As the world’s most populous country, China should have the potential to become the world’s most profitable music market, yet it is far away from that—China was the 12th largest market in 2016, with $202 million in revenue compared to the US’s No.1 ranking of $5.3 billion. But there are important differences in the way music is consumed that may give China a business edge. Led by internet firms like Tencent, China has adjusted to the digital future of music more quickly, with a whopping 96% of music revenue from digital releases and 75% of that number coming from streaming sales.
Music in China: The Beat Goes Online
The rise of indie music in China, and how China’s musical talent navigates piracy and red tape. It’s around 11:00pm on Friday night at Yuyintang, one of Shanghai’s main live music scenes, and an appreciative crowd of a few dozen Chinese and foreigners cheer as Duck Fight Goose finishes its last act, a compelling blend […]
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