KAISHANDAO From the windswept hills of Aotearoa, melded by the breakneck BPM of modern Chin

Forged from the windswept hills of Aotearoa, melded by the breakneck BPM of modern China, Kaishandao (Mandarin for ‘machete’) is a Wellington-born producer who creates a hard- hitting sound of complex origins and eccentric imperfections that chops a lost and found heritage into a playful mash-up of delirious dance music.

Influenced by post-punk, Beyoncé and the club sub, Kaishandao’s music teases the borders of techno, house and electronica, exploring the sonic realms between lo-fi and hi-fi. Based in Chengdu, her live set has become a fixture across the city’s most essential venues, festivals and label nights, including Chun You, Zhao Dai on Leave and .TAG Spring Festival, as well as stand out sets on Boiler Room and NTS Radio.

Her tracks have been released on compilations via Siamese Twins and Crater Records, as well as remixes for the likes of the fin, WOMB and Leonwill. Independent releases include ‘Homeland’ (2021), available on vinyl via New Noise, and ‘Modified Goddess’ (2023). She is the co-founder of cdcr.live, aka Chengdu Community Radio, which broadcasts weekly DJ shows. She also runs DIY events label and online publication Kiwese, which has toured bands such as Orchestra of Spheres, The All Seeing Hand, Alphabet head, E N T and WOMB across China.