Leight Nine performing at Taiwan Music City Festival (© JAPAN Forward by Daniel Manning)
From September 6 to 8, Tower Records Shibuya's B1 CUTUP STUDIO was abuzz with the Taiwan Music City Music Festival Vol.1. Showcasing both Taiwan's established and freshest musical talent, the event offered a dynamic array of performances.
While Taiwan is often discussed in terms of international politics, this festival highlighted the country's unique artistic voice. It provided a platform for Taiwan's next generation of musical talent. This three-day event presented an exciting opportunity to witness ten of Taiwan's most promising artists.
Taiwanese artists like Sunset Rollercoaster and Elephant Gym have already captured global attention. This festival sought to build on that momentum by introducing a new wave of talent to Japanese audiences. It also highlighted growing interest in Taiwanese music in Japan, where musical exchanges are deepening ties between the two countries. For example, major Taiwanese acts like Jay Chou and aMei have recently performed in Japan. Japanese artists such as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Perfume have performed at music festivals in Taiwan. Incidentally, Japan also has the highest number of visitors to Taiwan.
Setting the Stage
On the opening night, Leight Nine, NUTS, and Random delivered unforgettable performances that set the tone for the festival.
1 Leight Nine
Leight Nine, an underground techno duo from Taipei, captivated the audience with their innovative blend of modern electronic music and traditional Taiwanese elements. Their unique sound design and creative use of traditional instruments created a distinctive and emotive auditory experience. "Taiwan is a place with many different cultural influences," the pair said of their music. "When these diverse elements come together, they form a distinctive cultural essence that truly embodies the spirit of Taiwan."
2 NUTS
NUTS, recognized for their energetic and genre-blending style, brought their signature retro rap and diverse harmonies to the stage. Their performance was marked by infectious melodies and dynamic rhythms, blending Mandarin and Taiwanese languages. The band's charismatic stage presence and engaging setlist had the audience moving and grooving. Their performance showcased an impressive blend of traditional influences with contemporary flair.
3 Random
Random, a band celebrated for their fusion of punk, metal, and funk, unleashed a high-octane set characterized by explosive vocals and powerful instrumentation. Their performance was a whirlwind of energy, drawing on their diverse musical influences to deliver a raw and exhilarating show.
Speaking on how the band's sound has evolved, the lead singer said, "We've been doing this for 19 years. At first, our music was pure teenage angst. Now that we've grown up and become fathers, it's more about motivation and inspiration."
From Indie Rock to Orchestral Beats
4 GOTA
GOTA kicked off day two with their high-energy Indie Rock sound. Known for their dynamic performances and emotionally charged lyrics, GOTA delivered a blinding set. Their powerful delivery of tracks from their latest release, including the Japanese collaboration with Mikan Hayashi, 'Moshi Moshi,' was impressive. Blending raw emotion with infectious rhythms, the performance highlighted their exceptional talent.
5 Sleeping Walkers
Sleeping Walkers followed with a captivating set that combined orchestral pop-rock with traditional rock elements. Their elaborate arrangements and digital beats created an immersive experience, reflecting their signature style of exploring emotional depth and existential themes through music. "Performing and sharing our music with fans is a dream," their lead singer commented. "I always strive to do better and to keep that initial passion alive."
6 PACHILA
PACHILA brought a different vibe with their intense and emotional live performance. Their name, meaning "to overcome," reflects their commitment to navigating the twists and turns of life and music. Rooted in screamo and pop-punk, their powerful choruses and the magnetic presence of lead singer Jimmy hint at a stadium-worthy future for the band.
7 P!SCO
P!SCO closed the night with their renowned dance-rock energy, exemplified by numbers like "PENGUIN DISCO." Their performance was a vibrant blend of rock, electronic, and classical influences, characterized by their engaging stage presence and visually dynamic show. P!SCO's set was a highlight, celebrating its reputation for pushing the boundaries of conventional genres and delivering an unforgettable live experience.
The band's dedicated fans created a whirlwind of energy, moshing, and circle-pitting throughout the entire set. "Our sincerity in music and genuine attitude towards fans are central to our approach," said the band's guitarist. "We approach every performance with heartfelt dedication, which might explain the strong bond we share with our audience."
A Powerful Finish
Fernoiz, Head Composer, and GGteens delivered memorable closing performances on the final day of the festival.
8 Fernoiz
With a refreshing blend of indie rock and electronic sounds, Fernoiz mesmerized the audience with its dynamic stage presence and unique soundscapes. A fusion of ambient rock with synth-heavy melodies, their music created a dreamy yet energizing atmosphere.
9 Head Composer
Head Composer took the stage next, offering a heavier and more experimental approach with their intricate compositions. Mixing 70's rock and modern post-metal elements, they pushed the boundaries of sound with their layered arrangements. "Heavy music bands are rare in Taiwan," the lead guitarist mentioned. "Most rock bands play shoegaze or post-rock. What we play is less common compared to Japan. If given the chance, we would love to perform in Japan and collaborate with Japanese bands."
10 GGteens
GGteens, with their energetic and youthful vibe, closed out the night with a lively set. Their music, characterized by catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms, had the crowd dancing and singing along. As a pop-rock band known for their infectious energy, they left a lasting impression. Songs such as "Stars" and "Don't Wake Me Up" highlighted the group's impressive songwriting prowess.
Musical Roots in Japan
During post-show interviews, the bands shared their love for Japan and its culture, highlighting how it has influenced their music.
Yoshi, NUTS' keyboardist, expressed his admiration for Japanese city pop, which heavily influenced his own music. "I really love city pop," he gushed. "It's surreal to be here, playing city pop in Japan as a Taiwanese indie band." Performing in Japan for the first time "felt like a dream come true" for him.
Members of Random reflected on their connection to Tower Records in Shibuya, a place they visited frequently to buy CDs of Japanese punk bands. One member shared, "I'm a CD collector, and I always visit Tower Records when I come to Tokyo. The selection here is amazing. Bands like NAMBA69 and Hi-Standard are hard to find in Taiwan." They described the experience of performing at the iconic venue as "incredible" and "unreal," given their long history of admiration for the store and the music scene.
Anime Beats
Sleeping Walkers also shared their early influences, with their singer mentioning that they grew up listening to Japanese rock bands like X-Japan. "We listened to bands like coldrain in high school, too," they added. "Japanese music has always been a huge influence on us."
For other bands like Fernoiz, Japanese pop culture, particularly anime, played a crucial role in shaping their music and band identity. Bassist Omoi explained, "Our band started by covering anime songs before moving on to original compositions. We love Japanese culture, and anime has influenced our lyrics."
Members of Head Compressor shared their love for Japanese manga, particularly Akira and Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.
By presenting a variety of talents, the festival highlighted Taiwan's unique musical voices, underscoring the strong cultural ties between Japan and Taiwan. In addition, it also opened doors for future collaborations, encouraging cultural exchange and contributing to a richer global music scene.
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Author: Daniel Manning
