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Forums - The lounge
Subject: Kenny Bloom: China's Music Mogul
Viewing all 10 messages - View by pages of 10: 1
Original Message 1/10 19-Nov-09 @ 06:21 PM - Kenny Bloom: China's Music Mogul
By Eric de Fontenay (MusicDish LLC Founder & Publisher)
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 (http://www.mogo.com.cn/), 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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".
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
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 (http://www.mogo.com.cn/), 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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".
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Message 3/10 24-Nov-09 @ 03:56 AM - RE: Kenny Bloom: China's Music Mogul
I hate to say this but I have to say something here. NYC is largely a Jewish controlled city. I know a
pianist who is or at least was on the board of Juilliard. He told me that the most talented pianist he'd
ever auditioned was turned down because he wasn't Jewish. They gave him the props but refused to
offer him the financial aid he needed to attend the school, coming from a poor family, whereas Jews
in his same position have been given a free lunch ticket. Isaac Stern was also known for doing this
type of thing. Juilliard has no credibility in my mind and chances are Manhattan School of music has
the same track record. It's not ironic that the New York Philharmonic Orchestra did not make it to the
top ten list among U.S. orchestras much less throughout the world while under the conductor Zuben
Meita. Zuben Meita was the conductor of the Israeli orchestra before he was exchanged with the
Jewish conductor of NY and then was exchanged back. It's been like the NYC Jewish shuttle with no
attempt to get real talent. If you think any university of music in NYC is a true credential you haven't a
clue.
In the 80s I listened to a radio program that compared, phrase for phrase, a violinist from Eastern
Europe with the 3 biggest Jewish violinists of the time. The East European won hands down.
Unfortunately he was blacklisted from performing in NYC. It's a shame because there are probably
talented Jewish musicians but the politics of Jews have destroyed the credibility of talented Jews.
pianist who is or at least was on the board of Juilliard. He told me that the most talented pianist he'd
ever auditioned was turned down because he wasn't Jewish. They gave him the props but refused to
offer him the financial aid he needed to attend the school, coming from a poor family, whereas Jews
in his same position have been given a free lunch ticket. Isaac Stern was also known for doing this
type of thing. Juilliard has no credibility in my mind and chances are Manhattan School of music has
the same track record. It's not ironic that the New York Philharmonic Orchestra did not make it to the
top ten list among U.S. orchestras much less throughout the world while under the conductor Zuben
Meita. Zuben Meita was the conductor of the Israeli orchestra before he was exchanged with the
Jewish conductor of NY and then was exchanged back. It's been like the NYC Jewish shuttle with no
attempt to get real talent. If you think any university of music in NYC is a true credential you haven't a
clue.
In the 80s I listened to a radio program that compared, phrase for phrase, a violinist from Eastern
Europe with the 3 biggest Jewish violinists of the time. The East European won hands down.
Unfortunately he was blacklisted from performing in NYC. It's a shame because there are probably
talented Jewish musicians but the politics of Jews have destroyed the credibility of talented Jews.
Message 4/10 24-Nov-09 @ 12:11 PM - RE: Kenny Bloom: China's Music Mogul
blimey sitar... are you jewish?
and whats that to do with the OP?
china certainly will offer some opportunities in coming years. I mean i've often thought (looking at chinese websites) someone could clean up by going over there and specialising in great translation and creation of quality english-language product promo literature in combination with producing quality websites for companies - cos without exception they are all crap.
and whats that to do with the OP?
china certainly will offer some opportunities in coming years. I mean i've often thought (looking at chinese websites) someone could clean up by going over there and specialising in great translation and creation of quality english-language product promo literature in combination with producing quality websites for companies - cos without exception they are all crap.
___________________________________
I had an idea for a script once. It's basically Jaws except when the guys in the boat are going after Jaws, they look around and there's an even bigger Jaws. The guys have to team up with Jaws to get Bigger Jaws.... I call it... Big Jaws!!!
Message 5/10 24-Nov-09 @ 02:18 PM - RE: Kenny Bloom: China's Music Mogul
k, fella's name is bloom - i'm assuming he's jew-ish.
anyhow, about china - i think it's shocking how every greedy capitalist twat is bending over backwards to accomodate china's blatant human rights abuses just on the off chance of making some big bucks from china's growing economy.
we (should) all know how the fortune cookie crumbles.
e.g. google, yahoo, microsoft, apple - all of them are willing to do peking's bidding or turn a blind eye when it comes to censorship or the consequences of cheap manufacturing - and it's not just them - wankers, the lot of them.
anyhow, about china - i think it's shocking how every greedy capitalist twat is bending over backwards to accomodate china's blatant human rights abuses just on the off chance of making some big bucks from china's growing economy.
we (should) all know how the fortune cookie crumbles.
e.g. google, yahoo, microsoft, apple - all of them are willing to do peking's bidding or turn a blind eye when it comes to censorship or the consequences of cheap manufacturing - and it's not just them - wankers, the lot of them.
Message 6/10 24-Nov-09 @ 04:47 PM - RE: Kenny Bloom: China's Music Mogul
problem is beds the 2 economies are now totaly interlinked - china and japan owns huge US dollar debt
so we cant collectively boycott china or our economies will collapse too.
clever eh!
so we cant collectively boycott china or our economies will collapse too.
clever eh!
