In the past decade, a new wave of talk has begun to arise in the global music industry around one thing: the continued growth of Chinese music and its increasing impact on the wider industry. This article provides an overview of Chinese Music, the growth of its impact in recent years and its potential to shape the industry in the years ahead.
A Brief History of Chinese Music
Chinese music has a long and rich history that dates back centuries, with ancient instruments like the guzheng, pipa and erhu among the most iconic sounds of the Chinese music repertoire. As the centuries passed, the development of Chinese popular music took a number of distinct turns, from the impressionistic song form of Yuefu in the Tang Dynasty to the pops of the 1980s and the electronic sounds of the 21st century.
Drivers of Chinese Music’s Market Expansion
In recent years, a combination of external factors have contributed to the growth of Chinese music. These include the increased international interest in Chinese culture, the availability of more online music platforms and streaming services and the broadening of international collaborations, resulting in the ability to cross-promote artists and brings their music to new markets, further contributing to its increasing worldwide fanbase.
The Emergence of New Genres
In recent years, a number of distinct musical genres have begun to emerge from the Chinese music landscape, with artists creating their own unique sound. These musical styles are impossible to pigeonhole and often blend traditional, pop, rap and hip-hop elements together to create something completely new and distinct. Artists like Gramm Sing, Erika 林家祐 and AFTERJOY showcase their unique style by creating fusion tracks that combine the sounds of Chinese and Western music together in a truly innovative way.
Chinese Music Platforms
A key driver in the recent boom of Chinese music has been the advent of digital platforms that offer listeners access to a far wider range of Chinese music genres than ever before. NetEase Cloud Music, one of the first major streaming services in the country, has become a popular choice due to it’s easy-to-navigate interface, while streaming services such as QQ Music, Kugou Music and Kuwo Music provide even more options for Chinese listeners looking to explore new music.
The Chinese Music Industry
The music industry in China has changed drastically in the past few years, with the introduction of a wide range of new labels, streaming services and social media platforms that cater to the growing demand for Chinese music. Many of the biggest labels in China such as Modern Sky, Running Music and DiGi Music, are increasingly reaching out to international markets, creating relationships with labels from around the world and collaborating to bring new talent to a global audience.
International Collaborations
The recent surge in Chinese music’s popularity and influence has also been driven in part by increased collaborative opportunities for artists. Thanks to a number of creative partnerships, a number of ambitious new projects are now underway, such as the collaboration between artists from China and UK and the US. This is further driving up the number of international listeners discovering and buying Chinese music.
The Impact of Chinese Music on the Global Scene
Today, Chinese music is an undeniable force around the world, with its influence seen in the growing presence of Chinese music in mainstream Western media. A number of successful Chinese-language tracks have risen to the top of international charts, alongside a plethora of Chinese artists breaking into the international market. Furthermore, leading industry organizations, such as the APRA AMCOS, have recently taken proactive steps to further promote Chinese music, recognizing the potential it has to reach an even larger audience.
The growth of Chinese music in recent years and its impact on the wider industry serve as proof that the sound is here to stay. With talented artists from China daring to push boundaries, a myriad of streaming platforms and labels providing access to this music and a bevy of strategic collaborations on the rise, the industry stands to gain a great deal in terms of market share, profits and recognition. With its unique sound, diverse catalog and increasing international presence, Chinese music looks set to remain an ongoing force in the coming years.
