Once the 12 Girls Band became popular, similar groups predictably starting popping up. Musicat and Beautiful Youth 18 were formed last year. Both feature now-familiar formulas of attractive young women playing different instruments in songs that combine modem music with classic Chinese tunes. Yet they add to the mix by throwing in song, dance and even acrobatics. In an interview, noted music critic Jin Zhaojun said the girl band phenomenon was not new to China, as similar acts appeared in the 1980s.

However, the undying rule is that to be successful, bands have to have a novel look. "The 12 Girls Band was the first group to give big live shows and show creativity in how they present their performances. The Beijing Red Poppy Ladies Percussion group, formed in 1999, has made a name for itself because they are the only band that exclusively plays drums and percussion instruments. Bands that don’t have ’a thing’ are sure to die fast," Jin said.