Kenny Bloom: China's Music Mogul

By Eric de Fontenay (MusicDish LLC Founder & Publisher)

(more articles from this author)

2009-11-12

The music industry in China has significantly changed over the past couple of decades, from a tightly government-controlled propaganda pipeline into an increasingly powerful and sophisticated economic sector. Spearheading the way in China's entertainment industry is Kenny Bloom, music veteran of over 30 years, and Founder and CEO of VisiTek Holdings, Ltd. Born in New York City, Mr. Bloom, at age 56, has accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime, and he has no plans of slowing his pace. To say that his list of accomplishments is impressive would be a gross understatement.

A winner of the Lincoln Center Award for Music Achievement at age 15, Bloom attended both Julliard and Manhattan Schools of Music Prep Departments. He joined Atlantic Records in 1977 (a subsidiary of the Warner Music Group) and launched KB communications in 1984, one of the first entertainment marketing companies. He formed a joint venture with China Film (China's film monopoly) in 1988 and secured the China license for the Warner Music library, which led to the first foreign owned PRC record company since 1949. Over the years, Bloom went on to produce numerous radio shows, television programs, concerts by internationally renowned artists, soundtracks, and Broadway plays. He is widely recognized as a major player in the entertainment industry.

One might wonder if Bloom would be ready to ride on his reputation for a while, coasting through the years to come after having such an illustrious career. But nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, Bloom is moving faster, striking harder with a bold strategy to become a leading content producer. Leading the charge is MOGO, a video site covering the emerging independent music scene in China to the young, hip (undeserved) urban music consumer.

I had an opportunity to interview Mr. Bloom regarding his past, and his vision for the future. It was one of the most enlightening, thought provoking, and inspirational interviews I've ever had the pleasure of doing.

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

For one thing, massive piracy. The only business left now is ringtones and live shows. That said, there are more artists now then every before. 20 years ago there were half a dozen big pop stars and 4 rock bands. Now there are scores of pop stars and well over 300 working rock bands.

So what's sustaining that growth in the face of piracy?

Basically, live shows. The entire industry is going through a global transition. China is no different in that regard.

There's been a lot of talk about the recent WTO decision opening the Chinese market to more Western entertainment, including music. The RIAA reaction to the decision was to state: "Enhancing the ability of the U.S. creative community to do business in China will generate needed revenue and jobs to the U.S. economy." This seems to fly in the face of the piracy problem. But having said that, do you believe that the decision will at least result in an increase in the international repertoire's share of the overall market?

China's music market has a 98% mandarin language repertoire. It's what they like. The WTO decision is certainly not going to change the musical tastes of the Chinese consumers. And why should China embrace western music in a language they don't understand. Does the West embrace Chinese music? That's a totally open market.

This has been an inane concept for quite some time, that every market has a pent up demand for Western culture. In a way, it sends a very disturbing message that "your culture is not as relevant".

Let's discuss the latest western invasion in China - Google's oPhone vs. Apple's iPhone, China Mobile vs. China Unicom... While the iPhone launch in China thus far has been disappointing, it is turning into a new platform being seized by indie bands and labels to release content and manage their fan base. How will the smart phone impact the Chinese music business?

It will be a long time before smart phones are in the hands of the "average" Chinese consumer. They are just too expensive to have a huge impact outside of business applications.

But, the Chinese are super-status oriented and there is an upper-middle urban class. Why, when these products are launched in China, would they not be successful - especially with 400 million mobile users?

Even with 400 million users, you are talking about a relatively small percentage of the population who are upper-middle urban class. Out of the total population, maybe 3% can be classified as such. And they're not necessarily listening to music, certainly not Western music.

Pepsi has been making big moves in China with their nationally televised Battle of the Bands "Vox Rock" and launch of their music label QMusic. Is Pepsi really serious about supporting the independent Chinese music scene? And if so, is this a model that will have legs in China (i.e., might we someday listen to Tsingtao's latest buzz band)?

