The fifth annual CMJ Taiwan Beats MUSIC Showcase took place the evening of Tuesday 10/13, the showcase featuring Soft Lipa, io, Boxing, and Treya. Taiwan’s ambassador Paul Chang and rapper Miss Ko as well as the lead singer of The Chairman band also made the special appearances.

Some of these artists rank among Taiwan’s most popular talent, while others are steadily rising both within and outside their country’s borders; all of them offer thrilling international perspectives on both popular American genres and styles less known domestically. Treya’s heartfelt balladry and Soft Lipa’s boisterous hip-hop will sound familiar to US audiences, while io’s blend of Western pop with Eastern elements and Boxing’s fusion of disparate genres including Paiwan, Latino, hip-hop, and rock will surprise first-time listeners.

Soft Lipa’s hip-hop is profoundly reminiscent of modern American rap. Although his sound is very clearly indebted to this day and age, his influences aren’t limited to US greats; he counts several prominent Taiwanese hip-hop artists among his closest friends and influences. His reputation and connections have allowed one of his home country’s most influential and respected labels to sign him to a record deal.

io, based in Vancouver but hailing from Taiwan, are true believers in the dream. Ditching cushy office jobs and moving away from their family and friends to pursue music, their risks eventually paid off: the band has been nominated for the Golden Melody Awards’ Best New Artists category. This honor is the equivalent of an American artist receiving the Grammy’s Best New Artist nod. They’ve also earned many international awards, since their novel combination of Western pop sounds and Eastern musical elements makes them globally appealing.

Boxing, formed in Southern Taiwan, strays from typical classifications by combining the Paiwan tribe’s upbeat music style with Latino musical traditions. Asian superstar a MEI discovered and produced their self-titled debut, recorded both in Mandarin and in the Paiwan language. Their background in professional boxing (hence their band names) plus the fact that three sets of brothers comprise the band accounts for their chemistry. Their charm has led them to be awarded Best New Artist at this year’s Golden Melody Awards.

Treya’s tender, acoustic balladry, robust, pristine voice, and introverted, mysterious aura have landed her performances at SXSW and with KCRW and Sofar Sounds New York. The singer-songwriter has lived in New York for quite some time, but was born in Taiwan; she has bounced between Brooklyn and Los Angeles to record her music, which she hopes to release in the near future. Those eagerly awaiting her first official release can enjoy her two demos “Still Here” and “The Ocean” at her website; also available is a video of her Sofar Sounds performance.

Taiwan Beats links:
Website: http://taiwanbeats.punchline.asia/en/