Music news: More festivals, new Pinkberry tracks, and NEXT 2.0

Before we get on with this weekend's live music preview (and there's plenty going on by the way), here's a quick round-up of some recent music news we thought we'd share with you.

• With all the fuss about Midi, you could be forgiven for missing the other festivals taking place in China over the Labour holiday weekend. Luckily Dan Shapiro has provided a round-up of your options over on ChinaTravel.net. Sure, we're a little worried about the reception SHE might get at a predominantly rock festival, but how good does that Zebra line-up look?

• Pinkberry, now with a new line-up, have stuck a bunch of new tracks up on their Neocha page. We say new, if you've been to one of their recent shows you'll recognise the songs, but they're new in MP3 form and that means you get to hear the sheer quality of Xiao You's voice in crystal clear digital sound. Well worth clicking the link for. After they've supported Mike TV at YYT next week, they'll be heading back into the studio that weekend to lay down some more new material, so make sure to check back soon for an update.

• Speaking of Neocha, they've launched a new version of the fantastic NEXT player. NEXT is Neocha's Chinese independent music player and if you haven't given it a whirl yet we strongly suggest you do so now.

• Courtesy of Danwei, you can catch a preview of Mamer's forthcoming debut album, entitled Eagle. Mamer is a Kazakh musician who lives in Xinjiang. Give it a listen.

• The Stills have withdrawn from Midi and the Straight Oota Canada shows. They recently picked up two Junos (not the film, it's like a Canadian Grammy) and their plans have now changed somewhat. Priestess have also seen a change of plans and won't be making it over, but Split's Canadian showcase is still going to be the thing to go to next week if you're not making the trip to Zhenjiang (or Chengdu), as they've snapped up Creature and Final Flash as replacements.

• Plastered T-shirts in Beijing have launched a rock 'n' roll range. First up, Wuliao Contingent and PK14. There'll be more on the way soon, so you can wear your favourite Chinese band on your chest with pride.