Another intriguing aspect is that a lot of these acts are also quite large in number. I once counted 15 members in one group for example, that has to be a video director's nightmare and I wouldn't want to be the guy put in the back!! There is the extreme example of probably one of the largest groups I have ever come across in Japan which is AKB48, a pop culture phenomenon in their own right that introduces yet another 'innovative' concept. Group members feature as a direct result of a popular vote, they can be voted both in and out of the group on a variety of sometimes absurd criteria, harsh but fair you might argue, you be the judge.

The videos themselves are impressive to say the least. Vast exterior shots, lavish sets and slick editing contrasts markedly with that being churned out in your world, often characterised as 'independently' presented with relatively small budgets. In Asia no expense is spared, even on bands that likely will not go the distance. In fact some of the biggest artists in the West would give their back teeth to access the ruthlessly efficient resource, infrastructure and process on offer here. What is clear is that the workflows of music video pioneers such as Russell Mulcahy and his contemporaries have been refined to assembly line status in typical Asian style. And that is not a criticism by the way particularly when you consider the production values at work. I could use an automotive analogy at this point but I think you understand the point.

One of the other striking aspects of this music revolution in the region is the inherent optimism embedded in the material. The rhythms are snappy, the melodies and breaks are slickly produced. The presentation reflects, particularly in the younger generation the heightened economic expectations that abound. There is no doubt that many people are enjoying economic good fortune their parents could only dream about and they want the soundtrack to their lives to reflect this. This is what J-Pop and K-Pop does, no protest or discontent can be found here. So how significant is this? Well a recent example suggests more so than you might think. K-Pop band 'Big Bang' become the first Asian singers to win the Best Fans award at the 2012 MTV TRL Awards in Italy. They also won the Best Worldwide Act award at the MTV Europe Music Awards the year before. Music from the region is reaching out into other markets and making an impact.