Internet Helps Liberate, Create Music in China

From NPR’s Morning Edition:

B6 is that rare creature in China, an independent musician who is making a living from his work. Until recently, the Chinese government limited the number of CDs that could be sold — and music piracy is rampant. But the Internet and the burgeoning capitalist economy have opened up other options for independent musicians like B6.

“Sometimes I get to sell some of my own CDs, and sometimes I would help do soundtracks for commercials, and sometimes I do movie soundtracks and music for installation art,” he explains.

B6 wants to help other independent musicians support themselves, so in 2006 he became one of the founders of a Web site called Neocha. It’s an online gathering place for independent musicians to promote their music.