Arcade Fire

Fire EX. is a Taiwanese Hokkien punk band from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, formed in 2000. During the Sunflower Student Movement in Taiwan in 2014, National Taipei University of Arts professors Wu Da-kun and Chen Jing-yuan, along with students, planned and invited Fire EX. to create the song "Island Light". This work, "Island Light", subsequently received widespread attention in Taiwan's mainstream music scene and won the Best Song of the Year award at the 26th Golden Melody Awards.

In 2015, they established Fire Music. In 2017, they created their own music festival, Fireball Festival. In 2020, they won the Best Band Award at the 31st Golden Melody Awards.

== Members == Lead Vocals/Guitar: Yang Da-zheng, vox/gt_Sam Guitar/Backing Vocals: Zheng Yu-chen, b.v/gt_Orio Bass/Backing Vocals: Chen Jing-yuan, b.v/bass_Jc Drums: Ke Zhi-xun (Ke Guang), dr_Kg

== Band History == In 2015, Fire Music was established. The team, drawing on 18 years of experience running Fire EX., sought to challenge themselves with more innovative endeavors through different team collaborations. They also hoped that "Fire Music" could become a label that would have a positive impact on the market environment.

In 2015, they participated in the production of the theme song for the YAMAHA BW'S micro-film, releasing the song "Forward." They also formed a new band, MONOEYES, with Takeshi Hosomi of the Japanese punk band ELLEGARDEN and collaborated with the Korean band Thornapple to hold a cross-border tour. Currently, promotional activities are underway in all three countries, with plans to hold grand events in Seoul, South Korea, Taipei, Taiwan, and Tokyo, Japan on September 12, 13, and 17, respectively.

In 2016, they were nominated by Net Temperature as the top 10 independent bands in Taiwan, coming in first place. Second place went to Grasshopper's No Party and third place to Light Morning Electric.

Brutus: A Belgian Rock Trio That Punches Above Its Weight

Hailing from Leuven, Belgium, Brutus is a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene. Formed in 2013, the trio is comprised of vocalist and drummer Stefanie Mannaerts, guitarist Stijn Vanhoegaerden, and bassist Peter Mulders. Each member brings a wealth of experience from previous local bands, giving Brutus a solid foundation for their unique sound.

The band first made waves in Belgium, regularly playing gigs before gaining international recognition with their debut album "Burst" in 2017. This release, which caught the attention of the renowned record label Sargent House, solidified Brutus's position as a force to be reckoned with. They followed "Burst" with two more critically acclaimed albums, "Nest" in 2019 and "Unison Life" in 2022, further solidifying their place in the international rock world.

From Local Bands to International Success

The seeds of Brutus were sown in the vibrant music scene of Leuven. Mannaerts and Mulders had previously played together in Refused Party Program, a tribute band dedicated to the Swedish hardcore punk pioneers Refused. Meanwhile, Mannaerts and Vanhoegaerden were bandmates in Starfucker, showcasing their musical chemistry long before Brutus's formation.

Their rise to prominence was fueled by their energetic live performances. In 2014 and 2015, they graced the stages of prestigious Belgian festivals like Pukkelpop, Rock Herk, and Dour Festival. In the same year, they released a trilogy of two-song EPs, further building anticipation for their full-length debut.

Vancouver, Sargent House, and a Sound Defined by Intensity

In 2016, the band embarked on a journey to Vancouver, Canada, to record "Burst." They collaborated with renowned producer Jesse Gander (known for his work with Japandroids and White Lung), resulting in a raw, energetic album that solidified their sound. This collaboration also marked their signing with Sargent House, a label known for its commitment to artists pushing boundaries.

Brutus's music is characterized by its raw intensity, blending elements of post-hardcore, grunge, and noise rock. Stefanie Mannaerts' powerful vocals and pummeling drumming, combined with Stijn Vanhoegaerden's heavy riffs and Peter Mulders' solid basslines, create a captivating sonic experience that leaves audiences breathless.

With their relentless touring, critically acclaimed albums, and a dedicated fanbase, Brutus continues to be a vital force in the rock scene, defying expectations and proving that Belgium is a fertile ground for incredible music.

