Emma Benack speaks with Taiwanese Australian musician and composer Matt Hsu, the leader of Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra. Matt works with a wide variety of instruments and natural sounds to create music that helps represent his cross-cultural upbringing. Emma and Matt talk about some of his music projects that have advocated for marginalized communities and his plans for the future.   To learn more about Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra, you can visit these sites: https://obscureorchestra.com/ https://www.facebook.com/obscureorchestra/?paipv=0&eav=AfYFWpgavJgKddjOAT283R6oeRx54ldhxPj1TUShXT0_nRXEQEvLRfvogEh4Cnb0Vuw&_rdr https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCidnrrcfeqROpFdqwe3_w0A

Emma Benack speaks with Matt Hsu, a Taiwanese Australian composer who is the creator of Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra. Matt works with a wide variety of instruments and natural sounds to create music that helps represent his cross-cultural upbringing. Matt has created compositions alongside people of all different identities, according to their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and more. The orchestra's music celebrates cultural differences and Matt also uses his music projects to advocate for marginal communities.    To learn more about Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra, you can visit these sites: https://obscureorchestra.com/ https://www.facebook.com/obscureorchestra/?paipv=0&eav=AfYFWpgavJgKddjOAT283R6oeRx54ldhxPj1TUShXT0_nRXEQEvLRfvogEh4Cnb0Vuw&_rdr https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCidnrrcfeqROpFdqwe3_w0A  

Emma Benack continues her conversation with The Last Minute Latin Band, one of the most popular Latin music bands in Taiwan. Band members Monica and Enzo talk about their hopes and plans for the band's future and continual growth. Take a listen to also hear the original versions of popular covers that the band performs, including music by artists like Shakira, Daddy Yankee, and Michel Teló.   You can learn more about the Last Minute Latin Band by visiting this site: https://www.facebook.com/LastMinuteLatinBand

Emma Benack speaks with one of the most popular Latin music bands in Taiwan called The Last Minute Latin Band, which has been around since 2016 playing a mix of Latin American pop, reggaeton, merengue, and lots of other Latin American music genres. The band's founder is Monica Sanchez who has made it in her mission in Taiwan to organize cultural events that promote Latin America through its music, food, dancing, and art. The band features musicians from Italy, Nicaragua, Spain, Canada, the Philippines, Panama, Bolivia, and more. Today's episode features the band's founder Monica and keyboardist Enzo.   You can learn more about the Last Minute Latin Band by visiting this site: https://www.facebook.com/LastMinuteLatinBand

Emma Benack speaks with three members of City Memo, a Taiwanese band that plays a mix of pop-punk and alternative rock and whose work includes a mix of group songs in Mandarin and solo music in English. The band talks about how they came together, the inspiration for some of their songs, speaking up for mental health, and future plans.   To find out more information about City Memo, you can visit these sites: https://www.youtube.com/@Citymemoband https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088379660201   To listen to Katree's solo music, check out this link: https://www.soundscape.net/a/28525

In the second half of this interview, Emma Benack speaks with American musician DC Rapier, who's been living in Taiwan for the past 32 years. DC has played in various blues groups throughout Taiwan and produced his own album, Feeling Fifteen Again. DC talks about how moving to Taiwan affected his opportunities as a blues musician and his future plans for making music. To learn more about DC Rapier's music, you can visit these sites: https://www.facebook.com/DCRsolo/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/1yEz7EFjLC468h9DyCObg2?si=CmfmvWFrSKaKdOK2t6GlSQ

Emma Benack speaks with DC Rapier, an American musician and retired English teacher who has lived in Taiwan for the past 32 years. DC has been making his own original music since he was 15 and also worked in Nashville for some time as a songwriter. DC talks about how he got some blues groups started in Taipei and how he went from playing covers to creating an album of his own original music called Feeling Fifteen Again.   To learn more about DC Rapier's music, you can visit these sites: https://www.facebook.com/DCRsolo/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/1yEz7EFjLC468h9DyCObg2?si=CmfmvWFrSKaKdOK2t6GlSQ

On the last segment of her interview with Your Woman Sleep with Others, Emma benack asks the band about their plans to continue making music in the future. The group also discusses their anticipation for an international concert tour this year, a post-COVID first.

