边上班边做偶像，这届年轻人找到了追梦新方式......

Independent girl group refers to performers or groups that perform primarily at the live house. They often have regular jobs and spend their spare time in rehearsals and performances, as well as marketing campaigns in social media.

While they lack financial backing and promotion from major record labels or entertainment companies, this doesn’t dent their enthusiasm for performing.

"I had long dreamed of becoming an idol. 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."

In China, the emergence of these groups has social and psychological underpinnings. 

In 2020, research by China Youth Daily and the dating app Tantan found that just over 40 percent of those questioned said they had experienced social phobia, and nearly 53 percent believed they lacked interpersonal skills.

The research findings partly explain the emergence of an independent girl group culture in China, in which group members realize their dreams of fan support, and fans feel inspired and needed by their idols.

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

Also, by buying handshake tickets after each performance, fans can meet, interact and take photos with the members of girl groups. Such exchanges are crucial to strengthening the emotional connection between fans and their idols.

A 23-year-old audience member 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."

They also have low budgets — paying for their own equipment, travel arrangements, meals and venue charges, among other expenses.

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 arrangements and making a music video.

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 worried about doing well.

"I remember the first time I took part in a full performance. We rehearsed countless times until early morning. I experienced numerous failures and breakdowns in a movement, 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 had made were worthwhile.

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."

"We hope our positivity and courage will influence our fans, so that when they face challenges, they will think of us and be brave."

Qingxi 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."

记者：王松松

编辑：李雪晴

见习编辑：李涵萌