White is betting that Taiwan will soon follow its neighbors. In Thailand, for example, grunge rockers Y Not 7 have sold 700,000 of their debut album. Even local heavy metal artists have sold well. Undoubtedly, Taiwan's record industry is due for a shakeup. Overall music sales have declined steadily for the past six years, due mostly to a shrinking consumer base.
Listeners outgrow pop offerings and simply stop buying CDs.
Appearing on one of Taiwan's ubiquitous variety shows is one promotional device. Amp is not Taiwan's first alternative label. But none has turned a profit. Of course, none enjoy Sony's deep pockets and good connections. Next year Amp will launch a big joint campaign with Sony's other Asian alternative labels.