Taiwan Grooves

In these two weeks, I will be having a friendly chat with Chen Yi-heng, who just released a new album recently, titled  can cancan cancancan . In today's episode, we will explore his origin of getting into music, his different feelings between working on EP and the album, and its theme.  Chen Yi-heng, living in Taipei, likes to tell foreign friends that he is from Anping, Tainan. Traveli...

In our second part of the interview with FunkyMo, we will dive deep into why he writes music in Taiwanese and about bringing his recent album into the existence.  FunkyMo was exposed to American Hip-Hop, Funk, R&B, and other broader musical styles. At the same time, he exchanged rock music albums with classmates from the rock music club who sat behind him. He thought he would da...

On today's episode of Taiwan Grooves part I, I will interview a Taiwanese born and raised R&B musician, FunkyMo, who makes music in Taigi and English.  FunkyMo was exposed to American Hip-Hop, Funk, R&B, and other broader musical styles. At the same time, he exchanged rock music albums with classmates from the rock music club who sat behind him. He thought he would dance forever,...

In today's episode we will talk about Steev's first instruments and their different varieties - their production, materials and their history. Steev Kindwald brings a unique fusion of ancient folk traditions and contemporary sounds. Drawing on his diverse cultural heritage from Romania, Germany, Scotland, and England, Steev plays various traditional instruments, including the Jaw Harp and Double F...

Join in on today's first episode, where Steev educates me about different flutes and their functions, breathing techniques while playing, picking up this kind of instruments and desert life.    Steev Kindwald brings a unique fusion of ancient folk traditions and contemporary sounds. Drawing on his diverse cultural heritage from Romania, Germany, Scotland, and England, Steev pla...

In today's episode, the band members will share their favorite songs to perform, favorite performance and some encouriging words for starting musicians.  Kumara the Cat is an indie-rock band from Taipei city started in 2018. The band consists of vocal/guitarist Ciou, guitarist Qmo, bassist Paul, drummer Tweety and Keyboardist Momo. The band was inspired by British rock from 60s to nowadays an...

In today's episode, we introduce the band members and take a peek into their creative process. They will also share their inspiration behind their latest EP, Ina.  Kumara the Cat is an indie-rock band from Taipei city started in 2018. The band consists of vocal/guitarist Ciou, guitarist Qmo, bassist Paul, drummer Tweety and Keyboardist Momo. The band was inspired by British rock from 60s to n...

Today's episode is a bit different as it is without a guest. As 2024 is coming to an end, I thought I would take a look back at all the interviews and revisit some of the old artists that walked through the halls of Rti.  Unfortunately I could not fit in all the artists and should have aimed for two episodes, but hopefully people who were keeping up with the show will find the last few weeks...

Welcome to the second part of the interview with the Taiwanese rock band: Echo of Your Soul. We will talk about what is the meaning behind one of their latest track "Subscribe to Meditation", their comeback to the music scene and their most memorable perfromances.  Echo of Your Soul (回聲樂團) is known for their unique mixing of modern Chinese poetic lyrics with Neo-Psychedelia...

In today's episode, I will interview three Taiwanese rock band: Echo of Your Soul members. In the first episode, we will discuss their musical influences and how the band came to exist. They will also share their view on their music evolution and some of their new work. Echo of Your Soul (回聲樂團) is known for their unique mixing of modern Chinese poetic lyrics with Neo-Psychedelia and Dance Rock...

In today's episode we will continue our interview with the Neapolitan band, Suonno d’Ajere. In an interview conducted at the World Music Festival @ Taiwan, the three members shared they most memorable performances, future touring places and what their inspiration and goal is behind creating music.  A trio that breathes together from the slightest to the fullest whisper. A voice, th...

Join in on today's episode, where I will be interviewing the band Suonno d’Ajere, who brings back classical Neapolitan songs. Three passionate musicians, born in the city of Naples, have come together to prove once and for all that the tradition of Neapolitan song writing is still as moving and relevant as it has ever been. A trio that breathes together from the slightest to the fu...

Today we will continue talking jazz with Vincent Hsu, who will enlighten us about his current projects, how tough it is to make it as a composer, how has jazz evolved and how it is to play bass.  Vincent Hsu is an award-winning bassist and composer who fuses jazz and Afro-Cuban music with his Taiwanese roots. Born in Changhua, Taiwan, and raised in Kaohsiung, he launched his musical career in...

