Hiperson (Chinese: 海朋森; pinyin: Hǎipéngsēn) is an indie rock band from Chengdu, China, formed in 2012. Their music includes post punk and garage rock influences, and incorporates spoken word poetry.[1] The band currently consists of singer Chen Sijiang, guitarists Ji Yinan and Liu Zetong, bassist Wang Minghui, and drummer Wang Boqiang.[2]
Hiperson 海朋森 | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Chengdu, China |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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Career
editHiperson was founded at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music, in the Xindu district of Chengu, where guitarists Ji Yinan and Liu Zetong met as classmates. They met singer Chen Sijiang through a mutual friend, and formed the band with Huang Rentao on bass and Chen Qingkai on drums.[2] The latter two were later replaced by Wang Minghui and Wang Boqiang respectively. The name of the band was conceived as a phrase, "hi, person": "like a non-human entity viewing things that occur in the human realm."[2][3]
The band was signed to Maybe Mars after opening for now-labelmate P.K. 14.[4] Under Maybe Mars, Hiperson released their debut album, No Need For Another History (Chinese: 我不要别的历史; pinyin: Wǒ bùyào bié de lìshǐ), in 2015. The album was produced by Yang Haisong and recorded at Psychic Kong Studio in Beijing.[3] Their second album, She Came Back From the Square, was recorded live at the band's practice room in Chengdu and released by Maybe Mars in 2018.[5] In 2019, the band released an EP titled Four Seasons, via London-based label Damnably. The record was a departure from the more garage rock sound of their previous releases, with elements of dance music and bedroom pop.[6][4]
The band released their third album Bildungsroman in 2020, with the album displaying a more indie rock sound than its predecessors.[7] Sijiang's all-Mandarin lyrics received praise from critics.[8] The band planned to support the album with a tour of Europe and the US, as well as a performance at American music festival South by Southwest, but all were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] However, the band completed a sold-out tour of clubs across China in 2021.[9]
In 2023, the band collaborated with indie rock band Fazi on a song for the television drama The Long Season.[10] They reportedly declined to participate in the Chinese music competition show The Big Band.[11]
Musical style
editBands that have influenced Hiperson include Shuh Tou, P.K. 14, Fugazi, Talking Heads,[3] Sonic Youth, and Shellac.[12] The sound of their 2020 album Bildungsroman was influenced by the compositions of Pauline Oliveros. Their music also includes jazz, emo, and spoken word elements, and has been compared to Siouxsie and the Banshees.[13][14] Their recording style varies drastically between albums, from the unpolished style of She Came Back From the Square and No Need For Another History to the clean, professional studio recordings of Bildungsroman.[3]
Discography
editStudio albums
edit| Date of release | Album | Producer | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 April 2015 | 我不要别的历史 (No Need For Another History) | Yang Haisong | Maybe Mars |
| 3 May 2018 | She Came Back From the Square | Maybe Mars | |
| 24 July 2020 | 成长小说 (Bildungsroman) | Ji Yinan |
EPs
edit- 15 November 2019 - Four Seasons EP
Singles
edit- 13 November 2019 - 昼夜 (in collaboration with FAZI)
References
edit- ^ Bemrose, Bekki. "Hiperson Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More | ..." AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
- ^ a b c Ng, Kristen (2015-04-20). "Lest We Remember, Lest We Forget: Interview with Hiperson 海朋森". KIWESE. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ a b c d e Basbas, Franchesca Judine (2021-03-19). "Introducing: Hiperson on making an album in lockdown and playing sold-out shows in China amidst a global pandemic". Bandwagon Asia. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ a b Ng, Kristen (2020-08-08). "Hiperson Reconstruct Narratives on Bildungsroman". KIWESE. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ Huang, Chenkuang (2018-05-16). "Chengdu Rockers Hiperson Set to Bring Their Everyman Anthems to Yugong Yishan, May 19". www.thebeijinger.com. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
- ^ Feola, Josh (10 January 2020). "Yin: Chengdu Band Hiperson Show New Depths on Recent EP "Four Seasons"". RADII. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ Dempsey, Colin (2020-09-13). "Hiperson — Bildungsroman | Album Review". Medium. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
- ^ Bottenberg, Rupert. "Bildungsroman – PAN M 360". panm360.com. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
- ^ DiBlasi, Loren (10 March 2021). "Live From Chengdu: Hiperson Talk Touring Post-Lockdown with Loren DiBlasi (Patio)". Talkhouse. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
- ^ Yang, Caini (2023-05-05). "The Underground Bands Playing Out China's Hit TV Show". Sixth Tone. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
- ^ He, Qitong (2023-12-30). "For Chinese Rock Bands, a Shortcut to Fame Comes With Questions of Integrity". Sixth Tone. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
- ^ McNamara, Patrick. "((Hiperson)) Band Profile and Upcoming New York City Concerts". Oh My Rockness. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ Smith, Collin (2020-04-22). "The Fresh, Inventive Sounds of Contemporary Chinese Post-Punk". Bandcamp Daily. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ Grogan, Bryan (2020-07-28). "Meet Hiperson, Your New Favorite Band". RADII. Retrieved 2024-10-07.