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

Isn't QMusic much more than sponsorship? They're talking about developing and launching new bands, like Starbucks Hear Music.

Let's see what they do. It's still too early to make judgments as they have not yet started their operations.

I have one final question for you. Mogo is something of a 21st century MTV-like pioneer in China. You are creating original and professionally produced WebTV content (not user-generated), in support of the emerging independent scene (art, music...). That's difficult enough in the West. What are some of the unique challenges you face – the consumer, the government, advertisers?

It's China's own home-grown music TV station and all parties have been very supportive. The biggest challenge we are facing is finding qualified staff. Every company has problems finding experienced workers. Don't forget, the modern era of China is only 30 years old with most of the development coming in the past 10. The word of the day is "patience". It will all happen, but it will happen on China's terms.

Musicnotes.com Revenue Growth Exceeds 20% Going Into Holiday Sales Season

MADISON, WI - November 17, 2009 – Musicnotes.com, the leading digital sheet music retailer and publisher, announced today it is seeing better than 20% sales growth year-over-year as the holiday sales season begins.

The site, which recently sold its six millionth download, is approaching 200,000 paid downloads per month and is receiving 120,000 visitors to the site daily. A meaningful percentage of this growth in sales and traffic is due to Musicnotes' international business, which now accounts for more than 20% of sales and is growing at a faster rate than overall business.

As a result of the continually growing sales, Musicnotes is also approaching $15 million in total royalties paid to its publishing partners since 2000, with almost $4 million alone expected to be paid in 2009.

Musicnotes attributes its growth to a continued focus on improving the customer experience as well as its continually expanding catalogue of downloadable sheet music, including songs from several significant content deals signed in 2009.

"What we find most interesting is that we are seeing this level of growth without any new "hit" songs," said Bill Aicher, Musicnotes Web and Marketing Director. "Less than 4% of our sales are coming from our top ten downloads. This growth is really coming from across the entire spectrum of our catalog."

According to the most recent data from research firm, Hitwise, Musicnotes.com continues to lead the digital sheet music retail market with a market share of over 80%.

About Musicnotes: Musicnotes, Inc. offers an online catalog of 100,000 digital sheet music titles, built on the strength of content agreements with Alfred Publishing, EMI Music Publishing, Faber Music Ltd, Sony/ATV Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Disney Music Publishing, Cherry Lane Music Company, Peermusic, Word Music, EMI Christian, Bug Music and many others. Musicnotes is included in Internet Retailer Magazine's list of the Top 500 Online Retailers and was recently selected by Internet Retailer as a "Hot 100" site for 2009.

On the Web: http://www.musicnotes.com

Kirsten DeHaan EP Gains Momentum On College Radio

Url: http://www.kdlocal.com

Sound: http://kirstendehaan.musicdish.net

Alternative Rock singer/songwriter Kirsten DeHaan's EP "Thorns On A Crown" has begun to impact college radio in the Northeast, with over a dozen stations adding tracks from the October release. Kirsten will be making live appearance on Wednesday, November 11th at 5:30-6:30pm at WESU (Wesleyan College, Middletown CT - http://www.wesufm.org). Fans can help support Kirsten by calling the studio request line at WESU - 860 685 7700.

The full EP is available for download on MusicSubmit and Music Alley.

http://www.musicsubmit.com/KirstenDeHaan

http://www.musicalley.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=4f2fe79a84a45d84282f77206084c1a1

"I fell in love with Kirsten's music immediately! Her voice is a rare combination of edgy, sultry, sexy and bluesy that still rocks you to your feet! I'm a fan! And we are proud to have her music on BBS Radio!" Douglas Newsom, CEO of BBS Network, Inc. (BBS Radio)

- WOZQ (Smith College in Northampton, MA) - ADDED 11/03

- CIUT (Univ Toronto, ON) - ADDED 10/5, "1984"

