ZAIJIAN SHANGHAI - KATRI'S TOP TEN SHOWS

Katri has been one of the Shanghai scene's most dedicated gig-goers. She is everywhere, from big parties at YYT to small nights at Live Bar, from three day festivals to Sunday afternoon shows at universities. If there is ever just one foreigner at a show standing right at the front and showing her support, chances are it's our Katri. Sadly, she's leaving town and getting hitched. Before she goes, here are her top ten Shanghai gig moments. Oh yeah, there's a leaving party and you're all invited.

Moving to Shanghai after Beijing where I was using D-22 as my living room, my first thought about Shanghai and the live music scene was ‘this is gonna suck.’ Well, it didn't. During my first month in town I had been to Mao Livehouse, YYT, Livebar and Logo and seen the light. Here are my top 10 favorite moments in the moshpit.

#10 Hanggai @ Old Mao Livehouse Summer 2011 It’s hard to say which Hanggai show I like the most 'cause they always kick ass, but I guess the favorite would be the time I saw them as a surprise opening act for another band at Mao Livehouse. Sweet, sweet surprise.

#9 Duck Fight Goose @ Old Mao Livehouse Spring 2012 I had no idea who I was going to see and went closer to check if the bassist was wearing a Barbie leg necklace. She was. The stage presence and talent completely hypnotized me and left me wondering why the place was half empty at the time. I was glued to the front.

#8 King Khan & the BBQ Show @ YYT Summer 2010 If I remember correctly I went to see one of the bands before King Khan and had no idea what was coming up. Ended up having one of the best nights at YYT. Two guys hit the stage in interesting outfits and started a show that kept everyone dancing until the last note. Beer was licked from a beautifully hairy and sweaty leg, the drummer wore an octopus on his head.

Octopus? More like ROCKTOPUS amirite? King Khan and the BBQ Show

#7 Friend or Foe Kill Bill Show @ new L0g0 Summer 2011 First night of the new L0g0, hopes up to see something unforgettable. Score - Kill Bill show is my favorite from Friend or Foe, the combination of blood and sweat just worked. The kill was entertaining and merciless.

Friend or Foe - I'm looking so cheerful because I'm about to MURDER MY BANDMATES

#6 Androsace and Bigong Bijing @ D-Club Winter 2012 I always like to see new venues so I ventured deep into Yangpu to check out D-Club. The crowds must have gotten lost on the way; nevertheless this was a kick ass show that got my blood circulation working again.

My what an interesting ceiling - Bigong Bijing

#5 Twin Horizon launch party @ Uptown Record Store Spring 2012 This was a very special one with acoustic sounds and cool T-shirts. It’s always good to start drinking early and free beer 4PM is something I never say no to. Music was great, crowd amazing and location perfect. Had a blast with great friends.

Early drinking = acoustic madness at Twin Horizon's Launch Party

#4 Torturing Nurse @ 696 Live spring 2012 Took me ages to find the place resulting to missing half of the night. My mood wasn’t the best but the minute Torturing Nurse hit the stage I forgot all about wandering the streets of Hongkou. Beautiful, totally in your face kind of madness.

#3 Pairs @ YYT September 2011 My love for Pairs started from the first time I saw them live. What makes me pick this particular show is easy - drums in the moshpit. It was a sweaty one with no aircon, plenty of people jumping around and manual strobes. Oh yeah, it was also my birthday.

Happy biiiiirrrrthday dear Katri... - Pairs

#2 Androsace @ YYT Spring 2011 Androsace is obviously an all time favorite of mine and I wanna pick this YYT show cause Lenz was dressed up as a butcher. She also threw a toilet brush in my face. I’m wondering if it was clean. Knowing her it wasn’t… This was a great show with a lot of moshing going on and CDs flying in the air.

Whip my hair back and forth - Androsace

#1 UNiXX @ YYT Spring 2010 This one is easy. My first night at YYT. Met my dear friends Marilyn and Tek. Oh, and my husband Arnd.

Not found Mr. Right yet? UNiXX will sort you out

Now it’s time to say bye to Shanghai and end it with a bang. Come to Livebar July 28th to witness it yourself. This will be a wedding party/farewell madness.

WORDS: Katri

PICTURES: Katri