Recommended bands from Taiwan: Notable groups energizing the Asian scene
Taiwan shines with a unique brilliance on the Asian music scene.
From glamorous pop to alternative rock and electronica, a stream of talented bands is emerging across a wide range of genres.
Their rich body of songs reflects Taiwan’s distinctive cultural diversity.
Many stylish bands captivate with refined sound production and sleek visuals, and increasing performances in Japan and collaborations with Japanese artists are drawing attention.
Here, we’ll introduce the bands leading this new wave in Taiwanese music!
Recommended bands from Taiwan: Notable bands energizing the Asian scene (1–10)
My JinjiRakujitsu Hisha Sunset Rollercoaster
Sunset Rollercoaster is a Taipei-based band that stands out in the Asian music scene.
Formed in 2009 around vocalist Kuo Kuo, they initially energized Taiwan’s indie scene with a garage-psychedelic charm.
They debuted in 2011 with the album “Bossa Nova,” and performed at SUMMER SONIC that same year.
After resuming activities, they made a decisive shift toward AOR and city pop; albums like “Cassa Nova” and the acclaimed “Soft Storm” showcase their refined musicality.
Their talent is the real deal—they won Best Band at the Golden Melody Awards in 2021—and the groove born from their 80s-tinged synth sounds and sophisticated musicianship has captivated many music fans.
Their appearance on Audiotree Live is another example of their growing international presence.
If you like stylish, mellow music, this is a band you should definitely check out.
Us, LaterWuyuètiān Mayday
As a superstar band representing the Chinese-speaking world, Taiwan’s Mayday has been leading the Asian music scene.
Formed in 1997, they began as a garage rock band voicing the anxieties of youth, then evolved into melodious pop rock.
They made their debut with the album Mayday in July 1999, and their 2000 release Love of the Bachelors dominated the charts as a massive hit.
Their multiple wins for Best Band at the Golden Melody Awards and their legendary two-day concerts at Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium in 2012 are milestone achievements.
The literary world-building in Ashin’s lyrics has also captured the hearts of many fans.
If you love grand-scale live shows and songs that touch the heartstrings, this band will surely resonate with you.
with great difficulty; finally; at long lastShallow Embankment
If you’re looking for music that captures the breeze of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, give Shallow Levée a listen! Active since 2015, they weave indie rock and alternative folk into sounds that gently accompany inner landscapes.
Vocalist Yi-Ling’s lyrics—blending Taiwanese (Hokkien) and Mandarin—paired with her soft voice poetically portray everyday life in Kaohsiung on signature tracks like “Excavator” and “Daydreaming.” Their 2019 nationwide tour for “Daydreaming” sold out every show, and their album “The Village” won the Best Indie Album at the PlayMusic Awards.
Perfect for anyone who wants melodies that conjure vivid scenes and a sound of Taiwan that feels both nostalgic and new!
Last Summer (The Moon’s Mischief)I am a motorcycle girl. I'm difficult.
Based in Taipei, I’mdifficult is a four-piece alternative pop band formed in 2018.
Their sound is captivating, blending a foundation of neo-soul and R&B with diverse elements like funk and Afrobeat.
Their signature tracks include “Last Summer (月亮惹的禍),” and they released the album “25” in 2021 and “I’mdifficult” in 2023.
The latter was nominated at Taiwan’s Golden Indie Music Awards, further boosting their presence on the music scene.
In August 2023, they toured Japan and performed with artists like YeYe in various cities.
If you enjoy genre-defying, free-spirited music or want to discover fresh talent from Asia, they might really resonate with you!
Your love is even greater than I imagined.nasu tamago EggPlantEgg
EggPlantEgg, formed in Taipei in 2012, is a trio—Huang Qibin, Tsai Kairen, and Hsieh Yaote—whose music is rooted in indie rock with distinctive hints of blues and jazz.
They shot to fame with the theme song “Love, You’re Greater Than I Thought” from the film Man in Love.
Released in March 2021, the track won Song of the Year at the 2022 Golden Melody Awards.
Back in 2018, they also took home two major categories at the same awards.
Their band name, inspired by the “eggplant,” is uniquely memorable.
With their robust sound and Taiwanese-language melodies, they’re sure to strike a chord.