Recommended bands from Taiwan: Notable groups energizing the Asian scene

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!

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.

Multiverse of LoveTizzy Bac

Tizzy Bac [About Our Multiverse of Love] Official Music Video

Tizzy Bac captivates with their distinctive sound, where the piano carries the melody and the bass sometimes distorts like a guitar.

Formed in 1999, they established their own style of “piano rock.” Remarkably, they perform without a guitar, with vocalist Chen Hui-ting’s keyboards forming the core of their songs.

Their lyrics, sometimes dubbed “prison-noise style,” frankly express the struggles of modern life and resonate with many listeners.

Their debut album in 2003, What’s the Big Deal About My Distraction?, left a strong impression on the scene.

They also performed at Japan’s Fuji Rock in 2005 and at TOKYO FM & JFN present EARTH × HEART LIVE 2014.

Their album Friendly Bacteria earned them a nomination for Best Band at the Golden Melody Awards.

If you’re seeking music that strikes deep in the heart, this is a band you should definitely experience.

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.

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!

The End of the WorldTRASH gakudan

TRASH – The End of the World [official audio]

The band TRASH, which made its comeback in 2014, released an album titled “Return to Zero/Start from Zero” in 2015.

This song is one of the tracks on that album.

Its message is that even if you fail, there will always be someone by your side to support you, so it’s okay to start over.