Troubled minds soothed by sound of music

Rock plans change

For Yang Cheng, a drummer with the Wuhan rock band Risky Joy, the outbreak has meant an abrupt change of lifestyle.

Yang, who lives in the city's northern Huangpi district, which despite being home to some 1 million people, is a relatively small, quiet area, owns a musical instrument store and teaches guitar. Risky Joy, which was established in 2012, is well-known among local rock fans.

Comprising four members, the others being vocalist Victor－who only uses one name－guitarist Yang Wan and bassist Qiu Yilin, the band had just wrapped up a nationwide tour, taking in more than 20 cities, and planned to release a new album this year. However, due to the outbreak, plans have been put on hold and the four are staying at home.

Yang Cheng, who was born and raised in Wuhan, said: "We started writing new songs at the start of this year. We work from home, discuss new ideas for the album through the internet and practice our songs."

On Jan 20, when leading respiratory expert Zhong Nanshan said novel coronavirus pneumonia could be spread among humans, Yang Cheng said Wuhan suddenly became the epicenter of the outbreak and appeared to be the "most-mentioned city in the world".

Shows have been postponed at venues in the city where local indie rock bands have emerged over the years, including Vox in Hankou district.

Yang Cheng said the outbreak led to him making a major decision.

"I used to struggle between my passion for rock music and the reality of being the breadwinner for my family. As it's hard to make a living from being a rock band member, I thought about giving it up at one time," he said. "But now, I'm not worrying about this problem anymore. I know what I love. Life is short, so I will make music my lifelong career."