Tian Qiyi have announced the release of their new album Red Mist, which is coming out September 29th via Pagoda Arts.
To coincide with the announcement, the duo have released the captivating new single ‘Incantation’, which fuses electric Jazz with traditional Chinese instrumentation.
You can see a short performance of ‘Incantation’ on the band’s Tik Tok page, which has had a huge response with over 938,500 views. Watch the clip here.
Comprising of brothers John Tian Qi Wardle and Charlie Tian Yi Wardle, Red Mist sees the pair explore a myriad of sound through their innovative and unique blend of traditional Chinese music with contemporary sounds. “Me and my brother focus on music made in the moment. We like to keep it spontaneous.” says Charlie.
“With the album we focused on blending a few different sounds, the one of our upbringing, tradition Chinese music, as well as Jazz, psychedelic and post punk.” John adds.
The album also features their father, Jah Wobble, a prominent bass player who has collaborated with various musicians such as Brian Eno, Bill Laswell and Bjork. Discussing Tian Qiyi and the new album Wobble says, “As my career inexorably comes to its close, my sons are taking the mantle.”
Born and raised in England, John and Charlie were exposed to a diverse range of musical styles and traditions from a young age. Their mother, Zilan Liao, is a skilled and globally respected guzheng player from Guangzhou China, who has performed at various events and concerts across the world and has influenced their musical style immensely and led to the formation Tian Qiyi and share their innovative musical style with the world.
Red Mist showcases their creative approach to music-making and ability to seamlessly blend genre and sound through a range of tracks that are both energetic and danceable and haunting and reflective, demonstrating their versatility as musicians.
The new album also serves a testament to their talent and hard work and their commitment to preserving the essence of traditional Chinese music while infusing it with modern, contemporary and experimental sounds that push boundaries and make it exciting.
In the heart of Liverpool and the oldest China Town in the UK is the Pagoda Arts Centre, where this month, the Pagoda Orchestra celebrates it’s 40th Anniversary.
As part of the celebrations, Tian Qiyi will be performing this Saturday 15th July alongside Jah Wobble and the Pagoda Orchestra at the Tung Auditorium in Liverpool to honour K.H. Li, the orchestra’s founder, and John and Charlie’s grandfather.