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British Indie Labels Explore Chinese Market

The UK government is lending its support to an exploratory mission involving indie labels and China. UK Trade and Investment Ч a government organization that seeks to develop international business Ч is working with the Association of Independent Music (AIM) to take 17 British music companies into the region. The mission takes place between October 25th and November 3rd. Delegates will speak with Chinese industry chiefs to explore the possibilities of live events, licensing and distribution, and other music initiatives. It's part of a key strategy to build business in China's fast-moving music sector, which grew 6.8 percent between 2003 and 2004. UK trade minister Ian Pearson described China as a key market for UK music. "The Chinese economy is growing at an unprecedented rate which has seen an explosion of innovation and creativity," Pearson noted. "China's accession to the World Trade Organization will further stimulate its music market. I have no doubt that British innovation can help China fullfil its desire to develop its growing music scene."

There will be a particular focus on the opportunities for viral marketing through the internet, as well as through the rapidly growing ringtones market. Simon Wheeler, head of New Media for The Beggars Group, and Chairman of AIM's New Media Committee, commented that "the mission gives the UK industry an opportunity to learn how artists are being popularized through non-traditional means, with ringtones proving to be a very significant feature of the business model. As AIM's representative for New Media, I hope to be able to establish new relationships to build on these opportunities for the UK music industry".

Companies taking part in the mission include Archangel Productions, Beggars Group Digital, Big Help Music, Binary, Chocolate Fireguard Music, Concept Music, Dantien Records/Yeahpod, Fabric, Hornall Bros Music, Hospital Records, Matador Records, MCPS, Ninja Tune, Poptones Records, Taste Management, Timewarp Distribution, and Timeless Music Project. They will meet an array of Chinese business leaders from the sector, including Sohu.com, Rock for China, Soundbuzz, R2G, China Pump Factory, Modern Sky, Fairwood Music (South East Asia) and the all-powerful Shanghai Arts Corporation.