German singer/songwriter Maximilian Hecker. The indie musician will play at Beijing's Star Live on Friday, July 20, 2007.

German singer and songwriter Maximilian Hecker met with Chinese media and expectant Beijing fans on Sunday afternoon, warming up for his upcoming show, Friday night, at Star Live.

The indie balladeer was put to work at the press conference signing autographs for 200 fans on copies of his new album "I Am Falling Now," which was released in China under the domestic label, Pocket Music.

Hecker revealed he is going to cover songs by Taiwan indie pop band Sodagreen on Friday.

Although not his first time to the Chinese capital, the musician was excited to check out the city more, and has put the famous Dashanzi Art District and Shichahai area on his travel itinerary.

His Asian tour has already taken him to Taipei and Seoul.

He is scheduled to stop by two more Chinese mainland cities -- Shenzhen on Saturday and Shanghai on Sunday -- before saying goodbye to his Chinese fans.

Critics describe Maximilian Hecker's music as "melancholy pop hymns." He also enjoys a reputation as the "prince of melancholy" among Chinese fans.

Maximilian Hecker Beijing Concert:
Time: 8:30 pm, Friday, July 20
Venue: Star Live, 3F of Tango, 79 Heping Xijie (near the Lama Temple subway station), Dongcheng District, Beijing.
Tel: 6847 9037
Entrance: 260 RMB (door) / 180 RMB (pre-sale)
 
(CRI.cn July 17, 2007)