Franz Ferdinand: From Glasgow Streets to Global Stage

Franz Ferdinand, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Glasgow, emerged in 2002, quickly becoming one of the defining bands of the post-punk revival. The original quartet - Alex Kapranos (vocals, guitar, keys), Nick McCarthy (rhythm guitar, keys, vocals), Bob Hardy (bass, percussion) and Paul Thomson (drums, percussion, backing vocals) - crafted a sound both familiar and fresh, blending angular guitar riffs with infectious melodies.

Their debut single, "Darts of Pleasure," hinted at their potential, narrowly missing the UK Top 40. But it was their second single, "Take Me Out," that catapulted them to mainstream success. The song, a catchy anthem with a driving beat, peaked at number three in the UK, became a global hit, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance. It's arguably their signature song, still a staple of their live sets today.

The band's self-titled debut album cemented their status as a force to be reckoned with, winning the prestigious 2004 Mercury Prize and garnering another Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Album. Their second album, "You Could Have It So Much Better" (produced by Rich Costey), further solidified their position in the rock world, showcasing their continued evolution and songwriting prowess.

Franz Ferdinand's influence extends beyond their chart success. The band has garnered critical acclaim, including two Brit Awards (including Best British Group) and an NME Award. They've toured relentlessly, captivating audiences worldwide with their energetic performances.

After McCarthy's departure in 2016, Julian Corrie (keys, guitar, backing vocals) and Dino Bardot (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) joined the ranks. Thomson's departure in 2021 led to the addition of Audrey Tait on drums. Despite these lineup changes, Franz Ferdinand remains a vital and influential act, continuing to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of musicians with their unique blend of post-punk, indie rock, and pop sensibilities.

Clutch: A Heavy Metal Odyssey from Maryland

Clutch, the Maryland-bred rock titans, have been churning out heavy riffs and soulful grooves since 1991. Their lineup, a musical powerhouse consisting of Tim Sult (lead guitar), Dan Maines (bass), Jean-Paul Gaster (drums), and Neil Fallon (vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards), has remained remarkably consistent, giving their sound a signature swagger.

Early Days: A Blast of Heavy Metal from the DMV

Born out of the Germantown, Maryland music scene, Clutch started out as a raw, energetic band under the names Glut Trip and Moral Minority. After a brief stint with vocalist Roger Smalls, Neil Fallon, a familiar face from their Seneca Valley High School days, joined the band. The name "Clutch" was chosen for its bluntness and automotive reference, reflecting the band's shared passion for cars and the one-word trend prevalent in rock band names at the time (think Prong, their early influences).

Building a Legacy: From Local Heroes to International Icons

Clutch's relentless touring quickly solidified their reputation as a live powerhouse. Their unique blend of heavy metal, stoner rock, and blues influences resonated with audiences, catapulting them from Maryland's underground scene to the forefront of the American rock landscape.

Thirteen Albums Strong: A Body of Work That Stands the Test of Time

With thirteen studio albums to their credit, as well as a collection of rarities and live recordings, Clutch have built a formidable catalogue. Since 2008, they've operated under their own label, Weathermaker Music, giving them creative freedom and artistic control over their music.

A Pioneer of Stoner Rock:

Clutch's influence on the stoner rock genre is undeniable. Their thick, psychedelic riffs and soulful vocals have inspired generations of musicians, solidifying their place as pioneers in the heavy music scene.

Clutch's enduring success lies in their unwavering dedication to their craft, their tireless touring schedule, and their ability to create music that is both heavy and soulful. They remain a vital force in the rock world, constantly evolving their sound while staying true to their roots.

Straight out of San Francisco, CA. Hardcore thrash band Hemorage are here to share their art and make a chaotic peaceful environment creating a one of a kind experience. Formed by vocalist and guitarists Jon Orc and Bona Pak, Hemorage is rounded out by Ron Roussell on drums. Citing influences from Metal, Rap to Hardcore Punk, the band’s style is fiercely original laced with heavy breakdowns intertwined with fast-thrashing, hardcore punk riffs. The band has already seen praise from ESP guitars, Gary Holt(Exodus), and Brian Poshen, and have toured around the country independently with their DIY mobile stage and self-made merchandise. Hemorage carries a strong message of resilience, but it’s also about having fun.