Musicians tune in to solace

Music has the ability to mend shattered souls, breathe life into the broken and offer solace to those in need.

One case that exemplifies this is the story of Tan Congchong. The 24-year-old, once a victim of school bullying, says he has discovered a sanctuary of self-healing within the realm of rock music.

Tan's recent performance on a variety music show, Youth Pai Plan, left the audience deeply moved, observers say. The show also brought his music and inspiring story to a wider audience.

The show, produced by Hunan Satellite TV and Mango TV, brings together musicians under the age of 30. Through collaborative performances on different themes, the program aims to showcase the thoughts and expressions of younger generations. It also features renowned musicians, such as Li Yuchun, Zhang Yadong, Na Ying, Nicholas Tse, Zheng Jun and Wang Feng, as judges.

Tan, who graduated from a vocational school in Chongqing, says his life once was governed by a very demanding schedule. During the daytime, he would toil away on a factory assembly line to tighten screws and he also worked part time making deliveries.

But he says his true passion came to life in the evening, propelling him to busy streets and bustling bars to play the guitar and sing.

It was during that time that he met peers who shared the same passion for rock, and in September 2017, as bassist and lead vocalist, Tan formed his own band, Neon Garden. It included 22-year-old guitarist Xia Bing, 24-year-old guitarist Wan Jiahao and drummer Zhao Yang, 22. The four Chongqing natives made a living by playing at bars.

They also dedicated their spare time to writing songs, rehearsing and looking for chances to perform for larger groups.

It wasn't until a music festival in 2019 that Tan's resilience appeared to leave a lasting mark on the hearts of music lovers. On that day, despite a bandaged foot, Tan took to the stage and delivered what was described as an awe-inspiring performance that lasted 40 minutes. With sweat pouring down his face, he stood on one leg, pouring his heart and soul into his vocals.

The performance became a turning point in the band's trajectory, as they began to receive more gig offers and gained recognition from a wider audience.

"Ever since that day, more opportunities started reaching us, and more people got to know who we are. They acknowledged the talent of our band," Tan says during an online interview with China Daily.

In the past three years, Tan and his band have completed nearly 100 shows during their nationwide tours, solidifying their status as rising stars.

Tan has been inspired by influential rock icon Xu Wei and the soul-stirring melodies of domestic rock bands like Tang Dynasty and Overload. He says he has discovered a means of emotional expression and an outlet to reflect upon life's complexities during his trying school days.

With rock music as his refuge, Tan also wants to provide a shield to his listeners. One of the band's songs, Start Over, serves as a powerful anthem against school violence, giving voice to the inner struggles of victims.

The song's online comment section is filled with heartfelt messages from those who have also experienced school violence firsthand.

One comment reads: "The years of being bullied in high school left me deeply scarred with insecurities. Even at 22, I still struggle to overcome my deep-rooted self-doubt. I hope that, like Tan, I will be able to break free from these chains and become the person I aspire to be."

Most of the band's original songs are inspiring. Their single, Answer of the Future, which depicts their journey of pursuing dreams, says: "Dreams are gentle yet elusive, while reality remains harsh yet still beautiful. Embrace it, be brave, for some questions have no answers, and some things will always be left with regret. Perhaps the future holds a more complete version of myself."

Many listeners have said the song resonated with them, saying it has served as a source of motivation during their low points, granting them the strength to push forward.

Another participant on the Hunan Satellite TV show was An Yu, 19.

At 6, An experienced severe visual impairment from cornea damage caused by an allergic reaction to medication taken for a high fever. Subsequently, she left the school and started to receive lessons from private tutors at home. She says her parents put on music at home to provide solace to her, and she would often find herself humming melodies. As time went on, she says she formed a deepening dependence on music and started to learn how to play the piano.

An, long deprived of interaction with the outside world, says she frequently felt a profound sense of loneliness and a growing desire to express herself through music.

She says appearing on the music show was a pivotal moment for her.

"It felt like stepping out of a closed space and into the vastness of nature, and into a world where other beings exist. It marked a turning point in my life," An says, adding that she eagerly anticipates that her music will inspire people.