Taiwanese musicians head for Japan as two of Asia's largest music festivals come up - indie band Prairie WWWW (落差草原), singer-songwriter Suming (舒米恩), and aboriginal musician Ilid Kaolo (以莉·高露) for Fuji Rock, and Huiting Chen (陳惠婷) and Grover Lu (鼓鼓) for Summer Sonic.
Prairie WWWW is an independent folk music band formed in 2010. Comprising five members, the name "WWWW” is taken from vibration sounds found in nature. The band's music combines elements of folk music, psychedelic music, aboriginal tribe, and poetry.
Hailing from the eastern Taiwanese county of Taitung, Suming is an award-winning artist from the indigenous Amis tribe. The 37-year-old is recognized for raising the profile of Taiwan's aboriginal groups through his lyrics, music videos, and public appearances.
Kaolo of Hualien County is also of indigenous Amis descent. The Golden Melody Award winner holds the unique reputation for "writing songs with one hand, planting rice with the other hand” as she and her record producer husband began operating an organic rice farm in Taitung County in 2010.
Chen is the main vocalist of Tizzy Bac, a Taiwan indie band she fronted for 15 years. She began performing solo after the band decided to take a hiatus, and has admitted that singing without the presence of her bandmates has been a frightening yet liberating experience.
Lu, who also goes by the moniker "GBOYSWAG,” is the DJ of Taiwanese R&B quartet Magic Power. He spent years drumming for underground music bands such as Da Bones and 88balaz before breaking into mainstream with Magic Power.
Fuji Rock
- 7/29 - PrairieWWWW
- 7/30 - Suming
- 7/30 - Ilid Kaolo
Summer Sonic
More information can be found at http://taiwanderful.jp.