Mixed notes sounded on future for music business

Promising data released; questions asked; reassurances given

The total size of China's music industry last year exceeded 370 billion yuan ($53 billion at today's rates), representing year-on-year growth of nearly 8 percent, the fastest in five years, according to a report released last week.

Figures also showed that the size of the country's music performance market last year reached 18.2 billion yuan, while that of the digital music market was 61.2 billion yuan.

The statistics were disclosed in the annual report of the China Music Industry Forum at an event in Beijing on Friday jointly organized by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, the Communication University of China and the Music Industry Promotion Committee.

However, for some, it is debatable whether the statistics point to a brighter future for the country's music business.

Song Ke, an influential leader with decades of experience in the music industry who gave a key speech at the event, said, "It's true that China is a rapidly growing live entertainment market, but we are facing challenges, especially in the pop music industry."

Despite the figures depicting a booming music scene, it was no real surprise that the 54-year-old made such a statement.