Music Industry Insight: Chung Ling, PR & Media Manager at Pilot Music
For our September Music Issue, we asked a selection of the city's music experts for their take on the current state of the 'scene' here in the capital. Their insight was adroit, humorous and controversial in equal measure. In this blog series we post the interviews in full. Next up, Chung Ling, PR & media manager at Pilot Music.
On the best new band
CNdY band. I like them a lot, and am looking forward to their development.
On the best band in the last 12 months
Runaway Project Escape Plan, I’m sure. This band’s stage performance is very mature.
On the development of the Beijing "scene"
More band performances, but less with great quality; there are more music festivals but fewer that last.
I occassionally go to livehouses and often find many new names I haven’t heard of.
On unsigned bands getting recognition
Many bands go without signing, but they still have great results. Many are famous first and then get signed by a company, so the first phase doesn’t have to have anything to do with signing. But if you are famous, the next step is of course signing because you’ll need a bigger stage later.
On obstacles
I think bands need team help, the people who are behind the band, whether it's a manager, an assistant for touring, photographers, and even drivers. If the new band tries to work alone, that will be a tough battle
On getting ahead
Be down-to-earth, rehearse, create music, perform and promote, all of it has to be done.
You must have dreams, but not extreme ones
On getting a foot in the door
Internet promotion is no doubt the fastest and the most direct. Bands need to care about every single performance, it'll make the audience stick with you and even bring more people next time.
New bands can also try entering contests, of course I’m not saying everyone should place importance on the results, but it's an example of how to effectively use other promotional methods to increase exposure.
On who new bands need to know
I think Rock & roll is still new to China and I don’t think anyone is qualified to be an expert. People are better off relying on themselves than waiting for a qualified industry guy to help. Who can tell me a perfect example of a old guy bringing on a newbie?
On the most accommodating venues in town
Mao Livehouse and Yugong Yishan are good. These two because of their location and lots of people show up, or maybe it’s my own taste, I often find myself there. Tango, because it’s huge, maybe go there after the band has started to make a name for themselves.
Click here to see the September issue of the Beijinger in full.
