"I just want to play rock 'n' roll, like our idols on the stage. The idea is simple but deep in our hearts," says 19-year-old bassist Li Yan, of indie band Rustic, who stood out in this year's Global Battle of the Bands (GBOB) competition.

Touted as the world's biggest live music competition, the three youngsters from Hebei province will represent China, competing against other bands, in London, on Dec 13.

"The teenage rock band phenomenon is so obvious in China now and it is so easy to publicize yourself today with websites like Myspace and Youtube," says Wain Yee, one of the producers of GBOB, who has followed the capital's indie music scene for years.

"The contest came to Beijing and other mainland cities for the first time this year and we were surprised to see so many energetic and creative young music lovers there. It is all about the spirit and passion."

It seems that these youngsters are living the dream and hope to be around for a while.