Highlights of “Taiwan Beats Showcase” have been released from SXSW, one of the world’s largest showcase festivals held in Austin, Texas, in March.
This year’s “Taiwan Beats Showcase” featured six groups: HSIEN CHING, Whyte, Andr, Enno Cheng, TRASH, and Amazing Show.
The Taiwan Beats Showcase, a music export project led by the Taiwan Ministry of Culture (Ministry of Culture), is based on the theme of this year’s theme: “Connection.” It reflects the spirit of SXSW, which is to build connections between music industry players around the world through music and culture. The event began with “Day Party,” which featured performances by Japanese rock band Enfants and Malaysian rapper Zamaera. In addition, at the Meet-up Forum held by TAICCA (Cultural Content Sakushin-in), which is working to spread Taiwan’s cultural content overseas, industry insiders from all over the world gathered to discuss the opportunities and challenges for Asian artists to enter the North American music market.
The evening live show opened with SSW HSIEN CHING and producer Sōryo, and the two performed several songs from their latest album, “If You Can Be Happy Every Day, Who Wants to Be Sad?” Next, masked singer Whyte, who also appeared at festivals in Germany and Thailand, appeared. Andr, a new generation of pop singers, appeared next. Andr was also invited to the official “International Night Showcase” of “SXSW” and attracted attention for his performances with up-and-coming artists such as Japan’s Luv and Paris Death Hilton.
Enno Cheng, who has been asked to appear in the showcase for the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic, will be releasing a new song from his upcoming album, “Moon Phases.” Rock band TRASH also delivered a glamorous performance that was so spectacular that it could be mistaken for a concert of 10,000 people. The show ended with The Amazing Show performing in a cybertech style using handmade instruments.
In addition, after the end of SXSW, Taiwanese artists who appeared in this showcase have announced further efforts to expand overseas. Whyte has released a collaboration song “Let Me Be Me” with Japanese artist TENDRE. The song will be included in a new album scheduled for release in September. Enno Cheng has begun his activities in Korea, and in addition to releasing a music video for his new song “Rarely Think of It” that he filmed with the local team, he was also announced to appear at the Asian Pop Festival to be held in Korea in late June.
For more information about “Taiwan Beats Showcase” and the Taiwanese performers, please check the official website.
