Artists Management Group Llc

Thursday, July 16th, 2009 at 2:05 am

Kenny Bloom: Music Mogul China

By Eric Fontenay of (MusicDish LLC Founder and editor)
( More articles by this author )
2009-11-12

The music industry in China has changed significantly over the last couple of decades, a tightly controlled propaganda line by the government in an increasingly powerful and sophisticated industry. To lead the way in the entertainment industry in China is Kenny Bloom, veteran of the music more than 30 years, and founder and CEO of VisiTek Holdings, Ltd. Born in New York, Mr. Bloom, 56, has achieved more than most people does in life, and he has no plans of slowing. To say that his list of accomplishments is impressive would be a gross understatement.

A winner of the Lincoln Prize Achievement Center for music at age 15, Bloom attended Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music Departments Prep. He joined Atlantic Records in 1977 (a subsidiary of Grupo Warner Music) and launched in 1984 KB of communications, one of the entertainment marketing companies first. He formed a joint venture with China Film (monopoly Chinese film) in 1988 and obtained permission from China for the collection of Warner Music, which led to the first foreign company owned People's Republic record China since 1949. Over the years, Bloom went on to produce numerous radio shows, television programs, concerts by internationally renowned artists, soundtracks and works Broadway. It is widely recognized as a major player in the entertainment industry.

One might wonder if Bloom would be willing to ride on its reputation for a while, coasting through the years to come, after the illustrious career. But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, Bloom moves faster, hitting harder with a bold strategy to become a leading producer of content. Leading the charge is target = "_blank"> Mogo, a video site that presented the emerging independent music scene in China to young, hip (undeserved) of consumers in urban music.

I had a chance to interview Mr. Bloom about his past and his vision for the future. He was one of the most illuminating, suggesting, and inspiring interviews I had the pleasure of doing.

You've had more than 20 years of experience in the business of Chinese music, beginning with the release of Warner Music China. What are some unique features that have shaped its development?

On the one hand, massive piracy. Business All we need are the tones and live shows. That said, there are more artists now, then all before. 20 years ago there were half dozen major pop stars and rock bands 4. Now there are tens of pop stars and more than 300 working rock bands.

So what sustain that growth in the face of piracy?

Basically, live entertainment. The whole sector is going through a global transition. China is no different in this regard.

There have been a lot of talk about the recent decision WTO to open the Chinese market than Western entertainment, including music. The reaction to the decision of the RIAA was to say: "Increased capacity U.S. community creative to do business in China will generate needed revenue and jobs to the U.S. economy. "This seems to go against the problem of piracy. That said, do you think the decision at least lead to an increased share of international repertoire in the global market?

The Chinese market has Mandarin repertoire language of 98%. It's what they like. The WTO ruling is certainly not going to change the musical tastes of Chinese consumers. Why Why should China embrace Western music in a language they do not understand. Does the West embrace Chinese music? That's a fully open market. This has been a concept stupid long time, each market has a pent-up demand in Western culture. In a way, it sends a very worrying that "culture is not is so relevant. "

We will discuss the latest invasion of Western China - oPhone of Google vs. Apple iPhone, China Unicom vs China Mobile ... While iPhone launch in China so far has been disappointing, is becoming a new platform that started the indie bands and labels to release the content and manage their fan base. What will the impact of the business smartphone of Chinese music?

Will be a long time before smart phones are in the hands of consumers "means" of China. They are just too expensive to have a great impact outside of business applications.

But, Chinese super-states are targeted and there is no urban upper middle class. Why, when these products are launched in China, would not succeed - especially with 400 million mobile users?

Even with 400 million users, we are talking about a relatively small percentage of the population are urban upper middle class. Out of the total population, perhaps 3% can be classified as such. And not necessarily listen to music, certainly not in Western music.

Pepsi been making great changes in China with its nationally televised Battle of the Bands "Vox Rock" and the launch of her label QMusic. Is it really Pepsi serious about supporting the independent Chinese music scene? And if so, is this a model with legs in China (ie, may one day hear the Tsingtao band last of Google)?

It is essential that corporate sponsors to support the music industry. We are now seeing more focused on rock and hip-hop. But we also need local media to cover the musical styles in order to build the consumer base. Otherwise, the sponsors will not be able to quantify their investment in the music that is outside the mainstream.

QMusic Not much more than the sponsorship? They talk about the development and the launch of new bands, like Starbucks Hear Music.

Let's see what they do. It is too early to make judgments, which have not yet begun their operations.

I have one last question for you. Mogo is something of a 21st century pioneer MTV-like in China. You are creating original and professionally produced content WebTV (not user generated), in support of independent pop scene (art, music ...). That's pretty difficult in the west. What are some of the challenges facing only - consumers, government, advertisers?

China itself is music television station homegrown and all parties have been very supportive. The biggest challenge we face is finding qualified personnel. Each company has trouble finding experienced workers. Do not forget, the modern era of China is only 30 years old with most of the development that comes in the last 10. The word of the day is "patience." Everything's going to happen, but it will happen under conditions of China.

About the Author

MusicDish has been recognized as a leader in providing a unique business perspective on the issues impacting professionals and executives in the online music industry through news & report analysis and interviews with the companies that people want to know about because of their innovative technology and creative business models.

Scooter & Lavelle - Electro Avenue/Crusade - Fan Favorites Promo Video