In the second part of this interview, Emma Benack speaks with the band Your Woman Sleep with Others (老王樂隊) about their 2023 EP "Yellow House, Pink Blue Sky". The band members discuss the inspiration and meaning behind the lyrics and melodies, which take on a different sound than the group's earlier work.   You can find out more about Your Woman Sleep with Others by checking out these links: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4MRQK5pLyNbcOW493n55iT https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCHGEzJzpPJ63AHJ9SFa6Rg https://www.instagram.com/your_woman_sleep_with_others/

Emma Benack speaks with the band Your Woman Sleep with Others (老王樂隊) about how the different members came together to form a music group, what themes inspired their first EP and album, and what they think of the pressure young people experience in modern society. This episode also features several songs from the band's early career, including "Cram Schools Killed the Children", which won the Golden Indie Award for Best Folk Single in 2018.   For more information about the band and its music: https://www.facebook.com/yourwomansleepwithothers https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCdxpW3sUpUGJIwKhHam5bhQ

Emma Benack continues her conversation with Gillian Aquino, also known as the artist Y ARA, about common themes in Filipino music, and what aspects she tries to express in her music today. Gillian also talks about the meaning behind her most popular song, "Be the One", which made it to Taiwan's Viral 50 list on Spotify.   If you want to find out more info about Y ARA, you can visit: http://songsbyyara.ctcin.bio

Emma Benack speaks with Gillian Aquino, also known as the artist Y ARA, about her growth as a musician from the Philippines to Taiwan. Gillian began performing as part of a duo back in 2015, and their first official single "Be the One" went on to make it on Taiwan's Viral 50 Spotify list, as well as several top iTunes charts across Southeast Asia. Gillian's partner later left Y ARA, but she has continued on as a solo artist, making music that mixes synth-pop and indie rock.

Emma Benack speaks with two members of the band Eva Naatas, a group from Russia that has spread out across the world as a result of the war in Ukraine. The group plays a mix of modern progressive-metal, and is starting move on from recording covers of performers like Linkin Park and Calvin Harris to writing their own original music. Tune in to hear how Valeri and Lisa brought their music to Taiwan and their hopes for the future, as well as enjoy listening to the music they make together.   To find out more about the band's music, you can check out these links: https://www.youtube.com/@evanaatasofficial5991/about https://www.instagram.com/eva_naatas/  

In the final part of this interview, Emma speaks to the musical duo Nina & John, an American-Paiwanese couple, about the music scene on Taiwan's east coast. Nina and John live in Hualien, an eastern county that's known for its indigenous culture, which is visible in the local music performances. The band also talks about their weekly projects, as well as their international and musical aspirations for the future.   To learn more about Nina & John, you can visit: https://www.facebook.com/NINAJOHNMUSIC

In the second part of this interview, Emma Benack speaks with the music duo Nina & John about how their environments growing up influenced the kind of music they play and the lyrics they write. The duo also talk about the challenges that come with pursing music as a full-time career.   To find out more information about Nina & John, you can visit: https://www.facebook.com/NINAJOHNMUSIC https://www.instagram.com/ninajohn_music/?fbclid=IwAR37r7PsiCo78kWMem8CHkAcsun6U4KpzDYfEbNCXGVPxhyNSTTPw49Eg0k https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMF6eqLhMMGgHxRzFR0GHA

Emma Benack speaks with the duo Nina and John, an American-Paiwanese married couple who have been playing together for 5 years all over Taiwan. The first part of this interview covers their different music backgrounds growing up, how they became both band and life partners, as well as a few of their beautiful songs. To find out more information about Nina & John, you can visit: https://www.facebook.com/NINAJOHNMUSIC https://www.instagram.com/ninajohn_music/?fbclid=IwAR37r7PsiCo78kWMem8CHkAcsun6U4KpzDYfEbNCXGVPxhyNSTTPw49Eg0k https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMF6eqLhMMGgHxRzFR0GHA

Emma Benack speaks with Taiwanese musician Manu Chen about his development from a pianist to a music producer and his experiences working with musicians around the world and on live television for events like the Golden Horse Awards (similar to the Oscar's for the Taiwanese film industry).

