유행의 관점에서 본 중국 대중음악의 비(非) 순환성 2 — 큐큐음악(QQ音樂) TOP 300을 중심으로

Abstract

This paper is a follow-up study to “Non-circularity of Chinese Popular Music from the perspective of trend, I - Focusing on Music Charts and Broadcasting Platforms”, which was published in April 2024. In the previous study, the author argued that a virtuous cycle does not occur in the Chinese popular music industry due to the structural problems in each sector of ​​planning, production, promotion, distribution, and consumption. In this study, I expanded sample areas to check to what degree the argument is verified through actual data. I analyzed Top 300 of QQ Music, China’s largest online music platform, and discovered the following facts. First, more than half of the charts are filled with old songs. It is confirmed that the structure of circulation from planning, production, promotion, distribution, and consumption of new songs has not been well established. Second, in the charts, songs from Greater China (including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc.) have a large advantage over mainland pop music. As far as commercial music is concerned, China has not yet reached the popularity (marketability) of songs from the capitalist camp in the Greater China region. Third, the flood of remakes, which is pointed out as a chronic problem in the Chinese pop music industry, is confirmed on the actual charts. Fourth, the higher the ranking, the greater the proportion of OST. Fifth, most of the charts are occupied by lyrical songs with a slow tempo. A variety of music does not coexist, and there is an overemphasis on certain genres. Sixth, most types of singers are solo, and the influence of bands or idol groups is rarely found. Among solo singers, the number of people who are active only online without face exposure has increased significantly. Rather than creating new songs, they mainly remake old songs and release them. Seventh, foreign songs in the Top 300 are mainly divided into American POP and K-POP.