Hedgehog

From Rock in China Wiki

Hedgehog

Background Information
Name (English)	Hedgehog
Name (Chn.)	刺猬 / cìwèi
Origin	Beijing
Genre	Rock
Years active	2005 - present
Members
Guitar/Vocals : ZO (子健) Bass: Box (博宣) Drums/Vocals: Atom (阿童木)
Preview

[edit] History

Hedgehog, like many of the best bands in Beijing, was founded in the miracle years of 2004-2005, in January 2005, specifically. For some inexplicable reason they didn’t seem to make much of an impact early on, but we first met them when they played a series of concerts at D22 in late 2006, during which time they very quickly became one of the favorite bands. In late April 2007 they performed a concert that smashed the sound barriers and created such an uproar that within a month they had catapulted into position as one of the most talked about underground bands in China.

Hugely popular with both musical hipsters, for the brilliance of their compositions and performances, and with rock and roll party animals, for their wild, out of control pop frenzy, Hedgehog’s music is totally approachable and totally unique. Percussionist and vocalist Atom(阿童木) is a tiny girl who just barely peeps over the top of her drum kit but who bangs out explosive rhythms like a monster possessed. Bassist Box(博宣), the person responsible for keeping the band in line, punches out the tight bass lines that hold the songs together while seeming lost in oblivion. Guitarist and vocalist ZO(子健) slashes out huge waves of chords that seemed to fit perfectly within the songs yet at the same time tear them apart -- while jumping, twirling, staggering and even falling over several times during his performances without letting up for the slightest pause. Hedgehog is a classic power trio with three of the best performers in Beijing on their respective instruments, but it is their song-writing skills that make this band more than just a great performance band and one of the most important in China.

-- taken from D-22

October 2006, they performed during the Beijing beer and rock festival 2006.

June 2007, they performed during the Dino Beach Rock Festival.

September 2007, they performed during the Beijing Pop Festival 2007.

In January 2008 their song Our Last Word is included in Pocket Music 16.

In August 2008, Hedgehog was interviewed by Rock in China.

April 11th 2009, they performed at Shanghai's Yu Yin Tang during their tour Blue Daydreaming. According to Andy Best, Part of their live mojo is that they are in complete control of the tempo and dynamics. It's never really fast or running away, but always just up-beat enough to get everyone moving.^[1]

In May, Hegdehog's drummer/singer Atom is voted the no. 2 coolest rock star in Beijing by Timeout Beijing Magazine. It’s the musical equivalent of watching your 12-year-old sister take out a gang of bullies with a few swift punches, and it’s brilliant. We also love it when she comes out from behind the drum kit and duets with lead singer/lover Zo.^[2]

In September (5th - 27th) they toured the USA during the Sing For China Tour 2009 organized by Modern Sky Records. September 11th, they rocked the Artistery in Portland, Oregon. According to commentor Alex: Hedgehog played far and away the best set I have ever seen them perform. If I had never heard any of these bands previously, then Hedgehog would have given the only performance that I would have considered following up on.^[3]

On March 18th, 2010, they performed at the Yuyintang in Shanghai as support act to The Thermals. According to Jake Newby: Atom was still incredible on the drums, Zo was on fire on the guitar and the new bassist held his own with them. Admittedly, they played essentially a greatest hits set and thus it was hard to tell where they'll go from here, but they nevertheless excelled with the classics.^[4] On May 3rd, they performed at the Strawberry Music Festival 2010. According to Beijing Gig Guide: Hedgehog, who as usual did not fail to please. Their new bass player is a bit of a snore (if very geek-chic), but like I said when I saw them perform as The B-Side Lovers, I don’t think it makes much of a difference. So much of Hedgehog’s sound and appeal is tied to Atom and Zo that it seems difficult to assess Xiao Nan’s place. Still, I await new tracks to pass any judgement.^[5] On July 18th, 2010, they performed at the Qingyuan Niu Yu Zui Festival 2010.

[edit] Participated Festivals

Qingyuan Niu Yu Zui Festival 2010 - 2010, July	Modern Sky Festival 2009 - 2009, October	Zebra Music Festival 2009 - May 2009	Modern Sky Festival 2008 - September/October 2008
Modern Sky Festival 2007 - October 2007	Beijing Pop Festival 2007 - September 2007	Dino Beach Rock Festival - June/July 2007	Beijing beer and rock festival 2006 - October 2006