Delve into the passionate fandom of Taylor Swift in China and the influence of Western pop music in the country. Discover Chinese opera-style covers of Adele and the impact of an American missile system on K-Pop in China. Explore viral videos featuring Western pop in China and the challenges faced by Chinese artists in the global music industry.
Chinese fans of Taylor Swift show dedication by traveling to see her outside of China.
Western pop music's rise in China challenges traditional dominance of Chinese music.
Barriers such as political sensitivity and censorship hinder Western artists in China.
Limited incentives and cultural factors restrict Chinese artists from international music exposure.
Political events like the THAAD missile system affect music trends and K-pop popularity in China.
Deep dives
Western Music Popularity in China
Western pop music, including Taylor Swift, is gaining popularity in China over the past decade. Despite Chinese music's dominance, platforms and streaming services have facilitated the rise of Western artists impacting cultural trends and preferences.
Influence of Reality Shows on Music Consumption
Reality shows have become a significant platform for music consumption in China. Chinese audiences engage more with local music showcased in these shows, leading to rising costs for Chinese artists. Furthermore, Western artists are being invited due to the increasing expense of hiring local artists, revealing a shift in local tastes.
Challenges Faced by Western Artists in the Chinese Market
The Chinese market poses challenges for Western artists seeking success in China. Factors such as political sensitivity, censorship, and navigating social media platforms create barriers for Western artists trying to establish a significant presence in China.
Exporting Chinese Music Internationally
Chinese artists, predominantly Mandarin singers, have limited incentives to export their music beyond China due to financial opportunities within the domestic market. Language, cultural adaptation, and government support influence the limited international exposure of Chinese music.
Impact of K-Pop Ban and Music Trends
The deployment of the THAAD missile system resulted in a ban on Korean content in China, affecting the popularity of K-pop. The incident highlighted the political influence on music trends in China and the significant market presence of Chinese and Western music styles.
Diverse Audience Preferences and Artistic Influences
Audience preferences for Western music in China vary across demographics and regions, with urban areas showing more affinity for Western artists. Digital platforms like Douyin play a role in exposing diverse music genres, influencing cultural interactions.
Shift in Music Consumption Patterns
Generational shifts have transitioned Chinese music enthusiasts from being influenced by Taiwanese and Cantonese pop to embracing Western and K-pop music. Local Chinese and international music coexist with a growing emphasis on personal taste and artist engagement.
Experimental Artists and Musical Diversity
Chinese artists like Guo Ting and Diana Wang represent musical diversity with their experimental and R&B styles. Their unique voices and genre explorations contribute to the vibrant landscape of Chinese music, appealing to diverse audiences.
Opportunities for International Exposure
Bohan Phoenix, a Chinese-American rapper, illustrates global opportunities for Chinese artists to expand beyond their domestic market. With a blend of cultural influences, Bohan Phoenix's music resonates with audiences worldwide, fostering cross-cultural exchanges.
Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action
The podcast 'Chinese Whispers' discusses the evolving music scene in China, exploring the impact of Western music, reality shows, and government influence on artistic expressions. Listeners are encouraged to explore and support diverse Chinese artists to enrich their music experience.
‘Swifties’, as Taylor Swift’s fans are known across the world, are extremely dedicated to the cause, and often estimated to drive up local economies wherever they flock, and Chinese fans are no different. Swift didn’t perform in China on the latest global tour, but that didn’t stop more wealthy fans flying to Singapore to see her; or the less wealthy, going to cinemas in China to watch the Taylor Swift Eras Tour documentary – which has broken box office records in China.
All this got me thinking – how popular is American, and western, pop music in China in general? Is it considered mainstream, or something a bit more indie compared to Chinese pop? Is the language barrier a problem, or censorship?
On this episode I'm joined by two people very much in the know. Alex Taggart is an artist manager who has previously worked as a DJ and a Nightlife columnist in China. Jocelle Koh also works in the music industry and founded the media platform Asian Pop Weekly.
They tell me about Chinese opera-style covers of Adele and explain how an American missile system brought down K-Pop in China...
