The Perceived Identities and Strategies of M-pop in the Journey of Internationalization

This thesis explores the emerging M-pop practice from the perspective of digital media entrepreneurship. By investigating the perception that music professionals have of M-pop music and its international ambition, this thesis inductively identifies the entrepreneurial identity and the strategic management aspect of M-pop practice in the process of internationalization. A qualitative research method was used. This thesis conducted 11 semi-structured in-depth interviews with music professionals of both Chinese and non-Chinese nationalities and performed a thematic content analysis of the textual interview data collected. In short, it is found out that M-pop is still at a very emerging premature stage. M-pop and its spearhead-Lay Zhang, possess entrepreneurial spirits of attempting to innovate a novel music style and venture into the international market. Entering the international market is not easy for Chinese musicians. The money-oriented domestic industry environment as well as the imbalanced cultural flow between the West and China have imposed non-significant barriers. Meanwhile, digital technologies, a curious international audience, as well as the rising soft power of China are opening up the potential for M-pop to succeed internationally. Furthermore, while the drastic media transformation lowers the barriers to entry for music lovers, it creates a market- and profit-driven mentality that significantly hinder the development of domestic Chinese musicians. Strategically, if M-pop musicians want to succeed in the international market, they must learn how to balance commercial and artistic tensions, prepare for money, teams, and publicity, and cultivate the right mentality.