I first wrote this in July. It's been so long... I had to let it out.
What bothers me the most about C-pop is what it has become.
There are too many trainees wandering around endlessly with no fixed destination. Likewise, in my opinion, there are too many survival shows.
Also, already-debuted artists (soloists and groups alike) have little to no exposure, because their agencies, despite having the resources necessary to promote them or their music, do not count with a schedule or plan to help them do so. As a result, artsts lose momentum and eventually disappear.
As a beginner fan of a C-pop group myself, this worries me. It worries me a lot. It has made me wonder: Is C-pop doomed?
While asking myself how could the industry build a stable business model, I also considered its limits.
First, censorship. It's true that the government imposes strict regulations on the media. They will not allow any content that, in their own words, "corrupts the youth" or "damages their morals."
Second, artistry. There is the risk of creating a product that is too similar to another from overseas and immediately being accused of plagiarism, as China is unfortunately labeled as the "copycat".
Thirdly, work ethic. Artists cannot be submitted to a hostile environment. They need enough rest and leisure time, and an ability to balance both their personal and professional lives.
Taking these three factors into consideration, I ask:
Is it possible to create a viable and effective business model within those limitations?