Live Music This Weekend: Hard Queen, 0093 Showcase, and Hard Queen

Yeah, we know we put them twice in the headline, but that's how excited we are about the Hard Queen EP release. We don't normally go in for bias - we try to give you an overview of all the live music taking place in the city. But this weekend, there's really only one gig to head to. If you can't get into Hard Queen's music then we have to seriously question your ability to hear.

Friday
If you're itching for some live music before tomorrow's party, then YYT has the latest 0093 showcase with Little Nature and Momo as the highlights. Since signing for IndieTop, these bands' sets have got tighter and a lot more professional, if a little poppier than they used to be. Chaos Mind, Dragon Pizza, and Triple Smash (joined later in their set by Zhong Chi) complete the line up.
¥40, 7.30pm, 1731 Yan'an Xi Lu (entrance on Kaixuan Lu), 延安西路1731号 (入口在凯旋路).

Saturday
It's been a long time coming, like multiple orgasms (h/t Wale), but Hard Queen's Holiday EP release party is finally here. There were times where we thought it might not happen, given their trials in the studio, but thanks to Brad Ferguson and the band's determination, the EP was put back on track and Saturday's release party is a show not to be missed. The band have seemed to receive little support from the scene in general, perhaps due to their different sound, so it's great to see them headlining a show at YYT. Supported by the consistently excellent Boys Climbing Ropes, Hard Queen fully deserve their moment. Let's hope it leads to bigger and better things.
¥30 (including a copy of the EP!), 9pm, 1731 Yan'an Xi Lu (entrance on Kaixuan Lu), 延安西路1731号 (入口在凯旋路).

Video: The Shanghai Beat - Hard Queen Special, from Danwei