From Taipei to Bangkok: A Taiwan Music Listening Party Debut that Won Over the Hearts of Bangkok’s Audience
Back in May, I organized the first-ever Taiwan Music Listening Party in Bangkok. The event attracted a small but passionate crowd, sparking deep and meaningful conversation on Taiwan music. By the end of it, these Thai attendees had transformed into true ambassadors of Taiwan music. They took to Instagram, posting stories about the playlist I shared, tagging their favorite new discoveries from the night. Some even slid into my DMs when they noticed their newfound favorite bands were performing in Bangkok, such as the show of Mong Tong and JPBS, where I met one of the attendees.
More to read:
・Chinese Version of "From Taipei to Bangkok: A Taiwan Music Listening Party Debut that Won Over the Hearts of Bangkok’s Audience": https://itissaidtobedanger.com/taiwanese_music_listening_party_1/
目錄
Inspired by Super Sonic Studio (KR)’s “Indie’s Moment”: A Personal Call to Action
The idea for this event came from my experience last December when a Korean duo group, “Super Sonic Studio,” hosted “indie’s moment” in Bangkok. In such an intimate gathering, we were showcased to a rich history of Korean indie music and got to discover hidden gems from the scene. I can still remember all 20+ of us still there, being fascinated by Hyukoh’s “Wanli 万里” as it played against the stunning visuals of the band performing in a desert, wearing in red capes. It was indeed a magic moment for me.
I was also introduced to Silica Gel’s “No Pain”, and their genius collaboration with a fashion brand. The night left me wondering, “Why don’t more people in Thailand know about Taiwan’s amazing music scene? And why weren’t my favorite Taiwanese bands invited to perform in Thailand?”
That’s when it hit me—I could be the one to spread the word!
Though I originally wanted to ask Super Sonic Studio for using “indie’s moment” in Thailand, which may be applied similar to TEDx model, they hadn’t yet planned to extend the brand to third-party events. So, I launched the Taiwan Music Listening Party under my own initiative, with the goal of bridging cultural gaps and sharing Taiwan music with a Thai audience.
First Attempts at Promoting Taiwan Music in Thailand
I have 3 main goals for the event in mind:
For the General Public
- To introduce and share my curated selection of Taiwanese bands, hoping to increase their Thai listener base (even if it’s just a small bump).
For Thai Artists Eyeing Taiwan and Industry Players
- To provide information of Taiwan’s music scene.
- To spark interest in potential collaboration or touring there.
The venues I chose, Arai Arai, as I’ve learned from the on-site experience from indie’s moment. With the social club vibe and a history of hosting unique events, the space attracted an audience interested in lifestyle, art, and culture. Plus, one of the founder’s design and creative background helped connect this event to the potential audience I needed to build bridges for Taiwan music in Bangkok.
From Cultural Connections to Music Scene: Sharing Taiwan’s Creative Soul
To break the ice in the event, I kicked off with some fun facts about Taiwan — its landmark and films, which led to sharing significant moment in Taiwan’s contemporary music moment.
To break the ice, I introduced Taiwan’s geography, tourist spots, and pop culture, which led into sharing key moments from Taiwan’s musical history. I highlighted how songs like Fire EX.’s “Island’s Sunrise” were politically charged, helping audiences understand the connection between music and politics in Taiwan. This set the stage for discussing the political challenges and opportunities that Taiwanese bands face. I also touched on the influence of No Party for Cao Dong (草東沒有派對)’s, whose music resonate with Taiwan’s ‘Disillusioned Generation (厭世代),’ a theme that hasn’t yet to surface in Thailand’s music scene.
I also recommended must-visit music festivals with uniqueness, such as Megaport Festival and Vagabond Festival, and showcased iconic venues like Revolver, Witch House, and The UU Mouth. There are the places where Thai musicians could find themselves if they decided to DIY a tour in Taiwan.
A Playlist for Every Mood: Curating Taiwan’s Music for a Thai Audience
My favorite part of the event was introducing the attendees to some of my favorite Taiwanese bands and watching them connect with the music. It felt like a mini movie theater moment as we watched music videos on a big screen, everyone quietly absorbing the visuals and sounds. One standout was The Crane’s “Don’t Mind”, with its playful and chill vibes. After explaining the background behind the second version of the MV, the crowd couldn’t help but being impressed with the idea.
Another highlight was Cicada’s “Whale Family”—its breathtaking underwater visuals had everyone holding their breath. Even the barista joined in afterward, sharing how much he wanted to visit Taiwan’s east coast to see real whales!
The Magic of the Listening Party & What Happened After
The event successfully attracted a passionate audience, many of whom had personal connections to Taiwan. Some had studied in Taiwan, others were already hooked on Sunset Rollercoaster, and many found me through the my Taiwanese-Thai design & music platform.
Unique Moments and Memorable Reactions
- The Barista’s Discovery: He couldn’t believe how much good music Taiwan has! His favorite? Go Go Machine Orchestra’s “Morse Code”. “It’s a song that feels like everyone is listening together, but also immersed in their own little world,” he said.
- The Power of Visuals and Storytelling: Music videos like Cicada’s “Whale Family” took the audience on an oceanic journey. One who runs an experimental music space, shared how the visuals and sound deeply resonated with her.
The post-event effect was magical: everyone became an unofficial Taiwan music ambassador, sharing the playlists I provided, and DMing me about bands they discovered. What’s more, I was pleasantly surprised when Arai Arai offered to sponsor my next event this October. Their support means I can continue promoting Taiwan music without personally funding the venue.
Taiwan Music Listening Party #2: Let’s Do It Again!
- Date: October 4, 2024 (Friday), 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM (doors open at 7:00 PM)
- Venue: Arai Arai (10-minute walk from MRT Hua Lamphong)
- Fee: Free entry
- Languages: Primarily English, with some Thai
- Registration: Drop me a message on Facebook or Instagram with your name, email, and your favorite Taiwanese artist or song!