In the second half of this interview, Emma Benack speaks with Taiwanese bossa nova performer Aivee Hsu about the meaning behind some of the songs on her album "Blue Morning". Aivee also does a live performance in the radio station studio to show how the Portugese language flows with the style of bossa nova music.

Today’s episode features a music genre never explored before on this show: bossa nova. To understand the style of music a bit more, and what it takes to grow as a bossa nova performer in Taiwan, Emma Benack met with Aivee Hsu, a musician who grew up in Taipei and has been developing her own style of bossa nova music across a variety of languages.

During the second half of this interview, Emma Benack asks ethnomusicologist Dr. Meredith Schweig about common themes in early Taiwanese rap that reflected the younger generation's struggles. Dr. Schweig also analyzes how rap music has been used to draw young people's attention to political issues.

Emma Benack speaks with ethnomusicology professor Dr. Meredith Schweig about the beginnings of rap music in Taiwan and how the songs share the voices of young Taiwanese people growing up in the late 90s to early 2000s. 

Christmas may have just passed, but that doesn't mean it's time to turn off the holiday classics yet. This episode brings you a mix of songs new and old (featuring artists like Bobby Helms, Andy Williams, Michael Buble, and Mariah Carey), to bring in the new year with the same excitement that comes with the arrival of the holiday season.

Taiwan has 16 officially recognized indigenous groups, many of which are famous for their captivating music. Young people from these groups have found a way to incorporate their mother tongue and traditional melodies along with elements of modern music to create many popular songs. This episode features songs by Suming, Abao, and others.

This episode is the second half of the segment celebrating female musicians who are popular in Taiwan. Finding success in the music industry is difficult enough, without considering the other obstacles female artists face in terms of gender inequality in a field that's heavily male-dominated and often phases out female stars as they age. This episode features some of the fresh music produced by female artists that are popular in Taiwan, including Jade Eyes, Tanya Chua, Shishi, and Numcha.

This episode focuses on popular female artists in Taiwan and celebrates their successes in an industry that remains heavily male-dominated. The program features a mix of songs by 9m88, Astro Bunny, JiaJia, and Waawei.

In the second half of this interview, Emma Benack talks with Thai singer-songwriter Numcha about her experience traveling to the city of Tainan for the music festival Lucfest. Later, Numcha describes the meaning behind some of her songs on the album "Bloom", as well as her future plans for her music career.

Emma Benack speaks with Thai singer-songwriter Numcha about her passion for music and how she developed her music career by working on her own before eventually signing with a major record label. This episode also features songs off Numcha's acclaimed 2022 album "Bloom".

Emma Benack interviews Jun Markl, an award-winning German conductor about his experiences working with orchestras all over the world, and the challenges and triumphs he's encountered along the way.

Next Wednesday Band (下週三樂團) is made up of three people who bonded over their connection with music: Chris, Sonic, and Iris. This interview explores how the band got started, why its members chose to quit their day jobs, what keeps them motivated, and what challenges the band faces. Next Wednesday Band is slowly working its way up from busking to performances at private venues and music collaborations.

This episode is a continuation of last week's exploration of music by the all-girl, electronic trio Jade Eyes (孔雀眼). We'll take a listen to songs off some of their latest EPs, including one called Schrodinger's Call, a play on the concept of Schrodinger's Cat. The song marks the trio’s first completely independent release and unlocked creative freedom that allowed them to fully explore their potential.

The band Jade Eyes (孔雀眼) stands out in Taiwan's electronic music scene for being an all-girl trio. Their music mixes post-punk, new wave, and Deep House as well as elements from other genres. This episode explores their second album Addict, which was released in 2017 and nominated for multiple Golden Indie Music Awards. Addict is known for revolving around a central theme of "living in the moment".

