A Musical Tour of Taiwan

Taiwan appeals to the senses. The sights are abundant, from bustling city streets in Taipei to twisted mountainous roads twisting through the island. There’s nothing like the feel of sun on your skin or of warm waves lapping at your legs. Then there are the smells of fresh mountain air in the central north, or the salty sea breeze of the tropical southern beaches. The endless tastes of local cuisine mastered over the centuries.

Last but not least, Taiwan is an island of sounds, with music from every area reflecting the culturally diverse people, lifestyles and landscapes throughout Taiwan. Throughout the year, and particularly during the summer months, music is celebrated around the island with everything from traditional music to modern styles with international influences. Read on and discover the music festivals on offer, and open your ears next time you travel to Taiwan.

One of the biggest outdoor music festivals on the island, and one that draws hoards of tourists and bands from around the world, is Spring Scream. Started by two American expats in 1995, Spring Scream has swiftly become an annual success story, with up to 300 bands each year performing over 8 stages.

Spring Scream is usually heard in early April in Kenting in southern Taiwan, and appeals to a range of interests including a film festival, art exhibits, camping, DJs, stalls and food vendors. Each year’s festival coincides with the animal of the Chinese year, so 2011’s festival was dubbed Spring Scream Rabbit.

Another popular festival hosting major line-ups of international acts combined with local bands from all over the island is U-Loud Music Festival, which is played out over two events: the first in Kaohsiung at the beginning of July and the second in Taipei. It costs around NT$800 for two days and nights of music.

For big name international bands, the Terminals Music Festival held in August is a good place to start. The massive line-up for this year’s festival is headlined by Placebo, and includes a group of Aussie bands including Frente, Mick Turner, the Stabs, Cuba is Japan and Holy Sol. The Festival will be headlined by Placebo. Summer Rock held in mid-August has seen the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Hoobastank and Linkin Park perform.

Two other popular indie rock festivals are the Grass Festival held over two days at the Daxi Elementary School in Yilan County, and the Hohaiyan rock festival at Fulong Beach in Taipei County mid-July. These festivals feature home-grown indie bands from around the island.

For a vibrant festival with a beachy, relaxed atmosphere, try Love Love Rock in central Taiwan at a beach at Tongxiao in Miaoli County. Over one hundred indie bands from around Asia have been invited to participate at this event. For a free option inside Taipei, the Free Tibet is a good option. It will be held in a car park next to Shingkong Mitsukoshi in Xinyi district of Taipei.

The small island also has its fair share of music subcultures, including hip hop which is embraced at Unsung Heroes, a gig held to launch a compilation album of Taiwanese hip hop artists.

For lovers of jazz, the Taichung Jazz Festival will host 20 international Jazz musicians alongside around 100 local groups, and will also feature numerous competitions. The Taichung Jazz Festival is usually held around the end of October. The city of Taichung is the perfect location for a festival, with plenty of tourist attractions nearby and a vibrant night market.

A good resource for current information on live music and festivals around Taiwan is the Gig Guide Taiwan, you can visit it at www.gigguide.tw.