Unique, authentic

As a longtime resident and observer of the local music scene, Belgian Jef Vreys, owner and founder of New Noise, said Chengdu's story goes far beyond just rap.

Arriving in Chengdu in 2007, he recalled a city where hip-hop was almost invisible. "Even in the clubs, no hip-hop was being played. Sometimes there would be some local jams at a venue called Hemp House where rappers like Kafe Hu, who was bartending there, would join in.

"I never really got involved at first, but I watched it grow organically," he recalled.

By the early 2010s, underground weekly hip-hop battles in Jiuyanqiao, a lively nightspot with bars and live music, had brought the scene to life with exciting, raw energy.

Vreys recalled some of the earliest "proper" hip-hop performances: shows by CDC and live sets from Xie Di, sometimes even backed by rock bands.

"Chengdu has always been at the forefront of Chinese hip-hop. Many local rappers and crews have gained national attention, but the scene still maintains an underground vibe. I admire that many artists still rap in the Sichuan dialect — it's unique and authentic," he said.

Chengdu's relaxed, open-minded culture has shaped how music flourishes in the city, Vreys said. With a growing number of bars and live venues, musicians can sustain a livelihood while exploring creative expression.

"The city isn't sprawling, which makes it easier for artists to live off their art. Over the past decade, more than 30 professional live venues have opened, meaning bands no longer need to move to Beijing to be heard," he said.

The city's musical diversity is striking. Its electronic music scene is widely regarded as one of the strongest in China.

Yet challenges remain, particularly for small bands seeking venues and touring opportunities. Essential spaces, like Jah Bar and Nu Space, give these artists a platform to grow and reach audiences.

Vreys also emphasized the importance of international inspiration. His label New Noise has brought in many groundbreaking bands to China.

"Bringing bands like Yussef Dayes (a jazz musician from the UK) or Toe (a Japanese instrumental rock group) over to Chengdu inspires local musicians and promotes the scene," he said.

For him, the most rewarding part of being part of Chengdu's indie culture is helping local bands like Fayzz gain recognition beyond the city.

"Everyone knows and supports each other here. If I can help push local talent forward, it strengthens the scene as a whole," he said.

chennan@chinadaily.com.cn