Emma Benack speaks with ethnomusicologist and music professor Dr. Nancy Guy about the song "A Flower in the Rainy Night", which was released in 1934 and has been tied to several political campaigns throughout the decades that followed. What does this old song say about Taiwan and its political situation? Dr. Guy explains what makes this song so significant to generations of Taiwanese people.

Emma Benack shares more music by the Taiwanese-Korean artist Shi Shi off her album "Where is SHI?" Most songs on this album are accompanied by music videos, making it a visual album. Shi Shi wrote these songs after going through a dark phase in her life - although she had just won a Golden Melody Award, she felt like she still wasn't enough. This album explores the emotions Shi Shi had to grapple with in order to emerge from the darkness.

"Who is SHI?" is a critically acclaimed album by the Taiwanese-Korean artist Shi-Shi. The album mixes elements of jazz, pop, electronic music and more to create a collection that describes a dark phase in Shi Shi's life when her career was taking off, but she suffered from major emotional setbacks.

In the second half of an interview with Freddy Lim, an independent Taiwanese legislator and frontman for the heavy metal band Chthonic, Mr. Lim talks about why music is an important force for getting young people involved in politics. He also discusses how growing up under martial law affected his taste in music, and how he got involved in the Sunflower Movement.

Freddy Lim, an independent Taiwanese lawmaker and frontman for the heavy metal band Chthonic talks about the connection between music and politics throughout his life. This episode explores some of his music, as well as his interaction with Nancy Pelosi shortly before her controversial visit to Taiwan in August.

Taiwanese singer-songwriter Waa Wei (魏如萱) released her latest album "Have a Nice Day" in 2021, and its acclaim led to a nomination for Album of the Year at the Golden Melody Awards (Taiwan's version of the Grammys). The some of the album describes Waa Wei's journey into motherhood and the joy and challenges that come along with it. The album features a wide array of music styles, from pop, to electronic music, to Shibuya, to rap and more.

The 2022 Golden Melody Awards Show was hosted back in July, but now it's time to take a look back and appreciate all the nominees. This week's playlist features some of the Song of the Year nominees, which include songs by Waa Wei, Namewee, Kimberley Chen, Tanya Chua, and EggPlantEgg. Take a listen and see if you can guess which song won the award!

Emma continues to share music off of Paiwanese R&B singer Abao's award-winning album kinakaian. By incorporating classic folk songs of the indigenous Paiwan people, celebrating their native language, and collaborating with other artists, Abao succeeds in spreading love and appreciation for her culture around the world.

Abao is a member of one of Taiwan indigenous groups, Paiwan, as well as a the winner of several Golden Melody Awards. Abao's music journey has ventured from Mandopop to eventually creating entire album in her mother tongue, the Paiwan language. Although this language is only understood by a small minority of Taiwan's population, her music and its history has the power to transcend lingusitic and ethnic boundaries.

Indie pop band The Fur. released a second album called "Serene Reminder" in 2020 that has been praised for developing stronger beats, rhythms, and lyrics after the release of its debut album "Town". The album ended up being the group's last project before splitting up in 2021. Due to the pandemic, this album never got the full performance tour that it deserved, but remains a testament to what the band was able to accomplish during difficult times.

Unusual for a Taiwanese band, The Fur. writes their songs only in English, with a sound that's meant to be "warm, fuzzy, and comforting" (hence the band's name). This episode (the first half of their feature) focuses on the band's debut album "Town", an album that helped the band's popularity take off, leading to tours around the world.

Emma takes a look back at all the new Taiwanese artists she's learned about over the past year that have been featured on the show and shares the songs that have stuck with her the most, in genres that range from pop, to rock, to alternative. THis week's playlist features songs by Your Woman Sleep with Others, Fire Ex, Cosmos People, and Tanya Chua.

While Taiwan's music and industry trends have changed over time, there are some songs that last through the decades and generations. This week's playlist features some "oldies but goodies" by Michelle Pan, Yao Su-rong, Irene Yeh, Teresa Tung, and Tarcy Su.

