@Stephen: While I’m very much a creative commons and copyleft supporter ideologically, and I agree that giving away the music may lead to an increased fan-base, it’s doubtful getting known will bring in much money.

The underground (ie. non-radio) music scene in China is building, but it’s far from lucrative. I am willing to bet that only the best indie acts can even scrape by with enough cash for gear and gas.

The industry in China is just crap. There’s little ability for a non-mainstream artist to be grabbed by a progressive label and made into a star like there is outside of China. Things here are just at far too polarized extremes — the only “thing” that can get big-label representation is an artist that is the “package” — singer/dancer/actor (and I use ALL those terms in the loosest way possible). Basically, a non-feather-ruffling, looks-good-at-Spring-Festival-Gala, sparkley-haired no-talent asshat.

So, give me the option to buy an indie band’s album for a few bucks on Taobao, or cheaper via MP3 download and I’ll happily do my part to support music I actually enjoy. And if years down the road the industry changes and word-of-mouth rags-to-riches is anything more than the lotto drawing that it is now, I’ll happily support in another way.