Tizzy Bac, also known as Tieh Chih Bei Ke (鐵之貝克) in Chinese, is an independent Taiwanese band formed in 1999. The band consists of three members: Chen Hui-Ting (vocalist and keyboardist), Hsu Che-Yu (bassist), and Lin Chien-Yuan (drummer). They are primarily active in northern Taiwan, performing at various venues in Taipei City. Their bassist, Hsu Che-Yu, passed away on January 23, 2018 due to cancer.

== Band Introduction ==

Tizzy Bac was originally formed in December 1999 by Chen Hui-Ting (vocalist and keyboardist), Hsu Che-Yu (bassist), and Cheng Kai-Tong (drummer). The songwriting for the band is mainly handled by the vocalist, Hui-Ting, with lyrics focused on exploring the challenges and predicaments of modern life and love. As a result, they self-identify as a "grumbling" band. Due to the themes of their lyrics, Tizzy Bac's music tends to resonate with audiences who have a richer life experience, leading some to categorize their music as "Adult Alternative."

In 2002, drummer Cheng Kai-Tong left the band to join the Mint Leaf Band, also serving as the drummer for Zhang Xuan & Algae. In 2003, drummer Lin Chien-Yuan joined Tizzy Bac.

Tizzy Bac, however, does not have a guitarist, a common feature in most bands. They use a keyboard (primarily a piano sound) as the main melody instrument, creating a unique "piano rock" style, earning them the title of "Taiwan's Ben Folds Five." The distortion sound that is prevalent in Tizzy Bac's music comes from the bass through effects pedals, not from a guitar.

Night Jobs, a punk rock trio formed in 2017, comprises Matthew Day, Dan Henney, and Kristian Peterson. Their music is infused with emotional depth, inviting audiences to sing along to their powerful anthems.

Philadelphia's underground music scene veterans, Crossed Keys, have a history as deep as the city's rich musical heritage. If you've been immersed in the city's hardcore and punk scene over the past two decades, you've likely encountered members of this band in their past incarnations. From the legendary Kid Dynamite to the raw energy of Ink & Dagger, Crossed Keys boasts a resume that includes iconic acts like Step Ahead, Kill The Man Who Questions, Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, Halo of Snakes, and The Curse.

This collective experience has forged a unique sound in Crossed Keys, a band drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences. Their music reflects years spent in basements and record stores, crafting a distinct brand of punk rock. Their debut full-length album, "CROSSED KEYS BELIEVES IN YOU," released this spring on Creep Records, Dead Satellite Records, and Sell The Heart Records, showcases their evolution.

While the members of Crossed Keys may be a bit older, a touch wiser, and perhaps sporting a bit less hair, their passion for creating music for sweaty singalongs and good times remains as strong as ever. Their sound is a testament to their dedication, a celebration of the vibrant Philadelphia scene that has shaped them.

The Bonstones: East Bay Bred, Punk Rock Fed

Calling The Bonstones simply a "pop punk band from the East Bay" is a gross understatement. It's like describing nachos as "chips with stuff." Born and raised in Alameda, a town so East Bay it practically defines the term, these veteran rockers are steeped in the region's vibrant musical legacy.

Robby, Marky, and Joey Bonstone aren't musical newbies. Each boasts a resume longer than a CVS receipt, but their past achievements pale in comparison to their ambitious future. The Bonstones craft infectious, melodic noise that burrows into your brain like a catchy earworm, equally inspired by classic punk pioneers like The Ramones, The Pretenders, Buzzcocks, and The Clash, mid-90s heroes The Queers, Screaching Weasel, Chixdiggit, and The Lillingtons, and modern pop-punkers like Jagger Holly, The Prozacs, Dee Cracks, and Sweatpants Party.

With roots firmly planted in the Lookout Records scene, The Bonstones are a collective force, writing and creating as a tight-knit unit. Their self-produced debut album, "East Bay Elegy," has been captivating listeners on streaming platforms since 2023 and saw physical release in 2024 on Sell The Heart Records and Monster Zero Records.

