Performance space and independent music: The role of cultural entrepreneur in music placemaking in China

Abstract

The digitalization and platformization of pop music (e.g. Tencent Music Entertainment and Netease Cloud Music in China or Spotify) and gentrification of urban space, not to mention political control, have threatened the survival of independent music in global cities. This paper aims to illustrate how musicians attempt to create music space and continue to incubate new bands and sustain a performance economy in order to perpetuate local creativity and music cultures. We argue that all these efforts are owing to the rise of cultural entrepreneurs in China who attempt to strategize to create a music market and withstand political pressure from the authorities.