The rhythm of hope rings out

According to China's indie record label Modern Sky, organizer of Miserable Faith's Wuhan concert, it has released a series of online concerts with a pay-per-view model to support indie rock musicians with all the revenue going to the bands. The project, titled Strawberry Nebula 2020, also collaborated with over 60 live-music venues across the country to invite people to watch online shows with a limited capacity.

"We chose Wuhan not only because the city has been so strong during the fight against the pandemic but also because it's a must-go place for indie rock bands when they launch nationwide tours," says Zhang Chongshuo, who is in charge of Strawberry Nebula 2020. He adds that Wuhan is known for its vibrant indie music scene, especially punk rock.

Veteran drummer Zhu Ning, who is also the owner and founder of Vox, Wuhan's first live-music venue for indie music, joined in Miserable Faith's Wuhan concert as a drummer.

"Since January, we have canceled all our shows at Vox. It was not until April 8 that we went back to work," says Zhu, 48, who was a drummer of Wuhan punk rock band Shengming Zhi Bing (literally meaning "bread of life"). He left the band in 2000 and the band was renamed SMZB afterward. He named the venue Vox, referring to the voice of youth and freedom.

On May 15, over 100 fans watched Miserable Faith's Wuhan concert at Vox together.