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!
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Recommended bands from Taiwan: Notable bands energizing the Asian scene (1–10)
I miss you so much.gyo chō shi / sodaguriin (sōdagurīn)
As a standout presence in Taiwan’s music scene, Sodagreen deserves the spotlight.
Formed in 2001 by six students, they built their sound on indie rock and pop while incorporating diverse elements like classical and folk, which is a big part of their appeal.
Their debut album, “Sodagreen,” was released in 2005 and won them popularity across the Chinese-speaking world.
Since then, they’ve continued to produce widely acclaimed works.
Their talent is the real deal—at the Golden Melody Awards they won Best Band for the 2007 album “Little Universe” and again for the 2016 classic “Winter Endless.” Vocalist Wu Qing-feng went on to sweep five major GMA categories as a solo artist in 2020, and the band weathered the chapter when they changed their name to OAEK.
They’re also set for a 20th-anniversary tour in 2025.
If you’re looking for music with poetic lyrics and rich expressiveness, this is a band you should definitely hear!
OYSako to hakuchi Fool ando Idiot
Formed in 2015, Fool and Idiot is a band that has deepened its sound from indie rock into darker, more electronic textures.
Their 2019 debut album, “Yorunaga Yume Shō (Till 5:10 a.m.),” drew significant attention from many listeners, especially with the track “You Never Loved This World After All.” In 2024, their album “Shitai (Posture)” earned nominations in multiple categories at the Golden Melody Awards, cementing their strong reputation.
Their musical evolution—pursuing what they call their “true feelings”—is compelling, and the profound sonic world they weave is sure to captivate music fans seeking cutting-edge sounds.
UndercurrentHakushashōnen Sorry Youth
Formed in Kaohsiung in 2005, Sorry Youth is an alternative rock power trio that passionately sings in their native language, Taiwanese Hokkien.
Their sound uniquely fuses the raw intensity of grunge with the warmth of Taiwanese folk, stirring the listener’s soul.
After releasing their 2012 album Ocean Flavor, they went on to win the Golden Indie Music Award for Best Rock Album—one of Taiwan’s most prestigious music honors—with works including Brothers Without Dreams Shouldn’t Be, Good Times, Bad Times, and 2024’s Noise Apartment.
Their activities constantly draw attention, having raised a record-breaking NT$6 million for a Taiwanese rock band through crowdfunding.
They’ve also performed at Japanese festivals such as SUMMER SONIC, and their music—rich with social messages—is perfect for those seeking fiery rock or a deeper connection with Taiwanese culture.
Recommended bands from Taiwan: Notable bands energizing the Asian scene (11–20)
The things I kept for you, I never… Those Things I KeptSweet John
Sweet John, a Taiwanese band known for its wet, softly saturated sound, formed in 2016.
As of this writing, they’re a five-piece with male–female twin vocals, delivering a pleasing guitar-pop sound rooted in indie rock.
Their debut album Dear, released in December 2017, features signature tracks like Missing Population and Sundial.
Dear won Best Band at the 29th Golden Melody Awards, cementing their reputation.
Their evocative, cinematic lyricism is another draw, and they successfully made their Japan live debut in November 2024.
If you want to immerse yourself in harmonies like a gentle misty rain, this is a band you should definitely explore.
An overnight long-distance busMekkaki Fire EX.
Formed in Kaohsiung in 2000, Fire EX.
is a band that shakes listeners to the core with punk rock centered on the Taiwanese language.
After releasing the album “Let’s Go!” in 2007, they struck a deep chord in 2014 with “Island’s Sunrise (島嶼天光),” which became a symbol of the student movement and won Best Song at the Golden Melody Awards the following year.
Their album “Unsung Heroes” also earned them Best Band in 2020.
Their fiery sound, infused with social messages, is their true essence—sure to resonate with anyone seeking powerful rock and music with a strong message.
Leaving Taured feat. YokkorioBuraime Buremen Entateinmento Kabushiki Gaisha
Bremen Entertainment Inc.
is a mixed-gender four-piece garnering attention in Taiwan’s indie scene.
Centered on psychedelic rock, their experimental sound weaves in elements of nu-metal and prog.
They emerged onto the scene with the 2022 album “Taured,” followed by “The Great Bremen Show,” which is notable for its deep storytelling.
The track “Peace and Quiet (Bremen announcement)” is a standout that showcases their individuality.
“The Great Bremen Show” won Best Album at the 15th Golden Indie Music Awards in November 2024, and the single took home Best Rock Song.
Together with artwork by Taiwanese comic artist Yu Boren, they’ve crafted a three-part narrative, offering a cinematic musical experience.
Their meticulous sound and unpredictable developments make them a perfect fit for adventurous music fans and those who seek story-driven works.
If we were still togetheruchuujin Cosmos People
Cosmos People is a Taiwanese three-piece band formed in 2004.
While rooted in indie pop and rock, they boldly incorporate elements of funk and dance-pop, known for their groovy sound.
They debuted in 2009 with the album “Cosmos People,” and their representative works include the albums “Earthwalk” and “10000 hours.” In 2023, they won Best Band at the Golden Melody Awards.
If you’re looking for music that brings a comfortable rhythm and bright energy to everyday life, they’re sure to offer a delightful discovery.