Sounds of Silva – Vol. 6
I'm leaving on a jet plane
In about twenty-four hours time, I will be landing in Taiwan.
The Huayu Enrichment Scholarship is giving me the honor of being a 2021-2022 recipient of their award and after two years of sitting, waiting, and wishing, the opportunity to go to Taiwan has arrived.
It’s with great privilege that I’m allowed to travel internationally right now, and I don’t take this lightly. While my main goal is to improve my Mandarin language ability, I plan on working just as hard creating new friendships in the music scene in Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and wherever else people are creating art.
So with that said, the next edition will formally be the first under a new moniker: Sounds & Sights of Silva. Since I’ll be traveling, it only made sense to temporarily convert the newsletter into a travel blog. I’ll still be writing about new music but in the context of landing in a new environment and experiencing the culture of Taiwan.
Be safe, all.
Prairie WWWW - “Formosan Dream”
I first witnessed this song on Audiotree Worldwide’s presentation of their performance, the band arranged in a circle facing each other in a courtyard. They start with synchronized vocals that erupt into a burst of electronics and found sounds unlike anything you’ve probably heard before – it’s an incredible combination of traditional folk melody and futuristic electronics.
Elephant Gym - “Go Through The Night”
My first Taiwanese music discovery came from my time as a rock DJ in college. Math rock was a beloved genre among the staff and Elephant Gym came across my desk as a worthy entry into the math rock oeuvre. Over time, I’ve been fortunate to get to know these musicians better and work with them directly. This new track shows a band that continues to innovate in a genre that depends on innovation. Check out their amazing Audiotree session.
deca joins - “散去的時候”
One of the younger bands on this list, deca joins have immediately carved a place in the laid-back breezy indie rock community where the next band on this list are arguably leaders. This record released last year and it seems like the band is itching to perform it live for new audiences – they were supposed to perform at South by Southwest in Austin TX in 2020.
Sunset Rollercoaster - “Coffee’s On Me”
Possibly the chillest band on all the island. This new single released in the last year just screams Spring in Taiwan. Definitely the top of my list for bands I’m dying to see while I’m in town, especially in their home environment.
Skip Skip Ben Ben - “Last Light”
Just one of many bands from Taiwan and greater East Asia to take influence from Shoegaze and Velvet Underground/Sonic Youth-style noise rock, this was one I instantly connected to from the roster of great acts on Maybe Mars. “Last Light” is the lead track on their 2012 album Sacrifice Mountain Hills, and they’ve only put out one more full-length since, in 2015.
Green!Eyes - “Halo”
The final band on this list has been a favorite discovery. Singer Wang Yuchain recorded solo acoustic covers throughout the pandemic that showcased a sweet, sincere lower-register voice that shines through at moments on this full band track above, though ultimately takes a backseat to a fun groove.
羅大佑 - “Love Song 1980”
This is a song mentioned in the groundbreaking novel Notes of a Crocodile by Qiu Miaojin, a classic not only in Taiwan but in greater LGBT literature. Luo Dayou rose to fame in the 1980s, around the time the novel took place as the character was discovering this artist in real time seemingly, and on his debut released this track, one that the protagonist clung to for its cheesy romance.
Follow the full playlist of Sounds of Silva featured tracks.
Check out the full list of Zach’s favorite albums of 2021 on Medium.
Listen to Zach’s radio show archive for Friend From A Big City on Deadbeat Radio. Listen through the most recent episode spotlighting more music from Taiwan.