is currently taking a summer break. Check out their Douban page for future updates.