I've been to a ton of underground rock concerts in Beijing and frankly, a lot of the bands I've seen were really good.

I think my favorite might still be Brain Failure (脑浊). They are one of the oldest "true" rock bands in China. Last time I heard, they're still playing in Beijing and still do tours (in China, but apparently they've played in the U.S on a few occasions). You should definitely go see them if you have the chance, their live performances are some of the best memories I have of high school and college.

Now the problem is, this is underground rock because, well, rock isn't an influential movement anymore, and as far as I know, it's still illegal in China (but ignored by the government as long as the lyrics aren't about "sensitive" subjects), so this kind of bands will most likely never make it to the mainstream.

Taking these facts in consideration, there are very little chances that Chinese rock will ever become influential. Or any rock bands on an international scale for that matter - there hasn't been a singer or band that truly mattered or influenced the world for a long time.

There definitely is a lot of untapped talent in that scene, though.

For sure.

1) There are a lot of people, so a lot of talent. Statistics, basically

2) Middle class is growing, so more time and money can be devoted to art

3) China is going through few different revolutions currently (industrial, sexual, consumer, civil rights) similar to 60s/70s bands

4) I think it's unfair to say that China limits all forms of creativity. There is plenty of art coming out of China

5) Specifically, a lot of good music too (see: Carsickcars, Snapline, Cui Wan)

The time is ripe for the Chinese music scene. The main problem is the taste of the population.

eventually but not anytime soon.

the reason 60s-70s rock and really all classic timeless kinda music hits for so many people over such a long period is that it comes from a place of authenticity and honesty.

Though maybe not the beetles because most of their lyrics are gibberish (not saying it isn't great but it's great for another reason)

If theres one thing that locals seem to be in lock step with us on is that mainland chinese entertainment sucks because it is so inauthentic. Chinese shows & movies are all preachy and one sided and irrelevant. Dumbass palace dramas and circle jerk ww2 films.

Part of authenticity is confronting issues that are relevant to people's lives but that involves addressing issues and angst and stuff. Not what they want to do.

Let me give a non-music example, I think the situation of migrant workers could be made into a masterpiece of a movie in the right hands. You get some guy who grew up in an inland province getting fed maoism and now all he can do is live like shit in the big city pushing boxes around, everybody looks down on him. His kid's a lazy fuck but has all these hopes and dreams forced on him to get a good gaokao score and make the family rich but it's clearly hopeless.

There's totally an amazing story to be told there, but it would involve too much introspection than they would let fly.

Same with music you know? You'd think there could so be like a chinese bruce springsteen singing about working class heartland values and issues. Or a bob dylan type.

There's so much existential angst here just all across the board, so much material for such great art but making that art involves confronting issues and showing how they affect people's lives etc and I just don't think they're ready for that.