Playlist: Sophia Pederson of Split Works
Sophia Pederson is the media and project manager for Split United, parent company of Split Works, one of China's largest independent music and festival promoters. In this month's Playlist, we sat down with Pederson to discuss the tracks that she'd choose to soundtrack her life.
If you could date a music genre, what would it be?
Chinese Rock. Conjures up images of Chinese boys with long hair, tattoos, leather jackets … yum!
Can you play any instruments? If so, what?
I play the violin. As a baby, my mom took me along to our local philharmonic concerts. She said after the concerts, I stuck things like pencils or rulers under my chin and pretended I played the violin. I started violin lessons when I was four. I don’t really play as often as I should though …
What is your workout music?
Definitely must have something upbeat with an electronic vibe when I work out for cardio. A lot of Crystal Castle’s stuff from their 2008 album. If it’s yoga, then I’ll listen to the XX or anything Mongolian is fine too. I really don’t work out that much, just ride my colleagues’ bikes and walk a lot. I need to start up again though. Thanks for reminding me!
Name a song or record for your time in Beijing?
I pick Sound Fragment’s album, Beautiful Underlife. Not only is the title befitting, the music feels quintessentially Beijing. A little dreary, but oh so fascinating and addicting.
What is your favorite music video?
I like the Madonna video "Nothing Really Matters." It was partially filmed in the decommissioned R1 Reactor in Stockholm and featured Japanese butoh dancers.
What is your favorite TV theme tune?
I love the 1980s version of the Chinese TV soap opera Journey to the West’s theme song, “Which Way Should I Go.” In high school, I participated in an exchange program for a year with Youth For Understanding. My Chinese host brother (age three) and I would watch the shows together before dinner with the rest of the family. I find the melody very inspiring and also kind of love that cheesy 80s Asian-sounding vibe they have going on.
Which artist would you most like go for a drink with?
Perhaps one of the guys from Second Hand Roses. I’ve never met them and any guy who has a figure for a qipao must have some interesting stories for me.
What is your favorite cover version of a song?
I like a guy named Hui Zi’s cover of Wild Children’s song “Life in the Underground, “ called “Beijing is Not My Home.” Both artists are from China’s northwest and I think Hui Zi’s gritty voice adds depth to the original version; also I like the violin at the beginning.
Sophia Pederson’s Five Song Playlist:
“Yil” by Ajinai
“Shadow Chaser” by XTX
“Shadow” by IZ
“I Love You” by Wang Fei
“高级动物” by Dou Wei
Make sure to check out upcoming Split Works events, including Bill Callahan (Nov 21) and Dan Deacon (Dec 6). Read previous editions of Playlist here.
Photo: Mitchell Pe Masilun