Kristen Ng

COVID-19: Uncertainty for the Music Scene As China Reawakens

As China’s new reported COVID-19 cases begin to flatline, cities are finally reawakening after state enforced lockdown since Chinese New Year. But as restrictions lift and the country returns to its usual programming, the future remains uncertain for artists, venues, organizers and audiences alike. “Aren’t you scared?” asked the check-in staff at Auckland Airport. ItContinueContinue reading “COVID-19: Uncertainty for the Music Scene As China Reawakens”

Womb: Remixes

Remixes of Womb’s debut record ‘Like Splitting the Head from the Body’ have been released online in collaboration with producers across China and Aotearoa. About the Remixes This year ‘Like Splitting the Head from the Body’ by WOMB has been reimagined by eight producers across China and Aotearoa in this special remix album ‘Like SplittingContinueContinue reading “Womb: Remixes”

‘Blackholes Are Gathering’: China Screenings 2019

‘Blackholes Are Gathering’ is an experimental documentary by Illojgali aka Dan Harris that follows Wellington artists The All Seeing Hand, E N T, Alphabethead and Kaishandao on their tour through China in 2017. Following it’s recent premiere in Aotearoa, Kiwese is excited to announce a series of nine special screenings in Mainland China! Read moreContinueContinue reading “‘Blackholes Are Gathering’: China Screenings 2019”

In Review: Subterranea 2k19

Back in July, Kiwese hosted “Subterranea 2k19” at 13Lounge, uniting musicians, artists and filmmakers from China and Aotearoa. Havoc Studio filmed a glimpse into the festivities. 13Lounge is a refreshing anomaly. Just north of the raucous EDM clubs and student bars of the 339 TV Tower, it lies stashed away in an unassuming building on MengContinueContinue reading “In Review: Subterranea 2k19”

Thoughts on “Blackholes Are Gathering: A Sonic Journey Through China”

A guiding principle of Chinese philosophy is the Yin and Yang — the opposites of Lightness and Darkness. When things reach their most extreme, they start to decline. Likewise when we are at our lowest, we begin to rise. The Hag will always Re-Hag. Adrift in the hectic sequence of conscious and unconscious fragments transmittedContinueContinue reading “Thoughts on “Blackholes Are Gathering: A Sonic Journey Through China””

mr sterile Assembly Return to China

Hui lai le! Sharp-tongued, offbeat noise punk duo mr sterile Assembly are back in the Mainland as part of their mammoth 2019 “Orange Time” tour. You have been warned. mr sterile Assembly is a noisy bass and drum duo composed of Wellington-based musicians and lyricists Kieran and Chrissie. Self-initiated and self-organized, mr sterile Assembly hasContinueContinue reading “mr sterile Assembly Return to China”

Xiamen Sunset Sessions

Xiamen 厦门 is the coastal sister city of Te Whanganui-A-Tara, Aotearoa. Following our first foray to the coast in 2015, Kiwese returned this month with Womb and Strange Stains to hang with local indie huns Cheesemind! Chris: “Omg, this is like, so L.A.” Everyone: “Yeah, this is sooo L.A.” NB: *everyone lives in Wellington /ContinueContinue reading “Xiamen Sunset Sessions”

Introducing: Shponka

In the last installment of our Womb and Strange Stains support artist series, say hello to Shponka. Fit out with an incredible Funktion-One sound system, sleek minimal design and a delicious in-house bar/restaurant, Loopy in Hangzhou is one of my favourite venues in China. Hailing from the UK, recent Chengdu to Shanghai transplant DJ ShponkaContinueContinue reading “Introducing: Shponka”