Home is where the hum is

By 2022, the group had brought the balm of music to parks and public spaces, inviting visitors to perform with them.

"We realized that people love the spotlight. We let them grab the microphone, feel the stage and experience what it is like to lead a song," Tan said. "And that's when the idea of organizing interactive outdoor performances started to take shape."

The three friends never expected their casual, passion-driven musical gatherings to grow into full-fledged cultural events. But in April 2023, their three-hour performance at Chaoyang Park drew more than 1,000 people, after handmade posters, playfully illustrated with sunny skies and jolly clouds, were circulated online.

"I was tuning my instrument, when the crowd started swelling. Shy and reserved by nature, I kept my gaze fixed on the keyboard as my fingers glided across it. When I looked up again, there were more people than I had ever seen together at one place," recalled Liang Zai.

Zhang, 27, said they had no well-rehearsed song list. "Folk, pop, rock — we sang whatever we felt like. People just kept coming. They sat, stood, sang or danced along the riverside. For three hours, we all became part of the same story."

Today, their approach is more professional, but still adequately spontaneous. Tan manages online promotion and poster design, besides playing the guitar; Liang Zai handles community engagement, as well as plays the keyboard; and Zhang manages live sound while also writing originals for the band.

Locations vary widely — from parks and riverside boulevards to art districts and amphitheaters in the lap of nature. Open-mic participants are randomly chosen from among those who raise their hands. For everyone involved, these events offer a rewarding experience.

On Jan 5 last year, the trio staged an original show at a semi-outdoor venue in Beijing, performing nearly 30 of their songs in succession.

"It was my birthday, and I was deeply moved by the enthusiastic participation," recalled Zhang.

"Our friend Peter Pan, who was once only a member of the audience, became our official photographer that day. He also surprised us with a banner, a cake and celebratory sparklers. We always cherish the people we meet during performances. It felt less like a concert and more like a reunion of old friends — a truly perfect night," he added.

Liang Zai, who also works at a bank, said there was a time when work pressure was really intense and their musical gatherings served as her emotional outlet."The weekend shows brought immense joy. It felt like I could breathe again," she said.

Today, the shows are an inseparable part of her life, she said. "I am learning to balance work and life. I carry my laptop everywhere. I work, and then take breaks to perform," she added.

Tan noted that music is like a reset button. "City life is stressful. Everyone's busy working, running errands, or just striving hard to survive. On weekends, people need time and space to breathe. When it comes to our shows, everyone belongs. The shows are free, casual and good for the city. People leave smiling and feeling lighter — feeling human again," he said.

Interactive musical gatherings in Beijing reflect a broader cultural trend, as young people often seek meaningful connections beyond social media.

"We're creating collective memory in real time. Our audiences tell us they've never seen the city like this — alive and accommodating," Tan said.

"Looking ahead, there's so much to be excited about. More brands and cross-industry collaborations are on the horizon. The goal of performing in 100 corners of Beijing is within reach, and the next milestone will be 200. Beyond that, I hope to take our shows to other cities, to feel the energy of young people there and to soak in the unique vibe of each urban space," he added.

Yan Baolin, a choral singing conductor and a professor at Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, noted that singing is different from playing a musical instrument, as it channels emotions directly through voice.

"The positive impact of a beautiful vocal performance on the heart and mind of a listener is unmatched," Yan said. "For young choral singing participants, the collective effort is powerful. It lets them experience the strength of working together, and the emotional resonance that emerges during collaboration provides a natural outlet for stress."

Studies show that sound waves produced during choral practice can have measurable positive effects on the body, making choral singing a kind of lasting, profound "spiritual massage", he said.

In contrast, most other forms of music require years of training and technical foundation. Playing an instrument demands long-term study and practice, which often starts during childhood, making it hard for just anybody to join a band or an orchestra.

Choral singing, however, is more accessible, as every participant brings their own instrument, which is their voice, Yan said, adding that its appeal lies in its combination of artistic satisfaction, social connection and emotional release.

Young people today are drawn to singing, or interaction through music, because of the joy of shared experience, the sense of community and the emotional refreshment it provides.