Known for their high-energy, crowd-pleasing live shows, The Bonstones regularly rock the San Francisco Bay Area. They've also taken their infectious sound on the road across the US and even toured Europe, spreading their infectious East Bay spirit across the globe.

Hailing from Richmond, VA and Bloomington, IN, The Barbed Wires are no strangers to the punk scene. Having already made a name for themselves with previous bands like Pink Razors, Strike Anywhere, and Cloak / Dagger, they now bring their signature blend of aggression and melody to the forefront with their 2023 debut on Lets Pretend Records. This is raw, edgy punk rock with singalong hooks reminiscent of The Wipers and Adolescents – if you crave straightforward, no-frills punk, this is for you.

Tang Dynasty was formed in 1988. It is China’s first heavy metal rock band, named after the Tang Dynasty, one of the most prosperous dynasties in history. In 1992, they released their album "Dream Back to Tang Dynasty", which caused a sensation in Taiwan and mainland China. This album established Tang Dynasty's important position in the Chinese rock music scene. The band is considered one of the most representative rock bands in the Chinese music scene. They won the Best Rock Band Award at the 7th Golden Record Awards in 2013 and the Hall of Fame Band Award in 2014.

Some of their well-known songs include "Dream Back to Tang Dynasty," "Sun," "Flying Bird," "Moon Dream," "Romance," "Black Humor," "Your Illusion," "Farewell," "Road," "Howling Train," "Feng Chan Ceremony," "Song of the Great Wind," "Thorn," "Tears of the Elk," "Elephant Doesn't Complain," "Rattlesnake," and many more.

The band has gone through several changes in members, disbandment, and reorganization.

== Members ==

=== Current Members === Ding Wu (1988 - present) - Lead vocalist, founding member. Liu Jingwei (2019 - present) - Guitarist Fu Dalong (2019 - present) - Guitarist Gu Zhong (1995 - present) - Bassist Zhao Nian (1989 - present) - Drummer

=== Former Members === Kaiser Kuo (1988 - 1989, 1996 - 1999) - Guitarist, founding member. Andrew Szabo (1988 - 1989) - Drummer, founding member. Zhang Ju (1988 - 1995) - Bassist, founding member. Liu Yijun (1989 - 1995, 2001 - 2009) - Guitarist Yu Yang (1999) - Guitarist Chen Lei (2000 - 2019) - Guitarist

==== Support Members ==== Qin Qi (1990) - Lead vocalist, sang the song "Dream of the End of the Century" on the album "Tang Dynasty."

=== Member Timeline === ※ This timeline is accurate to the year. ※ Andrew Szabo's position is unclear.

== Development History ==

=== 1980s === 1988: Tang Dynasty was formed by Ding Wu (lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist), Zhang Ju (bassist), and two American Chinese, Kaiser Kuo (guitarist) and his classmate Andrew Szabo (drummer).

831 is a Taiwanese band formed on August 31, 2003 (which also serves as the origin of their band name). The current members include Xiaoju (band leader and keyboardist), Apu (lead vocalist and guitarist), Batian (bassist), Liu Bi (guitarist), and Adian (drummer). In December 2013, the original drummer, Ziyu, announced his departure from the band, and Adian officially joined as the new drummer. On September 1, 2018, 831 performed at Taipei Arena for the first time. On March 23, 2019, they made their debut at Kaohsiung Arena.

== Band History == In the summer of 2003, five high school friends graduated from Taipei Municipal Chenggong High School and formed "831" on the last day of summer vacation, August 31st. They began participating in events like Spring Scream and Wild Stage Open. In 2007, 831 entered the finals of the Ocean Grand Prize competition at the Sea Music Festival. After years of honing their skills through performances, they were approached by the popular Channel V show "CIRCUS ACTION" in 2008 to compose the theme song for their third season, "Let's Go to Hawaii." The song's lively and passionate sound quickly made 831 a trending topic online. "Let's Go to Hawaii" was also chosen as the annual advertising song for the renowned theme park "小人國." The following year, 831 was nominated for the "Best Band" award at the "FRESH MUSIC AWARDS 09" in Singapore, voted by DJ critics.

