Xin qunzhong/New masses 1994–1995

After 1994, various bars began emerging across China, providing numerous opportunities for music performances. Xin Qunzhong/New Masses was a loosely organized collective that used bars as a platform to promote avant-garde music culture. It embodied an ideal: to foster a new persona through music as a powerful medium—one that would transform idol-worshiping crowds into independent thinkers and discerning individuals. Between 1994 and 1995, Xin Qunzhong published two issues of the Xin qunzhong zine and organized events such as the New Masses Musical Coevolution Movement concert and shows by the Australian experimental group Peril, and the China tour of John Zorn and Yamatsuka Eye. These activities spread the spirit of independent music across China. The organizational concept of "new masses" was influenced by the Neue Slowenische Kunst (NSK) art collective from Slovenia, while the philosophical spirit of the zine drew inspiration from Hong Kong's Heiniao tongxun (Blackbird communication). Much like Guo Danian (Lenny Kwok)'s radical anti-commercial, anti-establishment stance, Xin qunzhong advocated for anti-heroism and anti-idolization, emphasizing an independent spirit to counteract the banality of pop music. In its two issues, whether discussing local music or introducing international information, Xin qunzhong consistently reflected this clear and unwavering perspective.