Danwei TV

Danwei Music: Cantonese hardcore band Say Bok Gwai

This episode of Danwei Music TV is about Say Bok Gwai (死白鬼 - Damn White Devil), San Francisco's first Chinese American hardcore band to sing in Cantonese.

Say Bok Gwai's original compositions are rooted in American punk/thrash/ hardcore music. The subject matter of their lyrics ranges from Chinese American identity to grappling with traditional Chinese values. Their music is not for the timid or easily offended.

Frontman Alex Yeung is a long time San Franciscan musician who has worked in both the local rock and experimental music scenes. Alex serves as the songwriter and guitarist for Say Bok Gwai. Drummer Andre Custodio has been an integral part of the Bay Area experimental music scene for over 10 years. Say Bok Gwai has released their eponymous debut CD on Monkey King Records.

Say Bok Gwai toured to Hong Kong last year. Alex speaks about their experiences there in this video.


This episode of Danwei Music was shot and edited by Anna Sophie Loewenberg, with music by Say Bok Gwai and the intro tune by Beijing band Reflector. You can also watch the show on Danwei.tv, where there are links to other formats and a downloadable Quicktime file.

Links:

Say Bok Gwai homepage
Say Bok Gwai Myspace page
Monkey King Records

Sexy Beijing is now on its own website: check the latest episodes at www.sexybeijing.tv

There are currently 4 Comments for Danwei Music: Cantonese hardcore band Say Bok Gwai.

Comments on Danwei Music: Cantonese hardcore band Say Bok Gwai

With the way 死 is used in Cantonese, I think something like 'Bloody White Devil' might be more accurate. What do others think?

totally agree.

From what I know and I do not claim to be an expert in the Cantonese language, it means dead or damn white demon. Now I am going from the experience of hearing it from family and friends and the literal meaning of the first word. Please let me know where bloody interpetation is from. Blood is another word, yes? Always interested in these things and if so bloody works for me.

thanks

To me, it's always meant "damned." Essentially "damn whitey." No need for a direct translation, it's like telling people you want a "smooth fruit," just say you want an "apple" and don't be an arse about it.

SBG kicks ass! Good interview too, though I was hoping Su Fei (Anna Sophie Loewenberg) would be interviewing Alex. Her speaking Mandarin, Alex going WTF?

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