The Band From Jingdezhen kicks off its nationwide tour on Feb 28 in Foshan, Guangdong province.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Nestled in the heart of Jiangxi province, Jingdezhen is known as China's "porcelain capital". For centuries, its potters have turned clay into delicate and exquisite works of art that have traveled the world, telling the story of this ancient city.
Now, an indie band has made it their mission to integrate Jingdizhen's history, culture and stories into their music.
Known as The Band From Jingdezhen, they have not only captured the essence of the past but have also redefined it, blending traditional heritage with contemporary sounds.
Their music is deeply connected to the landscapes, stories and legends that have shaped Jingdezhen for centuries. Their songs are more than just melodies; they are immersive narratives that transport listeners to the very heart of the city, where porcelain kilns smoke in the distance and the hum of history lingers in the air.
Now, they are touring the country with their latest album, Xiaoyuan Chunzhi, which combines two of Jiangxi's most distinctive local cultures: porcelain and tea. From Feb 28 to April 19, the band will perform in more than 15 cities, including Jinan in Shandong province, Beijing, Shanghai, and Changsha in Hunan province.
Deng Wenhui performs during the tour.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
"We created two fictional characters, Xiaoyuan and Chunzhi — one symbolizes porcelain, the other represents tea. Porcelain is like a man — strong, resilient, and built to withstand the tests of time. Tea, on the other hand, is like a woman — delicate, graceful, and full of depth," says the band's co-founder, Deng Wenhui, who directs the performances and plays the keyboard.
"Both porcelain and tea need fire to bring out their true qualities."
What sets The Band from Jingdezhen apart from other indie bands, besides their hometown, is that they are not just musicians — they are also actors. Their performances go beyond music, to incorporate dance, acting, and dialogue. When the lights dim and the music starts, the audience becomes part of the story, experiencing the highs and lows of life alongside the characters. This immersive experience connects the audience to the performance on a deeper level, highlighting the power and beauty of art.
"We integrate experimental theatrical elements into our live shows because combining music with performance art allows us to fully express what we want to say," Deng explains. "Being there in person is the best way to truly appreciate our music."
The band's journey began with Deng, who was born in 1993 into a family that has been in the porcelain business for three generations. She lived next to a bar where she met Zhang Yifei, and together they learned to play the guitar.
Dancers perform as part of The Band From Jingdezhen's latest tour.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In 2012, the duo decided to launch a live venue — one of the first of its kind in Jingdezhen — and began writing and releasing music. The venue quickly became a hub for music lovers and indie bands from around China, including singer-songwriter Zhao Lei, and rock band Miserable Faith.
Though the live venue closed in 2023, the band continued to perform.
"Deng has always had a passion for theater, wanting to bring the story to life on stage with sets and props," says 50-year-old Zhang, who was also born in Jingdezhen and earned a mechanical design degree from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
From their full-length album Water Wharf (2017) to subsequent releases like Yu Nan (2020) and Neverland (2022), The Band from Jingdezhen blends post-rock, folk, Chinese literature, mythology, and modern fables into their music. At the same time, their live performances incorporate experimental theatrical elements in a fusion of music and drama.
"The city's culture is deeply rooted, thriving in the tranquillity of its mountains and rivers. As Jingdizhen natives, we want to create music that reflects this culture in a different way," Zhang says.
Dancers perform as part of The Band From Jingdezhen's latest tour.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
