Core Viewpoint - The popularity of folk music, exemplified by artists like Ma Di, is declining as audiences shift towards short video music trends, leading to a diminished interest in traditional folk songs like "Nan Shan Nan" [1][5][11]. Group 1: Evolution of Folk Music - Folk music experienced a resurgence around 2020, particularly through shows like "The Summer of Bands," but has since returned to obscurity [6]. - The first generation of folk musicians, such as Lao Lang and Xiao Ke, created a collective memory through their campus folk songs, which resonated with themes of youth and freedom [8]. - The rise of the internet has transformed how folk music is consumed, with many contemporary folk songs gaining popularity through covers and social media [10]. Group 2: Current Trends and Challenges - Contemporary folk artists are increasingly distancing themselves from the genre, seeking creative freedom and expressing dissatisfaction with repetitive themes in folk music [11][13]. - The audience for folk music has shifted, with many former listeners now favoring short, catchy songs that dominate social media platforms [13][15]. - Compared to rock music, which has evolved and diversified, folk music struggles to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing musical landscape [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and current state of the Chinese folk music scene, particularly focusing on the impact of popular songs like "South of the South" and the artists behind them, highlighting the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success [4][11][20]. Group 1: Popularity of Folk Music - The peak popularity of folk music occurred between 2013 and 2017, largely due to the "Folk Music Three Illusions" represented by songs like "South of the South" [6][14]. - The rise of folk music was significantly influenced by television shows, with "South of the South" gaining fame through performances on "The Voice of China" [8][11]. - Folk music's mainstream success has led to a perception that it lacks depth, with artists like Ma Di expressing discomfort with their most popular works [11][19]. Group 2: The Dichotomy of Folk Music - The article contrasts the concepts of "circulation" and "popularity" in folk music, suggesting that while folk music has become popular, it may not reflect the true essence of the genre [12][13]. - Artists like Ma Di and Zhao Lei have moved away from their earlier hits, seeking to create music that resonates more deeply with their artistic values rather than commercial trends [20][19]. - The influx of new artists into the folk scene has led to a proliferation of songs that mimic earlier hits, further complicating the genre's evolution [18][19]. Group 3: Challenges Facing Folk Music - The article notes that while folk music has enjoyed periods of popularity, it faces challenges in maintaining relevance against genres like rock and rap, which have seen a resurgence [24][25]. - The technical aspects of folk music are often criticized, with the genre perceived as easier to produce compared to rock or rap, leading to a decline in its artistic credibility [27][29]. - Despite efforts to revitalize folk music through various platforms, such as the "Our Folk Music" show, the genre struggles to capture the same audience engagement as other music styles [26][30].