Recently, Zhejiang TV and Tencent Video held a press conference for their new music variety show, "You Sing 2024," in Hangzhou, gathering numerous music fans, musicians, and media representatives. At the event, the organizers and the show's team shared their creative concepts, while renowned guest artists such as Li Yuchun, Zhang Xinzhe, Zhang Zhenyue, Tsai Chin, Wang Sulong, and Chen Li offered their unique insights into music and shared their visions for the future of Chinese music.

"You Sing 2024" will premiere on October 11 and air every Friday at 8:20 PM on Zhejiang TV, Z-Sight, and Tencent Video.

Press conference scene

A New Stage for Original Music

"You Sing 2024" is dedicated to discovering the next big hit in the Chinese music scene, focusing on original compositions rather than the typical cover-based format of previous music variety shows. The program aims to unearth original music works and promote previously undiscovered songs through innovative approaches. As the executive director Sun Jing stated, “We approached this show with a ‘do-or-die’ mentality, wagering our careers to uncover original songs that deserve wider recognition.”

"You Sing 2024" poster

In the show, emerging musicians collaborate with "song scouts" to refine and create original demos, transforming them into more polished pieces. This process not only highlights the challenges and opportunities in music creation but also reflects the current dilemmas and hopes facing original music in the Chinese music industry.

During the press conference, the host engaged in a deep dialogue with the guests about the show and their personal views on music. Li Yuchun candidly shared that she seldom participates in music variety shows but was drawn to "You Sing 2024": “I have been making music for 20 years, transitioning from cassette tapes to CDs, and now to the era of short video promotion. This show gives me a wonderful opportunity to interact with other musicians and receive feedback from the audience.” She mentioned that the quick, seven-second hook format of today's music presents new challenges for creators, and she hopes to share more profound and lasting works through this program.

Li Yuchun

Zhang Zhenyue expressed his frustration with the current trend of repeatedly covering the same songs in the music scene: “After listening to so many variety shows, it gets tiresome to hear the same song over and over. Copyright issues have led to a prevalence of covers, but genuine new songs are lacking.” He believes platforms like "You Sing 2024" provide a fresh stage for original music and can assist talented but undiscovered musicians.

Zhang Xinzhe also shared his challenging moments during the show—deciding which excellent songs to eliminate in the competition format, a process that weighs heavily on each scout: “Eliminating any musician doesn't mean they lack talent; it’s about preserving those works we can truly resonate with.” He hopes to see adjustments in the competition format to allow more outstanding original pieces to shine.

Through the guests' conversations, the current state and future development of Chinese music became clearer. Artists like Li Yuchun and Tsai Chin pointed out that with the changes in media, outstanding new songs often get lost in the flood of information. Tsai Chin lamented, “Everyone has their own favorite golden song, but the many channels for new music today make it hard for many good songs to be heard.” She hopes that "You Sing 2024" will help discover and promote more excellent new songs, preventing the industry from falling into a cycle of relying solely on classic covers.

Tsai Chin

The Future of Music is Full of Infinite Possibilities

Regarding the future of Chinese music, Zhang Zhenyue expressed optimism. He noted that a new generation of musicians is gradually gaining their voice, and the digital means of creation have made music production much more accessible: “In the past, we needed a recording studio; now a laptop can do the job.” He emphasized that the innovation and diversity in the Chinese music scene will continue to expand, whether it’s the rise of rap music or the emergence of niche bands, with the future of music brimming with possibilities.

"You Sing 2024" innovates not only in its format and content but also incorporates a thoughtful approach to technology. When asked about accepting AI-generated songs, Li Yuchun replied, “AI is an irreversible technology; it can be a tool, but it cannot replace human emotions. The life experiences and perspectives involved in music creation are things AI cannot replicate.” Her viewpoint reflects the delicate balance contemporary musicians maintain between technology and artistry, acknowledging technological advancements while preserving the essential emotional core of music.

From the discussions at the press conference, "You Sing 2024" emerges not only as a music variety show but also as an exploration and safeguard of the future of the Chinese music industry. As executive director Sun Jing stated, creating an original music program is a risk, but also a responsibility and passion for the music industry. Meanwhile, the insights from guests like Li Yuchun and Zhang Xinzhe remind us that while the ways music is distributed are continually evolving, high-quality musical content still holds enduring value. "You Sing 2024" aims to inject fresh energy into the Chinese music scene through the power of original music, encouraging more young musicians to create the anthems of their generation. In this rapidly changing musical landscape, only by adhering to innovation and embracing change can we find the light of the future in Chinese music.