Better interaction

A 22-year-old woman wishing to be identified only as Zhao, who works in audiobook management in Beijing, is POKER's producer. The group made its debut in November.

"I had long dreamed of becoming an idol, but my family wanted me to find a suitable job like other people. Now, I believe I have made a better choice," Zhao said.

"When I was about to graduate from college, I stumbled upon the world of independent idols. With most of my academic responsibilities completed, and having a stable job, I made the decision to join the independent idol community."

The work was initially hard. Members of POKER — college students and office workers — had laid solid artistic foundations. Most of them were amateur dancers, but their vocals were weak, and when they started their music careers, they were anxious about doing well.

Staging performances also posed a challenge. Zhao said that due to COVID-19 control and prevention measures, shows were canceled several times at the last minute.

"Our first performance was staged in Tianjin in February. We were busy preparing new songs, and we had to scramble for tickets with other people. The event organizer was inexperienced, and the microphone was not working well, but fortunately the performance was a success," she said.

POKER used to practice in Zhongguancun, where an office market in Beijing, and members of the band made friends with their peers. The group subsequently staged a performance with other girl bands, one of which came from South China. This group had a professional management team and better resources.

Zhao said POKER overcame many difficulties to perfect its performances. "We hope our positivity and courage will influence our fans, so that when they face challenges, they will think of us and be brave," she said.

A 23-year-old audience member at the Tianjin concert said: "The first time I saw POKER, I felt their love for the stage. I saw the effort the band members made and their enthusiasm to perform. I was completely immersed in the show, as I could interact with the group."

Compared with mainstream girl groups, independent bands such as POKER tend to attract more interaction. Zhao said members of these bands often clap hands with fans at specific moments.

Independent girl groups generally do not get a share of ticket sales. They profit from selling handshake tickets and performing for businesses. To lower the risk of a big drain on their finances, and to share costs, several girl groups often perform together.

"Performance organizers help us with some resources, but they are not enough to cover our daily expenses," Zhao said.

To stay in business, POKER rents a dance studio, buys costumes regularly, and pays for its own travel. In the future, the band may have to bear the cost of music arrangement and making a music video.

Hime, a member of the group, said: "During my time with POKER, I have made more friends and gained a life beyond school. In the process, I have also discovered my hidden talents. These experiences have been truly marvelous."

Changmiao, another member of the group, said: "I remember the first time I took part in a full performance. We rehearsed countless times until early morning. I made a number of mistakes and was extremely nervous, but when the spotlight focused on me on stage, I relaxed."

At a meeting with fans, one supporter took group photos with Changmiao, who felt she had gained recognition and that all the efforts she made were worthwhile.

Zhao said POKER does not have many grand ambitions like other groups. "For now, all I want to do is sing and dance happily with my bandmates on the stage. We want to bring strength and joy to those fans who already love us, and to those who will watch us perform in the future."