Undoubtedly, this is an era where music copyright is not well protected. The hard work of musicians is often pirated through various illegal means, and the resulting issues from poor album sales have made it difficult for musicians to make a living. In May 2010, sponsored by MIDI Guitars and in collaboration with rock musician Yu Yang, “One Yuan for Legal Music Across China” launched the first one-yuan album, “Ordinary Life Can’t Beat Us,” which sold 50,000 copies that same year. Later, in January 2011, the Heaven Band also released the one-yuan legal album “Love in the Rock ’n’ Roll Years,” premiering at the “Rock Spring Festival” concert. In April 2011, GuitarChina, the leading Chinese guitar website, and its brand Guina sponsored the reissue of 20,000 copies of the Sugar Dolls’ album “1983,” selling them for one yuan. In June 2011, “One Yuan for Legal Music Across China” officially partnered with Beijing Lushang Culture Media Co., Ltd., handling channel development and brand promotion, and conducted promotional activities at music festivals nationwide and on university campuses.
These albums may have simple packaging, but their content is uncompromised. By 2012, “One Yuan for Legal Music Across China” had published 18 legal albums, selling over two million copies annually, appearing at more than 50 of China’s top music festivals. This public welfare initiative has also garnered the participation of a national alliance of 1,000 universities promoting legal music, 3,000 college student volunteers, support from a hundred public figures, and over 150 media outlets, earning a nomination for Best Marketing Event at the 2011 Chinese Golden Melody Awards. Starting in 2013, the One Yuan Legal Music Plan aims to release 20 original one-yuan legal albums annually, along with a national tour plan for brand collaborations, introducing more new rock talent. The organizers sincerely hope that young people in China who love music can pursue their passion and be fairly compensated for it. The one-yuan sales model is merely a way to raise awareness and support for Chinese original music—it has nothing to do with the music itself. Support legal music, even if it’s just one yuan.
The original intention and significance behind creating this compilation
Tian Bin, one of the initiators of “One Yuan for Legal Music Across China” and General Manager of Beijing Lushang Culture Media Co., Ltd., said: “Principal Zhang Fan was the first sponsor and supporter of the one-yuan legal album campaign, and we’ve always wanted to do something for MIDI. This year being the 20th anniversary of MIDI School, I think this is the best birthday gift we can give to MIDI!”
20 years of ups and downs have taken away our shared youth. Together, we’ve witnessed the challenging yet joyful journey of Chinese rock music. MIDI School has nurtured a large number of talents for Chinese rock music. We want to tell everyone through this compilation that records are not dead, the rock spirit is still burning, and Chinese rock music can be popular.
Criteria for selecting tracks for the compilation
Tian Bin: There are simply too many outstanding MIDI graduates, and it was indeed difficult to choose. An album has limited space, so we ultimately selected the most representative bands and individuals among MIDI graduates as the criteria for inclusion in this compilation. We hope to release more selections of MIDI graduates’ works in the future.
The 15 final selected bands or musicians
Tian Bin: Including Tang Dynasty, Mooer & Third Party, Iron Kite, Yaksha, Buyi, Escape Plan, Arsenal, SMZB (Life Pie), Yulin Army, Dahongpao, Eternal Wings, Shut Up Shut Down, Rui Wang Fen, Flash Star, and Zeng Yan. Thank you to all these bands and musicians for your support of “One Yuan for Legal Music Across China” and MIDI.
Future plans for “One Yuan for Legal Music Across China”
Tian Bin: In 2012, “One Yuan for Legal Music Across China” officially launched in Beijing, traveling through cities such as Shijiazhuang, Xinxiang, Zhengzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Changsha, Wuhan, Hefei, Zhenjiang, Tianjin, Wuqiang, Qingdao, Jinan, Linyi, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, Guiyang, Kunming, Luoyang, and back to Beijing, covering nearly 15,000 kilometers. This campaign received support from many musicians, media, and fans. We’d like to thank you again—your support has allowed our mission to go further and better. In 2013, we will continue moving forward, with a focus on university campuses in the second half of the year. We hope to share the joy that rock music brings with college students.
Message for the 20th Anniversary of the Beijing MIDI School of Music
Tian Bin: Hope all alumni come back to the “home” often. Coming to the music festival is the greatest support for Chinese rock music. Let’s all wish MIDI School a happy 20th birthday.
A message for the 20th anniversary celebration of the Beijing Midi School of Music
Tian Bin: I hope all alumni will come back to the “home” often to visit us. Coming to the music festival is the best way to support Chinese rock 'n' roll. Let’s all wish the Midi School a happy 20th birthday together.
Tian Bin: I hope all alumni will come back to the “home” often to visit us. Coming to the music festival is the best way to support Chinese rock 'n' roll. Let’s all wish the Midi School a happy 20th birthday together.
