The Future of Beijing's Vibrant Music Scene

Musicians and interested listeners can expect to get their money’s worth in Beijing’s thriving music scene, which is flourishing with fresh talent coming from different parts of the country.

However, rising rent prices have driven some livehouses to go out of business and have sent signals to musicians and audiences.

Shao Qiang, music director of Mako Livehouse, is one of the many business owners hit by the price hike. Last Aug. 12, he received a notice from his landlord to move out due to his inability to comply with the increase.

The past six years was prosperous for Shao's establishment, as it held more than 1,000 live shows, and more often than not, it was packed with an audience of more than 800 people.

Shao was eventually faced with an ultimatum when rent increase began last year, from 1.9 yuan ($0.29) to 3.5 yuan upon contract renewal. The price went up once more to 4.5 yuan this year, increasing the financial pressure of running the business.

According to Liu Fei, a co-founder of the School Bar in Wudaoying Hutong in the Dongcheng District, it is a problem that all similar establishments face.

Aside from the increase in rent, Liu also cites the lack of business sense on the part of some livehouse owners and the ability to attract audiences in a unique way through the projection of a unique cultural core.

"Their sound equipment may be good but without a unique culture they end up just providing a venue," he said.

There are some who hold a more optimistic view such as Nevin Dormer, former employee at XP, who believes that the future is bright for Beijing's music scene.

"In the 10 years that I've been involved with the Beijing music scene, I've only seen it get better and better. There are way more bands in Beijing playing more diverse styles of music," Dormer attested. "While some venues are closing down at a seemingly alarming rate, there are still plenty of places to play with new spaces opening up."