- WRTC (Trinity College, CT) – ADDED 10/19

- WESU (AAA) (Wesleyan College, CT)- ADDED 9/29

- WFCS (Central Conn State, CT) – ADDED 10/21

- WAMH (Amherst Coll, MA) - ADDED 10/12

- WZBC (Boston College, MA) - ADDED 10/12

- WTBU (Boston Univ, MA) – ADDED 10/19

- WMUA (Univ Mass, MA) -ADDED 10/12,"1984"

- WBER (AAA) (Monroe Univ- Rochester NY)- ADDED, "Ms Daisy"

- WHRW (SUNY Binghamton, NY) – ADDED 10/19

- WRHU (Hofstra, Long Island NY) - ADDED 10/6

- WUSB (SUNY Stonybrook, Long Island NY) - ADDED 10/6

- WARC (Allegheny Univ, PA) - ADDED 9/29

- WCLZ (South Portland, Maine) - ADDED I'm Coming Home 10/10 & The Night Shift 10/20

"Thorns On A Crown" is by far her most mature work to date. In the current etch and sketch environment of musicians singing to beats generated by machines, it is refreshing to find an artist who wholeheartedly exudes meaning and truth, a feat that only a genuine musician can accomplish. She may be considered a newcomer to the music industry, but there is enough raw passion, talent, and promise on "Thorns On A Crown" to say definitively that Kirsten DeHaan will around for many years to come.

"Thorns On A Crown" Tracklisting:

1) 1984

"1984" skillfully maneuvers its way from beginning to end as DeHaan puts her vocal range along with a knack for soothing tones to good use, singing in a soft, but gutsy manner. The guitar playing over a catchy beat works well with her voice to produce a sultry and graceful fusion of folk and rock.

2) Double Or Nothing

DeHaan produces a well-crafted, solid folk-rock tune with passionate delivery over a foot-tapping guitar melody in "Double Or Nothing." The sharpness of her lyrics and gritty tone gives the song a freshness That will keep any listener engaged, even after multiple plays.

3) The Night Shift

"The Night Shift" delves into the very familiar territory of love as DeHaan's candor and humility together make this song easy to relate to. DeHaan's voice captures the feelings of a woman waiting and thirsting for love. Even the silences between notes seem to shout out her vulnerability.

4) I'm Coming Home

A piercing harmonica complements the delicacy in DeHaan's sweet voice in "I'm Coming Home." The layered sound and musicality gives a classic rock feel that is emphasized by the 'call and response' between DeHaan and the harmonica.

5) Ms. Daisy

"Ms. Daisy" builds a sweet melody around the idea of hope. Initially, the song seems inconspicuous and gentle, but DeHaan's voice is so melodious and colorful, it quickly works its way into the listener's heart and soul.

About Kirsten DeHaan

Kirsten DeHaan is a true jack of all musical trades. Not just a talented singer/songwriter and guitarist, she promotes her music via her label SirLady Records, does various philanthropic work for American soldiers in the Middle East, and is a strong and active proponent of the New York indie music scene.

DeHaan stomped onto the indie music scene to rave reviews in 2004 with her first album release "Conform." Critics compared her music to that of Nirvana, U2, and Belly. Her music has been downloaded over 1 million times via various peer-to-peer sites and featured on the hit reality shows Made and My Super Sweet Sixteen. Declaring "Conform" to be one of the most popular records next to the Killers and Ashlee Simpson by FreshFarmMusic.com, DeHaan was among five artists chosen for Men's Vogue/Hennessey Flaunt Your Taste Critics Choice Awards.

Inspiring Music And Film Multimedia Experience, X: The Human Condition Previews For Thanksgiving

Url: http://www.x-thc.com/live.html

Sound: http://www.x-thc.com/multimedia.html

In development for over eleven years, X: The Human Condition has been designed to embrace the expanding possibilities of multimedia in entertainment. Featuring an immersive, multi-sensory environment, the live, dynamic concert performance by the music group X: THC, enhanced by the emotionally charged film, X: The Human Condition, previews its uplifting and stimulating shock to the senses for Thanksgiving at the Brooklyn multimedia space, Monkeytown (58 North 3rd St., Brooklyn, NY), on Wednesday, November 25th at 10:00 pm. $5 cover,$10 minimum. Full late night dinner menu available.

Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to share with family and friends, but it is also a time when some people feel most disconnected, alienated and alone. X: THC has partnered with the Jed Foundation and AFSP to donate a portion of the profits from X: The Human Condition to help these non-profit organizations in their work, dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, self-injury and suicide. They exist to encourage, educate, inspire and invest into prevention, treatment and recovery.

The inspiring music of X: THC combines the multi-layered hypnotica of smoothly grooving electronic beats, warm emotive alternative indie rock, coldly induced new wave post-modernism, lush, heartfelt, romantic blue-eyed soul & classic songwriting, with an otherworldly experimental soundscape. X: THC breaks down the walls between musical genres, challenging categorization, while communicating performance through multiple sensory applications, known as "synesthesia".

The live music and film multimedia experience examines the human condition, pulling you in to an alternate reality...UnratedNYC Magazine wrote, "X: The Human Condition is an emotionally cataclysmic event that will resonate in your subconscious for weeks…" .

Hypnotically delicious, it is a trance-inducing trip inside the human subconscious, combining hypnotic, surreal soundscapes with phantasmagorical, emotionally charged visual storytelling to create a unique and inspiring music and film multimedia experience.

X: The Human Condition alchemically fuses together influences of luminaries such as Tim Burton, Michael Gondry, Antoine St. Exupery, Darren Aronofsky, Guillermo Del Toro, Jean Cocteau, Rod Serling, The Brothers Grimm, and Joseph (John) Merrick, to create an imaginative, terrible beauty, both real and unreal, where the mind can make a hell of heaven, and a heaven of hell... X: The Human Condition.

Rufus Cappadocia And Special Guests To Perform At The Jalopy On October 31st

Url: http://www.jalopy.biz/

Sound: http://www.rufusmusic.com/rufus/music.html

Celloist extraordinaire Rufus Cappadocia will perform at the Jalopy on Saturday, October 31st at 8:30 p.m. along with special guests Gaida Hinawi (Voice Syria) & Yacouba Denke Denke (Fulani Flute & Vocals Niger). There is a $15 cover charge for the show.

Rufus Cappadocia and guests Gaida Hinawi & Yacouba Denke Denke @ Jalopy

315 Columbia Street

Brooklyn, NY 11231

(718) 395-3214

http://www.jalopy.biz/

Rufus Cappadocia is one of the leading voices on the cello today. From the modalities of Middle Eastern, West African and pan-European folk forms to blues, rock and jazz along the way, adding elements American roots, Mediterranean textures, and Caribbean percussion for good measure, Cappadocia's effortless and natural embrace of all music is awe-inspiring. Rufus will be playing his new 5 string cello and quartertone baritone guitar.

http://www.rufusmusic.com/

http://bethanyandrufus.musicdish.net

To request mp3 tracks for review as well as interview requests, contact:

Eric de Fontenay

MusicDish

bethanyrufus@musicdish.net

+1 718 278 0662

C.W. Ross Review: Kirsten DeHaan - Thorns On A Crown

Url: http://kirstendehaan.musicdish.net

Sound: http://www.facebook.com/kdlocal

Artist: Kirsten DeHaan

Title: Thorns On A Crown EP

Website: http://www.kdlocal.com

Style: Alt Rock/ Singer Songwriter

Label: SirLady Records

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

By C.W. Ross

http://cwsplace.wordpress.com/2009/10/03/kirsten-dehaan-thorns-on-a-crown/

The year 2004 was when Kirsten DeHaan first started to make her mark on the Indie music scene with the release of her debut album, Conform. DeHaan also started the New York Indie Rock Launch in 2006 to bring the best New York artists of various rock genres together, repeating the series again in 2007 and 2008 and continues to help promote the New York indie music scene. She also works to support American soldiers in the Middle East. DeHaan is also an entrepreneur running her own label, SirLady Records.