___________________________________
I had an idea for a script once. It's basically Jaws except when the guys in the boat are going after Jaws, they look around and there's an even bigger Jaws. The guys have to team up with Jaws to get Bigger Jaws.... I call it... Big Jaws!!!
Message 7/10 24-Nov-09 @ 05:05 PM - RE: Kenny Bloom: China's Music Mogul
imagine if world governments could intervene to bail out the whole banking sector in a global economic crisis, what else could be possible?
Message 8/10 24-Nov-09 @ 09:48 PM - RE: Kenny Bloom: China's Music Mogul
lol, point!
and the first thing my bank did after we bailed them out? .. they charged me 130 quid for going overdrawn by 2 quid... and i was made overdrawn by them dumping a charge on the account when it was short of funds
great! - like my mate says (who's about to lose his home), "I'm gonna fucking firebomb my bank!!!" and i'm rather afraid he actualy means it!
and the first thing my bank did after we bailed them out? .. they charged me 130 quid for going overdrawn by 2 quid... and i was made overdrawn by them dumping a charge on the account when it was short of funds
great! - like my mate says (who's about to lose his home), "I'm gonna fucking firebomb my bank!!!" and i'm rather afraid he actualy means it!
___________________________________
I had an idea for a script once. It's basically Jaws except when the guys in the boat are going after Jaws, they look around and there's an even bigger Jaws. The guys have to team up with Jaws to get Bigger Jaws.... I call it... Big Jaws!!!
Message 9/10 25-Nov-09 @ 03:58 AM - RE: Kenny Bloom: China's Music Mogul
As Bedwyr said, Bloom is most likely a Jewish name and being a Juilliard alumni would tend to
support that. It's not a bad thing to be Jewish unless said person thinks he or she considers
themselves a "chosen person". That's where it all goes south and there are tons of them in NYC. I've
performed with Jewish musicians who were unhappy to perform with me because I wasn't one of
them and wasn't supposed to own them musically, and musicians who were willing to heap praise
on musicians of little talent and skills simply because they were Jewish. I don't accept that attitude
from any religion and I'm very strong about that because of seeing the racism, which is funny
because Jews are not a race. I've played at weddings of Indian Jews, South American Jews, and
Japanese Jews. A good friend of mine who is a concert pianist talked about a Japanese violinist he
said was very talented. I couldn't help seeing the look of deep worry on the Jewish friend sitting at the
table with us. She asked, "Is the violinist Japanese Jewish?". I was shocked by the question
because...like who cares...and then surprised by my friends answer that she was. The sad face of
the Jewish girl was suddenly replaced by a big smile. I wanted to punch her lights out because to her
a violinist is cause for sadness unless the person is Jewish. Fuck that. Jews like that only push
decent people away. So it's really the fault of Jews that a name like "Bloom" in combination with an
institute like Juilliard sets off all kinds of bells and whistles in the heads of people who know what's
been going on. Those are buzz words that certain people use because they know those words will
promote them. Jeez. I've done studio work for commercials where the music of the keyboard player
made me sick. Then I heard the name and knew why he was treated like his every note was pure
heaven.
Are there good musicians who happen to be Jewish? Sure. Play the card though and the person is
going to get hell and exposure from me.
support that. It's not a bad thing to be Jewish unless said person thinks he or she considers
themselves a "chosen person". That's where it all goes south and there are tons of them in NYC. I've
performed with Jewish musicians who were unhappy to perform with me because I wasn't one of
them and wasn't supposed to own them musically, and musicians who were willing to heap praise
on musicians of little talent and skills simply because they were Jewish. I don't accept that attitude
from any religion and I'm very strong about that because of seeing the racism, which is funny
because Jews are not a race. I've played at weddings of Indian Jews, South American Jews, and
Japanese Jews. A good friend of mine who is a concert pianist talked about a Japanese violinist he
said was very talented. I couldn't help seeing the look of deep worry on the Jewish friend sitting at the
table with us. She asked, "Is the violinist Japanese Jewish?". I was shocked by the question
because...like who cares...and then surprised by my friends answer that she was. The sad face of
the Jewish girl was suddenly replaced by a big smile. I wanted to punch her lights out because to her
a violinist is cause for sadness unless the person is Jewish. Fuck that. Jews like that only push
decent people away. So it's really the fault of Jews that a name like "Bloom" in combination with an
institute like Juilliard sets off all kinds of bells and whistles in the heads of people who know what's
been going on. Those are buzz words that certain people use because they know those words will
promote them. Jeez. I've done studio work for commercials where the music of the keyboard player
made me sick. Then I heard the name and knew why he was treated like his every note was pure
heaven.
Are there good musicians who happen to be Jewish? Sure. Play the card though and the person is
going to get hell and exposure from me.
Message 10/10 25-Nov-09 @ 02:08 PM Edit: 25-Nov-09 | 02:09 PM - RE: Kenny Bloom: China's Music Mogul
k, they charged you for not having enough money?
reminded me of this:
Went to see him in that London a couple of weeks ago, he was shit though.
reminded me of this:
Went to see him in that London a couple of weeks ago, he was shit though.
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