10 years ago Wudaokou was the core of Beijing indie music and the “new voice of Beijing” generation. Since the demolition and transformation of the new millennium it has been completely different; dominated by foreign idlers, IT white collar types, wage earners and punks. The only venue for a long time was 13 Club, a metal club, surrounded by restaurants and internet cafes. But in May 2006, next to 13 Club, a little place called D22 quietly opened.

When creating D22 Michael Pettis had a very clear purpose: the banker, venture capitalist, and visiting professor at Peking University wanted to do something for Beijing indie music. Inspired by musicians who he met through his students he ended up creating the most joyful club in Beijing.

With a 300 person capacity, and an often crowded upstairs and downstairs, the place has somehow maintained a feeling of sincere warmth and friendship between everyone who comes. Through the years so many bands have played the stage here: Joyside, QSBS, Casino Demon, Carsick Cars, Hedgehog, Gar, Snapline, Ourself Beside Me, Guali, The Scoff, etc. D22 has been the home of the coolest new generation of indie music known as “Beijing Calling” or the “super new voice of Beijing.” They have brought Wudaokou back to life in the world of Beijing music and at the same time they have started a charming new family in the old neighborhood.

The neighbors next door at 13 Club are some real metal heads. They share a toilet, a small shop and a cheap restaurant with the partiers at D22. But these long haired, leather booted metal fans would never step foot into D22 just as the skinny jean and Converse wearing indie guys at D22 never go to 13 Club. The two groups constantly laugh at each other, but somehow they manage to live together in peace, without any real conflict.

And then there is Da Biao. Da Biao is a legend in Wudaokou, a myth of Beijing rock music known in every Beijing rock circle (just search his name online). Da Biao always shows up at nightfall, he finds some acquaintance in the restaurant beside 13 Club and invites himself to their dinner, for free. Afterwards, he will go to 13 Club and then D22 and watch two performances, for free. After the show at D22 ends, he walks to the nearby 7-11 and sleeps on the checkout counter, for free.

Lead singer of Joyside and D22 regular, Bian Yuan, stepped out of D22 one winter morning inspired to write the song “Booze At Neptunes Dawn” which became the title track of their third album. The album was issued by the Maybe Mars label which was founded by Michael Pettis; truly a family affair.

Every time you come here you are part of something amazing that you can only find here. Whether its Zhan Pan, vocalist of Gar, locking himself in the bathroom for two months to paint a mural. Cigarettes raining down on the stage every time Carsick Cars sings “Zhongnanhai”. Or the inspiring “Student Night” every Wednesday which encourages Beijing students to pick up their guitars.

Despite its tight knit feel, D22 has received quite a bit of publicity making it one of the most famous venues in the Beijing indie music scene. So many kids with rock and roll dreams have stepped onto that stage, and credit it as the starting point of their bands. And more and more bands of various genres are beginning to appear here. Always more experimental, more vigorous, more interesting, more lively; more and more eccentric, stylish, fun. But most importantly there is always a friendly face.