Taiwan Grooves

Hello and welcome! Today, I will be interviewing Doggydog, a Taiwanese rapper from Nantou. In this episode, we will explore his beginnings and influences, as well as the motivation behind his music. We will also discuss his latest album, *Taiwan Tycoon*, and share insights into some of its songs. Lastly, we'll talk about his recent album release performance, including his guests and how it went! *...

Today's episode will continue our interview with two members of deinovore, Nate and Han. We'll start by discussing how they got into playing instruments and what inspired them to get back into music. They will talk about their previous projects, how they met, and share their insights on the metal scene in Taiwan. We'll also get a preview of their upcoming album and hear some advice for aspiring mu...

Hello, and join us today for an episode focused on sludge and stoner metal! I will be joined by Han and Nate from the band deinovore. We will discuss their intriguing band name and the themes they typically explore in their music. Later, we will discover some of their influences, and we'll wrap up by talking about what initially inspired them to pursue music.  Sludgy bass-driven vore-rock out...

Hello and welcome back to the interview with the members of Moon'Dshake! Kuo-yen, John, and Lynn return to the studio after two years with a new album titled *Paradise Tea*! In today's episode, we will continue our conversation and discuss the origin and meaning behind some of their tracks, as well as the band's plans for 2026. "Even in the dark, the half-lit moon (D) is a gentle guide. In the sma...

Greetings! Join us for an insightful conversation with the three band members of MoonD'shake! The band is back in the studio after two years with a new album for their listeners, titled *Paradise Tea*! In the first part of this two-episode interview, we will explore the inspiration behind the album and what made it possible. They will also share their experiences of recording at home versus in the...

Join us for the second part of the interview featuring Saydie, a metal band from the Philippines. They revisited Taiwan for a festival and a show, as part of their Asian tour. Today, the four members will let us in on their tricks and quirks they follow before live performances, themes and distinctions in the upcoming album, and a breakdown of some of their songs.  SAYDIE is a female-fronted...

Hello and welcome to today's episode featuring Saydie, a metal band from the Philippines. In the studio, we have all four members, fresh off the plane from their Asia tour, ready for an interview and two performances in Taiwan. This is not their first time in Taiwan, and hopefully, it won't be their last!  In the first part of this two-part interview, we will learn about their beginnings and...

In this week's episode, we continue our discussion with R&B and Neo-Soul singer LINION from Taiwan. Last week, we explored his previous work and background. Today, we will focus on the ideas and concepts behind his latest album, examining how it differs from his earlier work. Additionally, we'll dive deeper into some of his songs. LINION is a soulful singer and songsmith from Taiwan, with a co...

Join today's episode, I am joined by R&B singer and bass player - LINION! Together, we will discuss his humble KTV beginnings, his main instrument, musical influences, and some of the unusual methods of his previous teachers.  LINION is a soulful singer and songsmith from Taiwan, with a core focus on Neo-Soul and R&B. With the electric bass as his main instrument of study, LINION grad...

Thank you for tuning in to part II of our interview with Yufu, who recently released his soul album, *Heal Me Good*. In today’s episode, we discuss the soul music community in Taiwan and Japan, explore a meaningful trip that changed his musical career path, and Yufu will break down some of his tracks for us.  Yufu is an emerging Soul and Funk musician who finds his muse in the classic 7...

Join us for today's episode, where I will be interviewing Yufu, a Taiwanese soul musician who previously appeared on my show a while back. He is returning to discuss his new album titled "Heal Me Good." We'll talk about what Yufu has been up to lately, some of his performances this year, and the main ideas behind the album and its creation. Yufu is an emerging Soul and Funk musician who finds his...

Welcome to the second episode featuring Kyle, the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the band Electric Monk! In this episode, we continue from last week's discussion, where we covered the band's origins and introduced its members. We also explored the topic of overcoming stage fright.  Today, we will pick up right where we left off. We'll discuss the balance of using social media to promote...

