malaysia politic band; nao *01 (fan video)

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Malaysia politic band; nao *01 (fan video)

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Nao was formed in early 2002 and entered the indie music circle after recognizing local indie music label, then Huang Huo and the now Soundscape Records' ideals and its independent spirit. Since then, it has been on the bill on most Soundscape Record's gigs, including the anti-Iraq War gig during the same year. During its early stages, Nao's music is a combination of Metal and Grunge, exuding an under constraint, torn and dark aura. In the two years that followed, Nao continued its active participation of various indie gigs, including the inaugural local Chinese indie music festival, "Street Roar". It was also during 2003 to 2004 that the band was periodically known as "Ban Fan". After two years of musical experimentation, the band gradually developed a high tempo Metal-based sound that combines funky rhythms and Punk-ish aggressions, along with simple, sharp and witty lyrics as a core element of its musical creations.
Malaysia's social and political problems become the main subject of Nao's music, revealing and dissecting them with aggressive criticisms. Perhaps most notable of all is its primal criticisms of the so-called sensitive racial-bias subjects in Malaysia - Construct of Decadence and Tombstone expresses how politicians exploit racial politics for personal gains by creating unwarranted tension between the different races.Nao's insistence to work in Mandarin signifies its defiance to the government's suppressive anti-mother tongue education policies. In an effort to present the values of all mother tongue languages from all respective races, Nao's identity as a "Chinese band that sings Chinese" has been well-received in local indie music circuits. Though the band believes that music is beyond language barriers, its identity as a Malaysian band requires such a distinction, for it views itself as part of the Malaysian Chinese's uphill battle for better rights in the country -- We Wait is a response to the Damansara C
hinese Primary School incident, the government's questionable and unwarranted closing of the school is an example of it's suppressive racial-biased policies. Nao's music also explores human rights issues -- Silent Now and Freedom Suicide rages against the notorious Internal Security Act while Mata-mata's mockery of Malaysia's corrupted police force is also widely popular among indie music fans.
Besides music, band members also created an indie design label of the same name, producing T-shirt designs to create awareness of Malaysia's corrupt politics. Vocalist Tat once published his own monthly music-zine to spread his critical ideals and music-related news, but had to stop at its fifth issue due to financial difficulties. But of all activities, Nao believes in taking action by participating in various protest marches for socio-political improvement. The band is also the organizer for the annual "Music Reunion" gig series, gathering local Chinese indie bands to promote the scene's ideals as well as musical expressions. Entering its fifth installment in 2007, the event takes on a different theme each year and combines its efforts with different indie art practitioners.Nao's activities are primarily based in Kuala Lumpur, while sometimes participating in gigs held in Penang. The band has also played once at Kuching, Sarawak. In December 2004, Nao shared a stage with legendary Chinese band "The Fly" as
well as other respected Korean and South East Asian bands at the Trans-regional Music Festival.
The band traveled to the Midi Music Festival in Beijing, China (largest music fest there) in October 2005, and participated in an experimental music performance organized by famed Chinese music journalist/musician Yan Jun. Famed local band Jun-Xie-Shuo invited Nao to play in the "Asian Sounds" underground gig at Beijing's popular indie club, 13club, alongside musicians from Japan, Sweden and Wuhan, China. The band was also interviewed by one of China's most prominent music magazines, So Rock!, and released a limited edition 10-track demo for sale.
In 2006, the band graced the stage once again at Street Roar, now Malaysia's sole international music festival. Also on the bill were the enigmatic Chinese punk outfit Subs, Taiwanese indie legend LadyBug as well as other notable musicians from Hong Kong and Japan. Nao began record production from May to September 2006, finally producing its debut album with Soundscape Records. The band made a number of promotional tour performances in the months that followed and has received positive responses from fans and critics alike. The band was formally invited to play again at the Midi Music Festival in May 2007 and has performed in a series of well-received gigs during their visit. Their debut album is also available in China.The band's musical influences include Mars Volta, System of A Down, Primus, King Crimson and You-Dao-She.