Apparently the ambitious Pepsi Battle of the Bands is actually turning into a right old crap fest. The upcoming reality show, which was supposed to prop “underground” rock bands into the mainstream as a way of “encouraging young people's passions” has instead annoyed and alienated anyone who bothered to participate.
Pepsi's China-based "Battle of the Bands" contest sucks
MIDI Festival Info: A redux
So we hear a lot of people in China are having trouble getting into our post containing info about how to get to the MIDI Festival in Zhenjiang. Yeah, it's been randomly GFWed, and we have no clue why. But because we love you all, we're going to assume the censorship was a mistake on the internet policepeoples' parts and risk life and limb to re-post the info again. Don't say we never did nothin' for ya.
Zhenjiang Midi Festival 2009: I want to go to there
While we're still a little bummed that the main part of the MIDI Festival this year won't be taking place in Shanghai, we've still worked up enough enthusiasm to make that trek over to Zhenjiang.
Pepsi sponsoring China "Battle of the Bands" contest
Looks like Pepsi Co.'s bringing that old tradition of “Battle of the Bands” to China in a big way - the soft drink maker is hosting a mega reality show and its inviting all Chinese “underground” rock bands to participate.
Interview: Hard Queen loves taking it easy
New Midi Festival location: Zhenjiang, two hours away from Shanghai (UPDATED)
China's largest rock music event looks like it's taking a break from Beijing for the first time since its 1997 inception and moving to Zhenjiang.
Visa problems for Chinese punk bands
City Weekend has an interesting look at some of the troubles that face Chinese bands trying to widen their appeal abroad. Recently, Wuhan punk band SMZB had an opportunity to tour the U.S. after being invited to participate at Washington D.C.'s Shamrock Festival. Unfortunately, they never made it there, thanks to visa problems:

