Gao Qi

By Jerry Chan

As the frontman for seminal fan favorite Overload and the founder of the late 80s band Breathing, (the remnants of which now play at Mother Earth Cafe in Beijing), Gao Qi has enjoyed a long and prolific career in the Chinese rock scene. After nearly three years between releases, the band's newest LP Mystical Blue Sky reflects new influences and directions in his music.

"At the moment I'm preparing to write new material, but I haven't been listening to much new music," Gao Qi divulged at the recent Dou Wei show at CD Cafe. Nonetheless, the songs on Mystical Blue Sky are a departure from Overload's original metal sound with its spectrum of stylistic influences ranging from techno to reggae.

"I really like the Smashing Pumpkins' 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,' along with both Garbage releases," said Gao when asked about his most recent cd purchases.

Also on his playlist were techno groups Propellerheads and the Chemical Brothers, along with pop-punk outfit the Offspring.