Yiqi Liu (Owner/Manger, Unknown Art Prod, Weary Bird Records, Pest Prod)
How did you first become involved in the music business and how did you end up where you are today? At the beginning, I had a black metal band was signed with Pest Prod and then I became part of the label too. Later, I created Weary Bird Records with Deng (The creator of Pest Prod) and found a new a new job, working as a promoter for a local venue called Aperture Club. After that, I stated an agency named Unknown Art Prod for holding gigs and tours for these bands signed with my records label.
What's been the biggest change in the music business you've seen over the past 12 months? About the Chinese music business - people are changing, they are trying to find new things and indie music is the one most interesting to them. They are trying to accept different kinds of music and pay money for gigs, records and merchandise.
What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? The traditional music star is dying right now. I mean, you will never see a Beyoncé or Jay-Z in future. But you will find a lot of different super bands are going bigger and bigger.
What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Try to understand audiences from their side, this is the most important thing.
What's the secret to success in the music industry? I think the most important thing is how to ‘sell’ a band to people who are not the fans of band.
What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the WAMCon? Band management and how to do the right promotion.
What do you personally hope to take away from your time at WAMCon? Communication is the most important thing for me. I would love to know more about the differences between China and other places.
Check out the WAMCon website for all the details.
