Beijing dance rockers Tookoo hit Yuyintang on Sep 12. We spoke with lead singer Yan Shuai. 

The music? Our music is real. We’re not influenced by others, we just do what we want to to do. It's rock but there's no defined style. We're not quite as intense as we used to be – we’ve matured.

The tour? As well as Shanghai, we’re playing Wuhan, Nanchang, and Beijing. I try to keep fresh for the shows. I drink beer and have a load of friends who come along so I can go out with them after.

Shanghai? Shanghai is an international city so it’s good to come here and get influences from other countries. But every time we perform here most of the crowd are foreigners. Only a few local people come.

Challenges? Money. A common issue for underground music is a lack of funds. I used to have to take care of every little thing like booking hotels or air tickets if we were doing a show. But we’re getting better now; we have an agent to help. I learned a lot in Hong Kong. The bands there face the same situation, but their serious attitude towards music impresses me. Not like those bands from the mainland who are just in it for fun.

Mainland bands? Banana Monkey are good. Their style is more indie than us, but I like to listen to indie too. ReTROS (Rebuilding the Rights of Statues) are really good live as well. They are really professional, on an international level almost, and I like their attitudes toward music and life – they’re very low key.

Idols? Richard Ashcroft is one. But I don’t act like him. Every one should have their own character and approach.