What’s next for international artists in China?
In the wake of Kanye West’s unprecedented concerts in China, Split Works’ Archie Hamilton tells IQ what it means for the industry
News By Lisa Henderson | 29 October 2024
Spilt Works managing director Archie Hamilton has spoken to IQ about the future of international acts performing in China.
Founded in 2006, Split Works has enjoyed a long-standing reputation as a pioneer in importing international performers to China, organising tours for Sonic Youth, Death Cab for Cutie, Grimes and Ghostface Killah.
Nowadays, Hamilton’s focus is on artist development in order to “build bridges between Asia and the West” via his booking agency Scorched – no easy task given China’s strict policies for international artists.
Chinese authorities will often require foreign artists to submit set lists and song lyrics before getting approval to tour – and even then acts are often unsuccessful.
However, this looked set to change last month when infamous rapper Kanye West was granted…
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