Multicultural rock band 88’s many influences
Print Edition
THE 88’s, a three-piece international rock band formed in Shanghai, will deliver a concert in Beijing tonight and stage in Shanghai this Saturday. The band has diverse cultural and musical backgrounds that set it apart from other bands on the hard rock scene.
Hailing from Portugal, guitarist Luis Coelho brings a Latin influence to his love of metal and progressive rock. From France is vocalist Pheel Duarte, who with his dynamic, powerful and multilingual style brings his mix of hard rock, reggae and a bit of punk. From the US is drummer Joe Mahone, who contributes his love of R&B and funk. “I bring my energy with lyrics in different languages, and my French accent,” says Duarte. “It’s our melting pot!”
The trio met in Shanghai during a jam session, and the connection and chemistry among them was instant. It adds another distinct flavor to their music.
“We also had so much fun playing together and the energy while we were playing was so intense that we decided that we had to do a band together to share this love of music with other people,” the band tells Shanghai Daily.
The band says it’s playing “positive” rock.
“We don’t talk about politics; we don’t want to change the world. We just want the people to feel good and to forget about their problems while listening to our music,” says Duarte.
The young band likes to entertain. They want people to have fun, dance, sing, and shout when they come to their show.
“We want to tell the people who listen to us that life is a gift. Whatever problem you have, get over it and enjoy every minute of your life. And if you choose, like us, to live your dream, you will never be disappointed with yourself,” he says.
The band has played shows in Shanghai and Beijing, mainly at music live houses like Yuyingtang, O’Malley’s, DCLUB, Live bar and Temple.
“Every time, the audience was really great and really into our music. We expect to have a lot of fun and to share a great moment with the people from Shanghai and Beijing,” says Duarte, who has been in Shanghai for five years.
Duarte started to play music in bands at the age of 14. “There is not really anybody who brought me into the music world,” he states.He was playing with a group of friends both willing to express themselves, and willing to play the music they loved to listen to. The inspiration of music usually comes from life, passions, dramas, happiness. “Everything is inspiration," he says.
Duarte has a long name list of favorite singers and musicians -- Nirvana, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Megadeth, System of a Down, Rage Against the Machine, Sepultura, Noir Desir, Telephone, Trust, Soundgarden, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Janis Joplin and also French classics like Jacques Brel or Edith Piaf.
“I also saw many Chinese rock bands playing in Yuyingtang or live bars in Shanghai and also in Mao live house in Beijing and I loved all of them!” He says. “Honestly, the people who say there is no real rock in China have never been to those venues. So much energy and musical quality, that was great!”
Date: June 21, 8pm
Venue: 2F, QSW Culture Center, QHouse, 179 Yichang Rd
Tickets: 80 yuan (presale); 88 yuan (couples/2 tickets); 8 yuan (student); 128 yuan (at door)
Website: www.the88sband.com
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