Michael Venske

In lieu of answering the same questions from friends and family, I’m posting your questions and my answers here. Have a question? Great! Click here.

QUESTION

What kinds of music have you been listening to in China?

-Erica Schopper (artist / inventory specialist)

ANSWER

All kinds. Everywhere.

There always seems to be music playing in China. There are stores that have speakers pointed at the street and blast their favorite jams. There are adult fitness groups dancing in parking lots moving to anything from techno to Celine Dion. There are bars and clubs playing all sorts of music — Western or otherwise — something for everyone!

One of my favorite Asian songs is “The Moon Represents My Heart.” It’s a song about love. Naturally I’ve listened to this song a lot. Here’s the song by Teresa Teng:

(Unfortunately I couldn’t find the version I like by the group Old Choice. In fact, I couldn’t find anything on the internet about the group… Either I have the wrong name or the CD I had was a fake. I don’t know…)

Psy’s “Gangman Style” has been very popular with my students as well.

(The English translation is pretty interesting. I especially like the bit about him being such a man he can drink boiling hot coffee in one gulp.)

There is really a lot of Western music playing in malls, restaurants, and on the radio. The selection seems to be equal parts current pop hits ranging from Beyoncé to Beiber, or classics from the late 90s by Sarah Mclachlan.

I’m still listening to the music I listened to at home, but now there’s more variety on my playlist.

I feel like this answer was shorter than normal. I apologize for the brevity (or maybe: you’re welcome!). Currently I’m in Beijing for the next day then I fly back to the States. Much to see and much to do!

Thank you for your question, Erica! It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. I hope we get a chance to catch-up over some home-brew and pizza!

Michael

PS… I still have the CD you and Evertt gave me, although I haven’t screened it yet for my students.

Conversationalist, finger-painter and co-founder of the International Breakfast Eater’s Club, MICHAEL VENSKE is a leap-without-looking kind of guy, a lover of coffee and well-known for empathetic listening. Currently he is teaching kindness, compassion, and the fine art of physical comedy to students in Zibo, China.

Have a question? Great! Click here and send Michael a message.