CHINA // INDUSTRY NEWS

// NETEASE AND TENCENT NAME 2020’S BIGGEST ALBUMS AND ARTISTS

NetEase delivered their winning news via a very sleek in-app miniprogram, which was painstakingly translated by Groove Dynasty employee Ivy and is now featured on the Groove Dynasty blog. Tencent went for a bit more glitz and glamor and had a large event featuring live performances. Quick takeaway: Chinese artists still reign supreme, but select international artists were big winners. An interesting review of a year that featured increased listening across the board.

GD Blog // NetEase Cloud Music Names 2020’s Biggest Releases for Chinese Fans

Bandwagon // Here are the winners of the Tencent Music Entertainment Awards

// TENCENT DOUBLES DOWN ON UNIVERSAL

This news was covered when they first invested, and many saw it coming, Tencent just exercised its option to buy another 10% of Universal Music. Mostly, I like seeing increased cooperation between international and Chinese companies. Most say good news for all parties involved. Anyone here own TME stock?

Bloomberg // Tencent Group Buys Further 10% of Vivendi’s Universal Music

Music Ally // Tencent-led consortium to buy another 10% of Universal Music

// NETEASE BUILDS OUT INFLUENCER PLATFORM, MAKES OTHER CHANGES

Groove Dynasty frequently uses influencers, in China known as “KOLs” to promote music, artists, labels, pages, and more. They really hold a lot of power on the platform, having thousands of followers who see their posts, watch their videos, listen to their recommendations, and follow their playlists. It’s not at all like what you see on Spotify or Western apps.

The new features implemented by NetEase recently seek to further that influence with the creation of specific categories that name playlist stars, videos stars, and through a credit system for posting content and short videos, maintaining playlists, and more. Makes their platform even more useful.

PR Newswire // NetEase Cloud Music Announces New Initiative to Foster the Growth of Derivative Music Content Creators

// CHINA GETS NEW COPYRIGHT LAWS

In November, lawmakers signed in a slew of new copyright laws, including clearing up how videos are allowed to use music, raising the bar for damages in lawsuits over copyright, and more. While any progress in copyright in China is good progress, enforcement, as most people know, is not great in China, and it’s left up to platforms to police themselves or rights holders to make sure they’re covered. Video platforms are largely not monetized regardless, so the real value is in licensing your music to platforms directly. Generally, I tell labels who find their content being used illegally in China not to take it down, but use it as a bargaining chip to increase your payout or deal in negotiations as you get content to that platform.

Music Ally // China stiffens its copyright laws including music aspects

MCSC // Music Copyright Society of China English Site

// COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: HUANYIN INTERNATIONAL

Huanyin International (aka Fantasy Entertainment) is doing amazing things in China. They’ve got a full roster of Chinese artists who have made a name for themselves online using new media like Douyin (Tik-Tok) and live streamed performances. Keep an eye on artists DJ Tracy and LIZZY making waves internationally as well.

Huanyin International // http://huanyin.asia

// WATCH: MUSIC ALLY TV SHOW – CHINA IN CONTEXT

Part of a live stream conversation about China and its’ value, featuring a few great players in the local industry. From September but as relevant as ever.

YouTube // Music Ally TV Show :: China, in context: understanding China’s music industry (Ep. 14).

// CHINESE NEW YEAR INCOMING

This year’s holiday is on February 12th. GD clients already know what’s good! Prepare your new year messages for the year of the Ox!

// editor’s note

Party people! Thanks so much for reading these newsletters, we here at Groove Dynasty are working hard to create value for our readers and those interested in the China music market at any level. China tech headline roundups are a dime a dozen, these stories are carefully selected for people active in the music scene, and all comments are my own.


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