Welcome to today's episode with a member of Electric Monk, Kyle! Together, we will discuss how the band came into existence, current and past members of the band, some of his favorite and memorable performances, and we will dig into the topic of stage fright!  Electric Monk got started in the mid-2000s in Austin, Texas, where Kyle (vocals and guitar) and Brent Scheihagen (vocals, guitar, and...

Welcome back to the second episode of our interview with opera singer, composer, and enthusiast, Ü. In last week's episode, we explored her rich musical background and discussed specific operas. Today, we will delve into some of her favorite composers, examine whether the opera audience is growing, and even hear short samples from her own work. If you're curious about opera but don't know muc...

Hello, and welcome to today's episode! I will be interviewing Ü during her visit back home to see her family and give some lectures. In this episode, we will discuss her origins in music, the importance of music in her life, and her unique connection between music and big data. We will also explore opera and score reading, including singing in different languages. Tune in for the first part o...

Hello! Join us for today's episode, part II with Holly, a talented acoustic fingerstyle musician known for her introspective and relaxing instrumental music. We will continue our discussion from where we left off, focusing on how the songs she has been working on came to life and what common themes they share. We’ll also hear a breakdown and samples of a few tracks. Additionally, she will sh...

Hello and welcome to today's episode featuring Holly! In this discussion, we'll explore Holly's journey with music, including how she was surrounded by it from a young age and began learning to play the piano and guitar. We'll delve into her experience in a band and how she transitioned between the two instruments. Holly will also share her role in a monthly improv show, including her preparation...

Hello and welcome to a slightly different episode! As for the last part of my holiday, I decided to give everyone a little quiz! Just to recap a bit and see how much you pay attention, we will play a short bit of a song from artists who appeared on this show before, and your job will be to guess the song's name! Or at least an artist. In case you can't, worry not! At least enjoy good music and per...

In part II of the episode with Wenwen, we will discuss the creation of Wenwen's EP "Wa kah i li," exploring the themes of first love and the unique mix of Taiwanese and English lyrics that define her music. We will also cover the role of live performances and social media in reaching audiences, and how these platforms influence WenWen's musical journey. Additionally, she will share insights into t...

In this episode, we explore the journey of Wenwen, an artist who evolved from studying illustration to creating music. We discuss early inspirations and the transition from illustration to music, highlighting the influence of both Taiwanese and English artists. The episode also covers Wenwen's transformative experience studying in New York and how it shaped her artistic and musical perspectives. W...

In part II of our conversation with Lili, we will explore the delicate balance between hard work and the pursuit of inspiration in the music industry. Our guest, Lili Greenberg, a talented singer-songwriter, will share her experiences transitioning from the competitive atmosphere of New York City to the more relaxed and community-focused music scene in Taiwan. She will also discuss how this change...

Join us as we explore the creative world of music with Lili Greenberg, a talented singer, songwriter, and dancer. In this episode, you will find out how her upbringing in the multicultural neighborhoods of New York City, along with the influence of musical theater and her family, has shaped her artistic journey. Lili reflects on the challenges and triumphs of touring as a performer, shares in...

Hello and welcome! Today, we will continue our conversation with Taipei-based musician Max Lee, who originally hails from Florida. In this second part of the interview, we will discuss memorable performances, the dynamics of collaborating with other musicians, and the challenges of rehearsing and recording music. Max will share his excitement about discovering new venues for acoustic sets and the...

In today's conversation, Max returns to discuss his musical journey since his last appearance. He shares insights into his performances, the challenges he faces with different venues, and the evolution of his projects. Max reflects on his songwriting process, the importance of collaboration, and the need for effective promotion in today's saturated music landscape. He expresses a desire to balance...

Greetings! Join us for today’s discussion with Mamasay Records and three of its bands as they visit and tour around Taiwan. We will feature BESTFRIEND, deLight, and jinsungyoon. In the second part of the interview, they will share insights on the popularity of busking in Japan and Korea. Additionally, BESTFRIEND will discuss their latest album, and deLight will describe the inspiration behin...