It's evening at the 798 Art Zone in Beijing. Singer-songwriter Dou Jingtong emerges from a coffee shop next to a live-house venue, where she has just performed.
Fans scream her name and take her photos on cellphones.
"I love you," one young woman tells her idol.
In her tight blue jeans and a loose white blouse, Dou, 19, smiles shyly and waves at people.
Success has come early for the soft-spoken musician, who released her debut album, StoneCafe, in April. It is in English.
Released in digital format on QQ Music, a platform of Chinese internet giant Tencent, the album has been heard more than 40 million times within three weeks, setting a record for Chinese musicians.
"It's a miracle for such a young Chinese, who just released an album and sings in English,too," says Andy Ng, general manager of Digital Media Service of QQ Music, adding that the company has launched a new project, Music Plus, to support young talents.
On China's music scene, Dou is a rare emergence. Fans are impressed by her silky voice and singing style that mixes electronic, alternative rock and other elements.