Thorns On A Crown is the latest release from Kirsten DeHaan and on it you'll find 5 tracks of music that offer up a variety of styles.

Things get started with the track, "1984," a song that offers up a 60's alt. rock feel thanks to the retro-guitar parts that are found on it.

Track-2, "Double or Nothing," is a lively track that mixes just a touch of a folk edge in to its light rock beats.

Track-3, "The Night Shift," starts out as a melodic acoustic guitar song until the 2:20 mark when the drum beats instantly speed up changing the song's tempo.

Thorns On A Crown ends on a very high note with the songs, "I'm Coming Home," and "Ms. Daisy."

Track-4, "I'm Coming Home," is a harmonica filled track that gives off a folk-rock vibe. For me this song also worked best to showcase DeHaan's vocals.

Track-5, "Ms. Daisy" finishes things up nicely with its melodious sound that also highlights DeHaan's vocals.

Kirsten DeHaan has nice vocals that are very pleasant sounding and match well with the songs found on her latest release, Thorns On A Crown.

40 Experts A La Carte For MIDEM+

More contacts, more advice. In 2010, MIDEM will push innovation further with MIDEM+, a new event dedicated to personalised networking where digital and music industry executives will be able to hold one-on-one meetings with around 40 experts from a wide range of fields including digital marketing, working with brands and looking for funding. MIDEM+ will open its doors in Cannes from 23 to 27 January, 2010.

"The idea is to offer tailor-made advice and a more individual approach. MIDEM+ is aimed at MIDEM participants who want to build on their experience of the marketplace and go home with the kind of concrete advice that is indispensable for developing their own businesses," said Dominique Leguern, director of MIDEM.

Those taking part in MIDEM+ will meet experts who are specialists in their given field and who will respond to specific problems. They can count on the shrewd advice of Jon Cohen, pioneer in the area of relationships between music and major brands, working notably with Converse, Nike and Microsoft. For everything to do with digital marketing, MIDEM+ attendees can look to the expertise of Neil Cartwright, who was behind The Prodigy's web campaign. Two experts will be available for their knowledge in the field of marketing the artist: Matt Drouin, whose input helped the group Metric to sell more than 100,000 units via their web-site in one month; and Emily White, who was behind the international success of the Dresden Dolls.

In the exhibition area reserved for MIDEM+, participants will be welcomed by "connectors." Their mission will be to put attendees in the hands of the right business contacts. Chosen for their considerable knowledge of music industry leaders, these three pioneers of new business models in the sector will be there to oversee this matchmaking: Ted Cohen (TAG Strategic), Denzyl Feigelson (AWAL and consultant for iTunes & Coca) and Bruce Houghton (Skyline Music / Hypebot.com).

Important: Participation in MIDEM+ requires separate registration. "Early bird" reduced rates are available until 31 October.

Registration to MIDEM+ and a full list of experts available at:
http://www.midem.com/MIDEM/Midem-plus/

MusicDishTV: Audioplasm (Polarity/1 & Rubio) - Guillermo Ate My Lunch

http://www.musicdish.net/polarity1

"Guillermo Ate My Lunch" is the opening track of Audioplasm's first CD, Heavy Meadow, which features Guillermo Cardenas on merengue percussion. Audioplasm is a collaboration of two artists from New York City, Polarity/1 and Rubio. Together they have already scored the soundtrack for the documentary "In Debt We Trust" by Danny Schechter. Polarity/1 himself wrote the music for the award-winning Schechter's WMD (Weapon of Mass Deception). This video, directed by Marc Wagnon & Polarity/1, shows their ability in visual arts as well as their musical eclecticism.

Watch the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsFRVjCwhn4