The Chongqing-based multidisciplinary collective No.006 has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the electronic music scene. Comprised of creative partners HanQiu Huang and Evol (MeiCheng Lu), the duo’s project is less of a traditional band and more of a fluid, experimental art endeavor. Their September EP 001 serves as a sonic manifesto, metabolizing influences ranging from garage and dubstep to ambient and glitch, all while maintaining a distinct, off-kilter energy.
Sung entirely in Chinese—incorporating both Mandarin and the Chongqing dialect—the music of No.006 is designed for movement. As HanQiu explains, the project is deeply interested in carving out rippling grooves from hulking basslines. While tracks like “uang1zh.iao3d” might be interrupted by the sound of a mewling cat, the duo’s intent is clear: they want their audience to let loose and dance.
The collective’s approach to creativity is inherently interdisciplinary. Their 002 project manifested as a fashion show, and their upcoming 003 album is set to be accompanied by a synchronized, intercontinental performance piece. For HanQiu and Evol, music is simply one medium among many, serving as a form of “art as evidence” to document their emotional states and experiences.
In discussing their creative process, HanQiu highlights the importance of their secret cipher language, “Qiu Yu,” and the influence of their hometown. “Chongqing has this really specific kind of chill to it,” HanQiu notes, describing how the city’s unique atmosphere informs their work. Meanwhile, Evol finds inspiration in the mundane, from the social dynamics of local hot pot outings to the quiet contemplation of classic cinema like In the Mood for Love.
Perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of their work is the lyrical content, particularly on tracks like “装屌.” While some listeners have attempted to frame the song through a strict feminist lens, HanQiu clarifies that the track was born from personal frustration and a desire to document the complexities of navigating gendered expectations. “I wasn’t setting out to make a statement about feminism,” she says. “I was trying to document my life.”
As they look toward the future, No.006 remains committed to their vision of art as a functional, living entity. Whether they are curating exhibitions, designing fashion, or producing electronic tracks, the duo is focused on creating work that resonates beyond the confines of a traditional music release. For No.006, the goal is not just fame, but the ability to continue creating meaningful, boundary-pushing projects that challenge the status quo.