This episode will feature bassist Vincent Hsu, who will share his journey of starting to play bass relatively late, New York jazz education and his work after returning to Taiwan.  Vincent Hsu is an award-winning bassist and composer who fuses jazz and Afro-Cuban music with his Taiwanese roots. Born in Changhua, Taiwan, and raised in Kaohsiung, he launched his musical career in New York...

Today we will continue with our two part interview with Alec Orachi. We will talk about adapting his performance to different places, favorite memory and fan interactions.   Alec Orachi, the dynamic Thai artist, is a true storyteller and an authentic voice of our generation. His mission is clear: to invite everyone, regardless of age or race,to join the musical journey he's crafting. Alec des...

In today's episode, I will interview an energetic Thai artist, who visited Taiwan to perform at a festival and was kind enough to stop by Rti!  Alec Orachi, the dynamic Thai artist, is a true storyteller and an authentic voice of our generation. His mission is clear: to invite everyone, regardless of age or race,to join the musical journey he's crafting. Alec describes himself as a livin...

In today's episode we will continue the interview with a jazz musician, Minyen! He will share his view on Taiwan's music scene and what 'practicing' means to him.  Hsieh Minyen (謝明諺) is a highly regarded, award-winning Taiwanese saxophonist. The Taipei native, born in 1981, started to perform professionally at the age of 19, and received his Master degree from the Koninklijk Conservatorium...

In today's episode, I will interview Hsieh Minyen, a talented saxophonist, who will share his journey of picking up the saxophone and his experiences studying music at a university in Europe. Hsieh Minyen (謝明諺) is a highly regarded, award-winning Taiwanese saxophonist. The Taipei native, born in 1981, started to perform professionally at the age of 19, and received his Master degree from the Ko...

Today we will continue in interviewing the unique combo of Mans on handpan and Addi on bass, who will discuss their upcoming work, playing with others and words of advice.  Mans (阿曼) is a professional Handpan player, percussionist, restaurateur, event coordinator, and hospitality services consultant. He is dedicated to promoting handpan culture in Taiwan, establishing dedicated perform...

Join today's episode where I interview two musicians, creating an unusual combo. Mans and Addi will share their origins, backgrounds, and how the recent album 'Handemic' came into existence. Mans (阿曼) is a professional Handpan player, percussionist, restaurateur, event coordinator, and hospitality services consultant. He is dedicated to promoting handpan culture in Taiwan, establishing dedicated...

Join in on today's episode where we wrap up our interview with the talented artist DEW. We will discuss favorite and not so favorite part of being a musician, Taiwanese music industry and some advice for starting musicians. DEW is a breath of fresh air in the Asian music scene. Writing and producing his own music, DEW’s songs are like a chill breeze, swimming through genres of Bedr...

DEW is a breath of fresh air in the Asian music scene. Writing and producing his own music, DEW’s songs are like a chill breeze, swimming through genres of Bedroom Pop, R&B, and lo-fi. After releasing two EPs last year “NIGHTFALL” & “DAYLIGHT,” DEW also completed sold out shows in Taichung and Taipei, as well as performing at music festivals around Taiwan. Ple...

Join in on today's episode where the jazz members of Duke Fantasy share how they balance their working life and making music and their advice. Duke Fantasy is an eclectic fusion band featuring Jason on rock saxophone, Li on jazz guitar, Kabu on keyboard, who came to represent jazz music. This diverse group of talented musicians composes and performs original music, blending various genres int...

Duke Fantasy is an eclectic fusion band featuring Jason on rock saxophone, Li on jazz guitar, Kabu on keyboard, who came to represent jazz music. This diverse group of talented musicians composes and performs original music, blending various genres into a unique sound that pushes musical boundaries.   To know more about the band and their music, please visit:  Facebook

"Make the music that you want to hear in the world, not what you think the world wants to hear."  In today's episode you will hear Marian share with us her transition to a full time musician and which songs she enjoys performing the most.  Born in the Philippines and based in Singapore, singer-songwriter Marian Carmel has an innate ability to evoke emotions. Her ethereal vocals breathe l...