In 2007, 831 officially transitioned from an underground band to a mainstream one, releasing their first album, "The Confused Generation." The following year, they released "Saving the World." Later, they caught the attention of Mayday's Ashin, who wrote a recommendation for them: "If you truly want to feel that impact on your heart, you can give 831 a try."

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.

EggPlantEgg (English: EggPlantEgg) is a Taiwanese indie rock band formed in Taipei in 2012. The band consists of vocalist and keyboardist Ah-Bin, guitarist Ah-De, and guitarist Ah-Ren. Their musical style encompasses classic rock, blues, and fusion, interwoven with street karaoke and popular music styles. In 2017, they released their first album, "Cartoon Characters". In 2018, they won the Best Hokkien Album Award and Best New Artist Award at the 29th Golden Melody Awards. In 2019, they were nominated for the Song of the Year Award at the 30th Golden Melody Awards with "Drifting". In May 2020, the music video for their single "浪子回頭" (The Prodigal Son Returns) reached 100 million views on their official YouTube channel. In December 2021, the music video for their single "Drifting" reached 100 million views on their official YouTube channel. In 2022, they won the Song of the Year Award at the 33rd Golden Melody Awards with the film theme song "Love Is Greater Than You Think". In September of the same year, they announced a hiatus due to the lead singer's vocal damage.

Like other indie bands in Taiwan that are actively expanding their musical landscape, EggPlantEgg also chose not to join a major record label and instead formed their own company, "EggPlantEgg Co., Ltd.", to handle all of the band's affairs. The company currently employs band members and a manager, and other businesses such as media relations, design, and technical engineering are handled through collaborations.

== Band Name == The band name "EggPlantEgg" comes from the fact that the band members all happen to love eggplants, and eggplants are something that people either love or hate, similar to their music which doesn't satisfy everyone. Lead vocalist Huang Qi-Bin said: "I like to eat eggplant, but you know, eggplant is something that people either love or hate, and that's the same with our music, some people like it, some people hate it, that's normal! So we chose a plant that's a little less mainstream, because eggplant is 'eggplant' in English, so I thought I'd add an 'egg' to make it 'EggPlantEgg', so it's visually symmetrical and has a distinct 'masculine symbol', representing the interesting, masculine image that EggPlantEgg gives to the audience through their music."

== Members == Formed in 2012, the original five members of EggPlantEgg were all graduates of Songshan High School. After member changes, only Huang Qi-Bin remains in the band.

Dong Cheng Wei is a Taiwanese rock band consisting of Jie (lead vocalist), Xiu (leader and guitarist), Deng (bassist), and Ming (drummer). Under the K'o Mi Group and Warner Music, Dong Cheng Wei has released two physical albums, two revised physical albums, one physical television soundtrack, and one digital album. They have also participated in many well-known drama theme songs, theme songs, and drama soundtrack creations. In May 2014, they officially disbanded. In September 2014, guitarist Xiu and lead vocalist Jie formed a new rock band called Red Generation in the same month.

== History == Comprehensive In 1998, leader and guitarist Xiu and bassist Deng, as high school freshmen, formed the first generation of "Eclipse." In 1999, "Eclipse" performed their maiden show in front of 3000 people at the high school’s second-year anniversary celebration. In 2000, after high school classes were reassigned, Wang Dong Cheng and Xiu, Deng were in the same class. Dong also took the initiative to talk to Xiu and Deng about some band concepts. In 2006, Dong Cheng Wei's rhythm guitarist, Qiu, quit due to differences in opinions. Band leader Xiu invited his brother Jie to be the rhythm guitarist. On June 1, 2010, Dong Cheng Wei officially joined Warner Music.

Drama In late November 2005, the band assisted with a cameo role in "The Ultimate Class" and adapted the theme song. On August 8, 2007, the band performed in "The Ultimate Family."