Electronic music is a major part of the modern industry today - however, going unplugged with acoustic-style music remains a classic favorite. This program's playlist features songs by Tanya Chua, Angry Youth, Your Woman Sleep with Others, and Fire Ex.

Whether you're feeling the heat from the sweltering summer or Covid tensions, it can be nice to take a step back and relax a bit with some chill songs to get you in the right headspace. This playlist features songs by Cosmos People, I Mean Us, Fire Ex, and Angry Youth.

Due to the pandemic, dance clubs may not be back in full swing in Taiwan, but this episode still celebrates fun Taiwanese music with fantastic beats to move a crowd. This episode features a mix of songs by bands like Your Woman Sleep with Others, Cosmos People, Astro Bunny, and Fire Ex.

Taiwan may not be known as an international hub for electronic music, but over the past couple decades, Taiwanese artists have definitely started playing around with electronic beats, while adding some local flair. This electronic music mix features artists like I Mean Us, Pumpkinney Fan Club, Astro Bunny, and VH (Vast and Hazy).

Taiwanese music isn't just about the love ballads and Mandopop you might hear on the local radio station... the alt rock scene is buzzing here too! Check out this medley of songs by the bands Accusefive, Cosmos People, Fire Ex, and I Mean Us.  

On this second episode regarding Singaporean singer Tanya Chua's latest album Depart, listen to the change in her music from thirteen years ago. Later, hear some of her newest hits, including a duet with a French-Italian celebrity, and see how this album is gearing up for July's Golden Melody Awards.

Tanya Chua, a Singaporean pop singer based in Taiwan, is currently tied for the record of most wins for the Best Female Singer (Mandarin) at the Golden Melody Awards. Her nomination this year could lead to her setting a new record. Take a listen to her newest album, Depart, that helped her get not only the Best Singer nomination, but also Album of the Year, and six other nominations.

Light the Night (華燈初上) is a popular Taiwanese drama that released its third season earlier this year and tells the story of a murder mystery centered around a Japanese-style nightclub in Taipei. The drama is based in the 1980s and the soundtrack features a mix of popular songs from that era as well as some modern beats. The thought that went into choosing these particular songs goes to show that creating meaningful scenes is about much more than good acting.

In this part two episode about Astro Bunny's music, learn more about the meaning behind the duo's lyrics, and the history of how electronic music started to grow in Taiwan.

Take a listen to Astro Bunny, an electronic duo that focuses on weaving stories through their lyrics and music videos about lost love and finding your way in the world.

On this episode, Emma revisits one of the greats: Enno Cheng. Cheng is a star with many talents as a singer/songwriter, actress, author, playwright, and screenwriter. Now, you can take a listen to some of her biggest hits and see how her career developed frm her first movie, to first album, to her growing reputation as an activist taking a stand for Tibet and the LGBTQ+ community.

With a random name for a band they thought would never last, Pumpkinney Fan Club has far surpassed even its own expectations. It may have taken nine years since the band's formation to come out with their debut album, "Alter-Ego", but the fusion of psychedelic, rock, and electronic music has been worth the wait.

In a continuation of last week's episode, Emma shares more music from the punk-rock fusion band Angry Youth. The band's songs explore jealousy, heartbreak, the age of smartphones, and more. This band proudly reclaims the role of "outcasts from society", sharing real stories in their lyrics that connect them to their audience.

The band Angry Youth lives up to its name with lots of angsty songs about young love and finding one's way in a world that can be very cruel. Still, these songs have the power to lift the spirits of their audience, rather than weigh them down with the pessimism and cynicism of the lyrics.

Emma continues to delve into the music of the band I Mean Us, including background about creating their second album, recording new music during the pandemic, and moving forward past the loss of one of the band's core members.

Formed in 2015, the band I Mean Us takes an interesting approach to fusing different musical genres from psychedelic, to rock and techno, and emerging with songs that take on a beautiful ethereal feel. On top of all that, they've chosen to write their songs entirely in ENglish, which they say better fits with their music style and inspirations. Experience the magic yourself by taking a listen to a variety of songs off the band's first two albums.

