ChinaTalk Taiwan indie music 101, the Taipei underground and tankie rappers
Mar 31, 2022
Brian Hioe, a Taipei-based DJ and New Bloom editor, dives into Taiwan’s indie music scene, shedding light on its sociopolitical context. He explores how indigenous communities influence music, and the challenges artists face earning a living in Taiwan versus China. The conversation also touches on his Twitter clashes with tankie rappers, a unique indie music dating app, and the surprising impact of celebrity scandals, like Wang Leehom's divorce, on national discussions about culture and women's treatment in society.
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Sorry Youth and the Sunflower Movement Generation
- Sorry Youth, a Taiwanese indie band, reflects the anxieties of the post-Sunflower Movement generation.
- Their music, often in Taiwanese Hokkien, is closely tied to activism and feelings of displacement.
Taiwan's Indie Music Scene: Growth and Paradox
- Taiwan's indie music scene has grown, even supporting a dating app based on shared musical taste.
- However, it's still small, with limited venues and bands often struggling to make a living solely from music.
COVID's Impact on Taiwan's Music Scene
- During Taiwan's COVID isolation, local bands gained prominence as international acts couldn't enter.
- However, this period lacked the stimulation and cross-cultural exchange that international collaborations bring.