Rock and Roll wasn’t just a style of music, it served as an instrument for social and cultural movements. It was a tool for public diplomacy when the West and the East was separated from each other. It played an important role in political changes in the 1950s and 1960s. Taking an example, in 1958 NATO published a report speculating on the intentional use of rock music for subversive purposes.
Rock music from the very beginning has been linked with political activism, with changes in social attitudes to race, sex, and drug use, and was often seen as an expression of youth revolt against conservatism, consumerism and conformity. In its lyrics dealt with a much broader range of topics than its predecessors; such as sex, social concerns, and the rebellion against the Establishment. Rock and roll is rebellious, its the existence of free spirit breaking out from long-term restrictions and lashing, and breaking down the rules and obligations of society, thus can be a product and symbol of a changing society.
The Beatles was a powerful example of how rock music induced political change in society. In the 1960s The Beatles disseminated the love of rock and roll within the Eastern bloc. Their music was smuggled into the Soviet Union, it embodied protest against communism. The youth started to imitate their styles, lifestyles and their feeling of freedom, it changed people’s thoughts and the way of their living. People listening to tunes about love and peace has stopped regarding the English-speakers as enemies. It was an important step towards the later implemented political transition.
But how about China’s rock generation?
Chinese rock music has emerged in the early 1980s, when economic reforms started taking their place. Chinese rock music is originating in the Northwest Wind style of music. Northwest Wind was a style of mainland China, it had strong beats, fast tempo and heavy bass lines, and included some traditional and folk-style beats, however was different from the well-known Cantopop.
Xintianyou was one of the most well-known song of this type:
Cui Jian is believed to be the father of Chinese rock music. He grew up in a musician family, and got introduced to rock and roll by smuggled recordings from Hong Kong. At first he created his band Qi He Ban, but later decided to pursue a solo career. His first solo album called Rock ’N’ Roll on the New Long March was the first ever Chinese rock album. It included the famous song Nothing to My Name, which is known by everybody in China. In its lyrics often parodied the Communist Party, and brought something fresh in its genre, still including some folk motives. In the spring of 1989, "Nothing To My Name" became the de facto anthem of the student protestors at Tiananmen Square.”
With this song the Chinese rock generation has kick started, later some songs also included idealistic and political messeges as well. The music embodied the dissatisfaction of the Chinese youth and the growing effect of the Western-style culture.
At the same time another branch of rock music has started to emerge, initiated by Chi Zhiqiang, who was an actor, and was sentenced to prison for four years for hooliganism (non-conventional sexual life) and created music from the time he was sentenced to jail. The Prison Songs became popular in the late 1980s, they were a bit different from the Northwast Wind style in terms of lyrics, it often used vulgar language, and expressed more negativity, but still included some folk elements.
The main hub for rock music was the capital, Beijing. In the 1980s it was still marginal, there were only live perfomances in small bars and hotels. The new style was popular mainly between university students and underground circles.
In the 1990s rock has become part of the urban youth culture, in 1990 the largest rock concert was organized in the Capital Gymnasium with the participation of Cui Jian, and other rock bands. The rock culture underwent a change, in type there was a shift from the original Northwest Wind style into western-style rock. It also came along with the change of style and adapting to the new attitude. Chinese rock has separated itself from the pride of the northwest rural culture.
In 1993, Beijing Midi School of Music, the first school was established which offered classes for jazz and rock music. It ensured a platform for young artist to develope their proficiency in rock music.
Today Rock and Roll is widely popular among Chinese young people, there are several clubs and bars organizing rock concerts weekly, and big concerts are also frequent. Underground places are also popular between the youth. There are many new bands, some of them are even touring in the United States with great success. One of the most popular rock band in China nowadays are Carsick Cars and PK14. They are also well-known in the Western media.
Rock in China is not anymore about protesting or being rebellious, but about staying different from others, and having a unique lifestyle.
Dorina Gyurkócza
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