Mr. Sea Turtle is a Chinese rock trio founded in December 2004, consisting of vocalist Li Hongqi, bass player Jiang Han and guitarist Huang Wei. They play a diversified genre of ska, punk and grunge with a bright, real and infectious feel. Their first EP "POGO is no Better than Dancing" was widely acclaimed. It was a hit in China and made Mr. Sea Turtle one of the hottest and most important bands in China.

In the summer of 2019, they participated in the original music variety show "The Big Band," and won the first place in the preliminary competition with the song "Boys Don't Cry."

With a unique music style, three high-quality albums, and super live performance, Mr. Sea Turtle is undoubtedly the backbone of China's independent music industry. Many of the group members' peers in "The Big Band" are also interested in their musicality. The New Pants, a Chinese pop-punk band established in 1996, have spoken about their appreciation of Mr. Sea Turtle in particular.

CGTN interviewed Mr. Sea Turtle about what they thought of rock and roll and the future of the band.

Although participating in a variety show is based on company considerations, the three members of Mr. Sea Turtle are also looking forward to performing on different stages. They expect to show a different side of rock and roll on a stage different from Livehouse and music festivals.

"We also want to try to perform on such a new platform so that more friends can hear our music," said Jiang Han, the band's bass player.

Unlike some bands that like to brand themselves as "mavericks," the group from Guangxi Province define themselves as "free and true," and who try to express themselves as clearly as possible with their music. "We want to express ourselves more than we want to target something," said guitarist Huang Wei.

"Many people may have a misunderstanding about rock music in the past, but now it is just to build a platform through this variety show so that more people know about this group," said Huang. 

They also hope more people can understand rock music and realize the spirit it conveys.

"I very much wish that every time we do a live show, I can tell people something, not just for entertainment, but for you to lose yourself," said vocalist Li Hongqi. With the development of information technology, the environment for band creation is getting better and better, and the band has more and more voice power. Free expression has always been the pursuit of independent musicians like Mr. Sea Turtle.

CGTN previously interviewed another competing band, The LifeJourney, also from Guangxi Province. Although they are from the same place, their style of music is quite different, which may be why audiences like this variety show.

"The Big Band" lets more people know that there are different kinds of bands in China. Not only rock and roll but also more indie musicians like Mr. Sea Turtle who stick to their style.

The summer's hottest variety show in China, "The Big Band," is now over after a season full of notes and melodies.

Camera operators: Anosi Wang, Ace Liang, Wang Zengzheng, Ding Zhiyang

Runner: Anosi Wang

Director: Zhu Danni

Video Editor: Ding Zhiyang