Cosmos People (English: Cosmos People) is a Taiwanese band consisting of three members: Xiaoyu (lead vocalist and keyboardist), A Kui (guitarist), and Fang Q (bassist). They formed in September 2004 at the Player Rehearsal Studio in ShiDa, Taipei. All members are graduates of Jian Guo High School. The following year, they participated in the Kenting Spring Scream Music Festival, which marked the beginning of their frequent performances. They are known for their unique funk dance music that creates a lively atmosphere.

== Introduction ==

=== Band Name Origin === During the summer of 2004, coinciding with the Athens Olympics, Cosmos People's lead vocalist Xiaoyu and a close friend, Li Yu Xin, who loved street dance, traveled to Japan to attend a street dance competition. On the television in their hotel room, they watched the final of the men's hurdles event at the Olympics. One athlete captivated their attention: Félix Sánchez from the Dominican Republic. Before the race, Sánchez lit up his dazzling LED bracelet and danced his self-created moves, completely immersed in his own "cosmos." He ultimately won the gold medal in the event. This awe-inspiring performance inspired a remarkable description from Xiaoyu and his friend: "This guy is so cosmic!" They then started imitating the athlete's unusual dance moves.

A few months later, Xiaoyu and his high school friend, guitarist A Kui, formed a band focused on dance music and began composing songs. They started participating in various performances. When they needed a band name to register for a performance, they said, "Let's just call ourselves Cosmos People." And so, Cosmos People was born.

== Members ==

=== Former Members === Drummer: Lee Dong You (born September 5, 1985), currently the drummer of 88 Ke Ba Le Zi (88 Guavas) Bassist: Fan Zhong Yu Bassist: Chen Wei Da (A Da) (born December 13, 1985) Drummer: Lin Yu An Drummer: Wei Hong Bo (Wei Pang) (born August 4, 1987)

== History ==

=== 2004–2009: Formation and Debut === Cosmos People was formed during the summer of 2004 by Xiaoyu, the keyboardist, and A Kui, the guitarist, both graduates of Jian Guo High School. They became acquainted in high school and shared a common passion for street dance, which sparked their interest in dance music. They started exploring black funk music. After graduating high school, they formed a band to compose music. Initially, they used Xiaoyu's beatboxing vocals and A Kui's funk guitar to create music. Later, they incorporated instruments like keyboards, drums, and bass. Their current bassist, Fang Q, is a senior from A Kui's high school popular music club.

The Libertines: A Tale of Britpop Rebellion, Addiction, and Resurgence

The Libertines, hailing from the gritty streets of London, burst onto the scene in 1997, driven by the raw energy of frontmen Carl Barat and Pete Doherty. Their music, fueled by a raw, punk-infused energy, quickly made them a focal point of the garage rock revival sweeping the UK.

Barat and Doherty's songwriting partnership was the band's heart, with bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell providing the rhythmic backbone for most of their recording career. Their sound, a blend of buzzsaw guitars, anthemic melodies, and introspective lyrics, resonated with a generation yearning for authenticity in their music.

While their early success was overshadowed by Doherty's well-documented struggles with drug addiction, and the volatile relationship between the two songwriters, the Libertines' profile steadily rose. Their second album, self-titled and released in 2004, cemented their place as a major force in British music. It was a critical darling, hitting the top spot on the UK album charts and even being voted the year's second-best album by NME magazine.

The band's sonic blueprint, produced by Mick Jones, the legendary co-founder of The Clash, solidified their punk-rock pedigree. Despite their commercial and critical triumphs, internal conflicts stemming from Doherty's addiction ultimately led to the band's demise in 2004.

Doherty later claimed that the band's breakup stemmed from personal differences with Barat, not his drug use.

The Libertines, a band marked by both artistic brilliance and self-destructive tendencies, remain a symbol of the raw passion and complex realities of rock'n'roll. Despite their turbulent history, their music continues to resonate with fans, reminding us of the enduring power of a band that, at its core, embodied the spirit of rebellion and unflinching honesty.