Time for Rock...
Time for Rock...
Founded in: 1997
Luan Tan, a renowned Taiwanese band, adopted "Luan Tan" from the traditional Taiwanese Northern Opera style "Luan Tan Xi" as their band name. Their live performances are energetic, vibrant, and incredibly passionate. In 1997, they released their debut album "Hope," fusing Taiwanese folk music with rock and roll to create an avant-garde style that drew attention from all sectors and earned them numerous awards and recognition.
After releasing their second album "Lantern" in 2000, the band ceased performing. They participated in the Super Slipper Party 3 concert in 2012.
== Members == Luan Tan is a four-piece male band. The members first met at the Fuxing Vocational High School in Yilan (currently known as Lanyang Technical College). During a time when rock music was not widely accepted, they tirelessly pursued their passion for rock music together. They experienced a period where they had nothing but music.
Founded in: 1997
The Chairman (English: The Chairman) is a Taiwanese rock band currently consisting of six members. Guan Yu, Wu Yongji, and Du Wenxiang formed the band "1989" together in 1989. On July 4, 1997, Aji, Guan Yu, Xiaobai, Dajun, and Jin Gang, the five original members, adopted the band name "The Chairman" at the Witch House.
== Musical Works ==
=== Singles === 1999: Released their first single "Long Mei Dai Shi" (Cornerstone Music). 2022: Released the campaign song "Ding Zhen" for Taipei mayoral candidate Chen Shih-chung.
=== Studio Albums === 2000: Released their first album "Ni Mei Liao Jie" (HIM International Music). 2001: Released their second album "chairman.tw2" (Kinetic Music). 2002: Released their third album "11 Tai" (Love to Make Music). 2003: Released their fourth album "Guan Yu Solo" (Cornerstone Music). 2005: Released their fifth album "Find a New World".
Founded in: 1998
We Save Strawberries (English band name: WE SAVE STRAWBERRIES, abbreviated as W.S.S.), is a Taiwanese post-rock band. Formed in 1998, the band was initially named "GESSO" (primer). In March of the following year, the band changed its name to "We Save Strawberries", which remains the name to this day.
== Members == Labi Wu - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar ARNY Ing - Backing Vocals, Guitar, Sound Synthesizer Chitai Hou - Backing Vocals, Guitar Hyphen - Backing Vocals, Bass Guitar Aki - Drums
== Introduction == Formed in 1998 by several college students from Tunghai University and Providence University in Taichung. Only two members knew how to play instruments in the first month. Originally, the band had a very pretentious name, "Gesso." In 1999, the first-generation band leader, DuDu, randomly chose a new name, and the members impulsively agreed, regretting it too late. The band participated in the Spring Scream Festival and started performing extensively. 2000 ~ 2002 "Generation Collapse Chronicles 2" compilation album, "Vibe" compilation album, "Theater Soundtrack Record" EP 2003 First album "Solar System" was released. 2004 ~ 2008 Experienced military service and member changes. Moved to Taipei. 2009 "Connect the Dots" Music Festival compilation album 2010 Second album "Feather River" was released. 2011 Nominated for Golden Melody Award and Golden Music Award.
Founded in: 2001
Monkey Insane is a Taiwanese band. Formed in 2001, Monkey Insane released two albums before officially disbanding on March 23, 2007, after a farewell concert. After disbanding, bassist Akai and drummer Axiang formed MP Magic Power, lead singer Xiaoting formed Spinning Butterfly and collaborated with Huang Xiaorou on Flynn Lock, guitarist Shandiren formed Mutaker, and the members continued their musical dreams. On July 31, 2010, the band reunited for a concert at Legacy. In 2022, the band returned to perform, and in 2023 they released a new single after 17 years.
Founded in: 1999
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.
Founded in: 2017
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.
Founded in: 2020
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.
Founded in: 2020
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.
Founded in: 2023
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.
Founded in: 1988
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).
Founded in: 2007
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."
Founded in: 2001
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.