MOSAIC: The Wave Comes In Again

“What pulls me in most about the new wave is that it was born out of the punk era and became a revolution within the rebellion,” MOSAIC drummer Gao Xin tells Apple Music. The new wave’s defiant eclecticism and the broader vein of ’80s pop culture are a rich source of inspiration for MOSAIC. “What differentiates the development of new wave from that of other styles is the attitude that puts ‘being different’ at the forefront.” Gao says. Below, MOSAIC members Xia Ying (lead vocal), Zhuo Yue (guitar), Lin Yufeng (bass) and Gao open up about the influence of new wave on their development as a band, and share some of their favourite tunes in a playlist jam-packed with new wave gems. What is new wave to you? Gao Xin: “New wave is the post-punk era where, out of the rebellious spirit of punk itself, a new counter-cultural movement was born. The harsher sounds of punk were removed, lyrics became more upbeat, and bands began to use synthesizers and more varied instrumentation. It was an influx of more popular elements into the punk scene.” Can you pick out a few highlights from your playlist? Xia Ying: “Blondie was a representative of new wave in the New York club scene. They were a punk band in their early days, and their lead singer looked really cool. The Human League’s ‘Don’t You Want Me’ is very good. We also recommended three songs by The Cure. The first CD I ever bought was The Cure’s Staring At The Sea.” Lin Yufeng: “There was a lot new wave and synth-pop in Mandopop in the ’80s. Angus Tung’s ‘跟我來’ (Follow Me) is really cheerful and upbeat. Paul Engemann’s ‘Push It to the Limit’ is from my favourite movie, Scarface; it came out in 1983 and the costumes, scenes and props all exude that ’80s aesthetic that I really enjoy.” New wave and disco are both strong influences on your music. How do you see the relationship between them? Gao Xin: “Disco was very popular in the ’70s. New wave bands started using synthesizers partly because they were widely used in disco, and so they carried their use forward into popular music along with its upbeat rhythms and lyrics. In fact, the two are very similar.” Big names such as Dua Lipa and The Weeknd have been calling back to the ’80s in their music. What do you think of this phenomenon? Xia Ying: “Resurrection, revival. Musical styles that have been popular in the past are very likely to become popular again in the blink of an eye.” Gao Xin: “This phenomenon can be said to be a resurgence in the use of synthesizers. In recent years, many of the big-name synthesizer makers have released new models or reproduced some of their older classics. A lot of excellent producers at home and abroad are incorporating the sound of synthesizers new and old into their music through novel techniques. These sounds make people feel nostalgic, but with current production methods, they also come out very different. That’s really the unique charm of the synthesizer, that it always provides new sonic dimensions for people to fawn over.” Why have you gone for such a retro sound in your music? Xia Ying: “It’s good to listen to, and it’s fun. It’s the sound I heard when I was growing up. Disco, in the ’80s, was the first kind of foreign pop music to sweep over China.” Lin Yufeng: “When we were forming our sound, we didn’t think too much about whether it was outdated or popular in that moment. The reason is very simple, the four of us just like this kind of sound.” Not limited to music, what works of art from the ’80 have had a profound impact on you? Xia Ying: “The ’80s was a golden age of openness, enthusiasm, change and idealism. Many new electronic musical instruments were created, bringing with them new genres, new styles, and new branches of existing genres. Disco, new wave and synth-pop had a profound effect on our musical tastes. For example, [Hong Kong] disco compilation albums like Hollywood East Star Trax and Master Mix, and bands like The Cure, Blondie, and Yellow Magic Orchestra.” As a retro band, what are your thoughts about making new things? Gao Xin: “When we were working with [rapper] Young Jack, the original idea was to combine his rapping with our own style. We used synthesizers to build a relatively broad and inclusive sonic environment, a certain ambience or a temperament, if you will. Experimenting without limits is the best way to create something new and different.” What impact do you think new wave had on C-pop? Lin Yufeng: “The doctrine of ‘borrowing from abroad’ created a lot of good, enduring music from Hong Kong and Taiwan in the ’80s.” Gao Xin: “I chose New Pants because I liked punk when I was a kid. I heard them when I was in the second year of junior high school. Then, when I grew up, I realized that new wave had developed from punk. I think, in those days, C-pop was always being influenced by music from Hong Kong and Taiwan, and there wasn’t that much art with its own independent style. Later on, access to information developed fast and new wave put us in touch with a lot of diverse influences, so that now, in today’s C-pop, you hear all kinds of styles.” What do you think of Chinese bands that also use elements of new wave? Xia Ying: “New Pants is the first band in China to start playing with new wave elements. Going from punk to new wave is a very natural progression. The lead singer of Hardcore Raver In Tears had also played in a punk band previously. From punk to new wave, the style changes but the rebellious spirit doesn’t.” Why do you think new wave and disco are so popular amongst Chinese-speaking listeners today? Lin Yufeng: “With the internet, people can easily find out what their favourite music is. Each style has its own audience. Disco and new wave are only two among many. Perhaps because the pace of life is so fast nowadays, everyone needs to relax.”