Emma shares some more great songs from the band SoulFa and explains the band name origin, lyric translations, and fan reactions to the band's music. With SoulFa, there's a mix of everything from upbeat to chill vibes, Mandarin to English lyrics, but their music remains "a sofa for the soul".

2022-03-16

2022-03-09

2022-03-02

Tune into this episode to learn more about the band Hello Nico and the deeper meanings behind some of their most pensive songs.

Check out this indie band that crosses many different genres like pop, electronic, and rock music. With an entrancing lead singer and poetic lyrics, you won't want to miss "Hello Nico"!

Bands like Deca Joins, which relies heavily on a live audience and concerts for both revenue and inspiration for adjusting their songs before recording, were hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdowns that followed threw off their plans for tours and festivals, but it didn't wipe out Deca Joins' commitment to creating great music for their fans. Tune in to hear more of their tunes in a continutation from the band's introduction on the last episode!

Indie band Deca Joins has perfected the art of "chill vibes" and finding ways to fight off the negative impact that COVID-19 has had on live performances and the bands' abilitiy to connect with their audiences.While there's nothing to trly to compare to their one of a kind concert experiences, this episode will give you a good taste of their tone and the message they want to send to fans. Hopefully a live concert tour will be back soon!

In a continuation of last week's episode about the band EggplantEgg, Emma Benack shares more of the band's songs in both Taiwanese and Mandarin and discusses the meaning behind these songs of unrequited love.

2022-01-19

In a follow-up episode to last week's introduction to the band Accusefive (also known as 告五人), Emma Benack shares more of the band's music and collaborations with other artists. Themes from this week's song picks feature standing up for oneself, not caring about labels, having the courage to speak from the heart, and looking towards the future with hope for a new beginning.

Accusefive is a fairly young band coming of of Taiwan's northeast in Yilan County. The band's three musicians have made countless catchy tunes since they formed a group in 2017, and they experiment with a variety of brasss, electronic, and acoustic sounds, creating amazing chemistry both on and off the stage...

Enno Cheng is a star with many talents as a singer/songwriter, actress, author, playwright, and screenwriter. On this episode of Behind the Beats, take a listen to some of her biggest hits and see how her career developed frm her first movie, to first album, to her growing reputation as an activist taking a stand for Tibet and the LGBTQ+ community.

This episode is a continuation of last week's exploration of Sweet John's music. Incorporating a wide variety of instruments, each song has its own unique tone and message. Tune in to learn more behind the lyrics!

Nominated for the Golden Melody's "Best Band of the Year" in 2018, Sweet John is a quintet whose popularity just keeps growing. First forming a group at National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, the band members habe drawn their audience in with a wide range of instruments and understanding the complex emotions of lost love.

On this second episode about Vast&Hazy, Emma discusses more about the personal background of the duo's lead singer Kaka, and what fuels her emotional songs.

After separating, Vast&Hazy was brought back together by fan demand in 2017. Rather than focus on love songs, the duo is committed to using music as a way to take their listeners through dark times to to the light on the other side. Check out how Vast&Hazy excels at mixing folk, rock, electric, and orchestral music together to create a new kind of style!

No Party for Caodong is known for their interesting mix between indie, post rock, and metal, as well as cleverly placing hidden meanings within their songs. Want to understand more about the struggles and pressure of Taiwanese youth today - check out these songs!

Discover the indie hits of Your Woman Sleep With Others, a band that not only finds a way to blend classical orchestra instruments with new age rock, but also speak to the struggles and pressures faced by young people in Taiwan.

Emma Benack shares more of about Fire Ex's more recent hits and explains how the band has gotten involved in supporting the Hong Kong protests, after pointing out similarities with Taiwan's own difficult past.

Meet Fire Ex, a Taiwanese band that has been influencing punk for the past 20 years and producing the anthems to some of Taiwan's most important political movements.