The China Light・2013 Yangtze River Midi Music Festival will be held from October 2nd to 4th at Pudong Sanjia Port, the mouth of the Yangtze River in Shanghai. The annual theme for the 2013 Midi Festival is "20 Years of Midi School." The TONGUE band is joining this year’s festival to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the rock school with fans.
The TONGUE band was formed in 1994, and their music blends elements of rock, funk, hardcore, and punk. Their live performances are widely praised by rock fans for their unique style—tight, synchronized bursts of energy and powerful rhythms. In 2000, the TONGUE band’s performance at the first Midi Music Festival in Beijing became a classic moment in Chinese rock history. Thirteen years later, the TONGUE band will return with a fresh new look to this year’s most anticipated domestic rock stage, celebrating and spreading their rock spirit with fellow fans, igniting the hearts of all the young and passionate through their music.
Please introduce the current members of the TONGUE band. Have there been any changes in musical style compared to before?
Guo Dagang: Vocalist Wu Tun, guitarist Zhu Xiaolong, bassist Wu Junde, drummer Wen Feng, and me on keyboards. We’ve incorporated more elements into the arrangements while maintaining the previous rhythm-driven excitement.
Has Li Dan left the TONGUE band?
Wu Tun: I’ve known Li Dan for many years. I feel I owe him a lot—he was a great friend and an excellent drummer. No matter what he’s doing now or whether he’s still in the TONGUE band, I believe that if we ever need him back, he’ll return.
What songs will be performed at this year’s Yangtze River Midi Music Festival?
Zhu Xiaolong: We’ll definitely play some old songs. Delivering a high-quality performance for the audience is what matters most.
Compared to TONGUE’s earlier works, the new songs seem more lyrical and melodic. Are you worried about how long-time fans will react?
Wu Tun: We never felt we were opposed to them. We’ve always been on the same path. If someone gets tired or falls behind, you can choose to keep moving forward or stop to help and accompany them—that’s all fine. I believe we can question each other, but we won’t hate each other.
What’s your view on the current state of Chinese rock music?
Zhu Xiaolong: I’ve always believed that Chinese rock music has always existed and is progressing. Though there have been many changes along the way, I feel we’re now back on a relatively right path. I also believe that the rock spirit in the hearts of those musicians and fans who’ve been weighed down by reality will never die out.
Wu Tun: The current rock scene is a bit of a freak show. Without the so-called commercial culture, we might not have emerged in this form. I just hope we can truly understand ourselves and the world, and integrate the little bits of joy and happiness we experienced during those fleeting moments into our lives.
What do you think about the Midi Music Festival and the increasing number of new festivals?
Wu Tun: Midi was the first festival I ever attended. But festivals belong to everyone—they’re a way of life that brings joy. Now that there are gradually more music festivals in China, no matter what kind, they’re all celebrations for everyone.
As one of the veteran bands from the early 1990s of Chinese rock and the headlining act at the first Midi Music Festival in 2000, what would you like to say to the die-hard Midi fans and everyone who cares about Chinese rock music?
Wu Junde: TONGUE is still TONGUE—we will continue to stand on the rock stage as always, singing for justice and freedom.
Zhu Xiaolong: Rock will change our lives.
Wen Feng: Come watch our shows more often！Support our music！Wish you all good health！Rock on！
Guo Dagang: All words have been said. Just make love in our music and your pogo.
Wu Tun: Face yourself bravely, know yourself, and treat every life with the same respect you give yourself.