presents Moonstruck Old Tales
At the 2025 edition of Roadburn we introduced our very first triennium artist in residence; someone who would showcase their work at three consecutive editions of Roadburn. That artist was Lane Shi, working under the name OTAY:ONII. For the first year of her residency she presented her latest studio album, True Faith Ain’t Blind – performed in full during a completely spellbinding show.
For the second instalment of her residency Lane will be kicking things up several gears – expanding her vision, her ideas and her presentation as she takes over the main stage on Saturday afternoon with what promises to be an unforgettable show: a commissioned project for Roadburn. Titled Moonstruck Old Tales, Lane will reimagine six Chinese folk lullabies from her childhood, bringing them to life with a full band, stunning costumes and a theatrical performance that will surely leave its mark.
Lane’s Chinese heritage and its umbilical pull has been woven into so much of her existing work, but in this brand new commissioned project it takes centre stage. Combined with her ever-evolving love and understanding of heavy music, these traditional songs take on unexpected twists and turns as mythological beasts and traditional Chinese cosmology is deconstructed and rebuilt in her unique vision. As the hulusi and hardcore electronics work in harmony to showcase Lane’s interpretations, she deciphers and delivers echoes of the past through a futuristic lens.
Lane elaborates:
“In ancient China, people listened closely to the sky—seeking grounding, balance, and comfort in the quiet chaos and order of Yin and Yang. Yet the sky is never the limit — through watching the movement, they shaped the cosmos into four auspicious beings: the Dragon of the East (Wood), the White Tiger of the West (Metal), the Phoenix of the South (Fire), and the Tortoise entwined with serpents of the North (Water).
“At Roadburn 2026, these four beings will breathe again, standing at the four corners of the stage. I’m deeply grateful to Roadburn for trusting me with this wild re-imagining—one that grew out of memory, lullabies, and longing. I hope the magic you will feel in that moment is as powerful and tender as the magic that carried us here.”
This performance will not only push Lane’s creative boundaries, it will expand the parameters of performance at Roadburn. Lane’s distinctive approach to her work combines music, theatre, costume, choreography, past, present and future, and so much more. As ever, we are honoured to be able to give Lane the stage to present her work – but if our instincts are right, Lane will exceed all our expectations with this masterful performance.
– Becky Laverty
