Recommended bands from Taiwan: Notable groups energizing the Asian scene

thought; assumed; believed (used when something was presumed)Shunmen Gakutai ChuNoodle

thought; assumed; believed (used when something was presumed)

If you’re looking for a warm yet intellectually engaging musical experience, give Chu Noodle a listen! They’re a wonderful band whose sound weaves soft Hakka vocals together with clarinet and bass clarinet.

Their hallmark is a crossover style where pop, jazz, and world music seamlessly blend.

Since around 2019, they’ve broadened their activities, showcasing their unique sonic world with tracks like “Climbing Mountains” from the album “After All,” and “Thought,” in which a line from a Japanese children’s song is tenderly sung in Japanese.

They won the Best Crossover/World Music Award at the 2019 Golden Indie Music Awards, and in 2021 they took Best New Band at Singapore’s Fresh Music Awards, drawing even more attention.

Highly recommended if you enjoy soothing acoustic textures and music woven from diverse cultures!

I want to be with you.onti manpo Wendy Wander

Wendy Wander – I Want To Be With You (Official Music Video)

Wendy Wonder delivers a pleasant sense of weightless drift and an urban shimmer.

Formed in 2018, their sound—often described as “urban mellow pop”—is rooted in dream pop and city pop while blending in a variety of elements.

In 2020, tracks like “I Want To Be With You” from their self-produced album Spring Spring drew significant attention.

Their collaboration with Japanese band Billyrrom, “Nightglow Dreamer,” was nominated in two categories at the MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN.

If you enjoy refined Asian indie sounds and romantic music that accompanies everyday life, they’re a band you should definitely check out.

If I were rebornGeshutaruto Otome

Gestalt Maiden “If I’m Reborn” Music Video

Formed in January 2016 in Taiwan, Gestalt Girl is known for a genre-crossing sound rooted in math rock, digital rock, and shoegaze.

The Japanese lyrics penned by vocalist Mikan further deepen their unique world.

Their July 2018 mini-album “If I Were Reborn” reached No.

7 on Spotify’s Viral Top 50, and the subsequent album “Eye Test” was also well received.

They were selected for Spotify Japan’s Early Noise 2020.

Mikan says she writes lyrics in Japanese because it’s easier for her to express her emotions.

With a new lineup featuring a bassist who joined in March 2024, their latest sound is also drawing attention.

Their airy, dreamy textures are sure to resonate with listeners seeking quality indie rock.

The mistress’s missed momentGokunin Accusefive

Accusefive [Somewhere in Time] Official Music Video

Accusefive is a three-piece rock band formed in 2017, distinguished by their male–female twin vocals.

Rooted in folk rock while weaving in elements like synth-pop, their multifaceted sound is like a kaleidoscope.

They gained recognition through their debut EP “迷霧之子” and the album “Somewhere in Time, I Love You.” The harmonies they create feel as if they gently nestle close to the listener’s heart.

In 2018, they won Best New Artist at the Golden Indie Music Awards, and at the 2024 Golden Melody Awards, “In The Clouds” won Best Song.

Their first headlining show in Japan, held at KT Zepp Yokohama in November of the same year, was a sold-out success—proof of their solid popularity.

Whether you’re looking to be soothed by tender vocals or sink into something a bit cooler, their music will surely meet the moment.

East District East DistrictEighty-three Day

Eighty Three Year Olds [East District East District] Official MV Full Version

Versailles (Barsan Yao), a five-member band from Taiwan formed by high school classmates in 2003.

Their energetic, catchy sound blends emo, punk, and rock with a dash of techno.

They began performing in 2007, and their popularity exploded with Dongqu Dongqu from the 2012 album The Last 8/31.

In 2020, they provided the ending theme for the smash-hit drama Someday or One Day, showing just how much attention they’ve garnered.

Their collaboration with Itto Gen on the album Survival Guide is another great highlight.

If you love fiery live shows and melodies that move the heart, be sure to check them out!

An overnight long-distance busMekkaki Fire EX.

Fire EX. – Southbound Night Bus Lyric Video

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.

point-blankDouble2 Gakudan

Double 2 Band – Zero Distance MV

The lead vocalist and guitarist made their debut from a singing contest.

They formed a band together and released an album.

This song is light, and combined with the lead singer’s voice, it turned into a really good track.

Listening to it helps you relax.