Unlike some bands, which focus only on music, Zhou has done a lot of things to advertise and commercialize his band. He played at commercial events, received a sponsorship from an American company called Kirlin, as well as competed for eligibility to perform at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, an opportunity for ambitious artists to rise to stardom. (Click here to watch the band's show at CCTV)

"I would never give up the opportunity to earn ourselves a living. Because the financial support could unite me and the rest of the band even closer," he said.

Money does matter, but this does not by any standard mean his band can accept just anything and everything. There is a clear bottom line. "I still consider myself an artist and what I play is all for the sake of music." Zhou explains.

To create his own style, he integrated crosstalk into his songs's lyrics, such as "Linglong Pagoda" and "Selling clothes," which won the band recognition and popularity.

Born to a native Beijing family, Zhou started listening to crosstalk when he was only a child. His father used to listen to the radio crosstalk wherever he went and the habit exerted a great influence on his son, who also has developed an immense interest in the art.

"I hope I can attract more young people to the traditional art through our songs," he said.