Release! #7

Kaishandao from Chengdu @kaishandao Ascalypso @ascalypso masato.mt @treks_masato.m_flow PaLa @maikka_republic startambourine @startambourine だれでもNHK @hazureteenageriot VJ: HSMR @hasimumemo Kaishandao (Mandarin for ‘machete’) is a Chengdu-based producer from Wellington, New Zealand. Forged from the windswept hills of Pōneke, melded by the breakneck BPM of China, Kaishandao produces a hard-hitting sound of complex origins and eccentric imperfections that chops a lost and found heritage into a playful mash-up of delirious dance music. Influenced by post-punk, Beyoncé, the club sub, Kaishandao’s music explores the realms between lo-fi and hi-fi. A talisman of the Chengdu music scene, her drum-heavy, emotional live set established has her as a stalwart of the Chinese club circuit — diving deep to find the lightness in darkened spaces. Her live set has appeared at festivals including Camp A Low Hum, Twisted Frequency and Chun You, as well as support for artists like Kangding Ray, Coffintexts, STOLEN, Hiperson, South Acid Mimi, as well as appearances on Boiler Room and NTS. Her debut EP ‘Homeland’, released on vinyl via New Noise, and ensuing 20-date national tour established her as a stalwart of the domestic club circuit — ducking past dabai to find the lightness in darkened spaces. Alongside releases Homeland and Modified Goddess, her tracks have featured on compilations by Wisdom Teeth, Siamese Twins and Crater Records, as well as remixes for bands Womb, Leonwill and the fin. Whether it’s mashing buttons at Chengdu Community Radio, touring strange bands with Kiwese, or clocking up hours front left — her infectious energy has culminated into a refreshing sound of her own — born in the moshpit, reared in the club.