JADE
Formed in 2018, JADE is an alternative duo from Taiwan, a rare sight, consisting of Kyle on guitar & vocals and AJ on drums. With their sophisticated music style and strong musical personality, JADE was nominated for Best New Artist, Best Musical Group and Best Arranger at the 30th Golden Melody Awards 2019 for their debut album NEMO. Being one of the few music duos in Taiwan, JADE's distinguished stage presence and professional music production make it impossible to classify them into any music genre. In fact, JADE is about to create a new music genre of its own.
This year, they released their second album - Snow White, which was praised by both the public and critics. In an era where drunken stupor and romance seem to be all the rage, JADE sets itself apart by signing about despair, solitude, and self-hate. Their lyrics, music, tone, and chords are as heavy as lead, yet an anchor for Kyle and AJ in this everchanging music industry.
Sauljaljui
The Paiwan singer-songwriter, Dai Xiaojun, is from the Shimen tribe in Mudan Township, Pingtung County and a skilled singer with powerful but heartwarming vocals. Dai’s first album – Follow the River – was nominated for Best Aboriginal Language Album and Best Aboriginal Language Singer at the 28th Golden Melody Awards and Best Folk Album at the 7th Golden Sound Awards; and her second album – Inside Out – was nominated for Best Aboriginal Language Album and Best Aboriginal Language Singer at the 31st Golden Melody Awards.
From her college days of metal rock to new inspirations with Hengchun Folk Team and the MAQATI Music after returning home, Dai’s music has gradually transformed. Dai Xiaojun’s music retains the structure of aboriginal tunes and is unique for integrating pop, folk, Latin rhythm and world music, giving her music a unique appeal.
Bonander(SE)
GMA x Future Echoes
Bonander is the shorthand for Ellinor Sterner Bonander. Sporting the role of musician, arranger and producer, the Swede is a woman unchained. Injecting darkness into the candied vein of pop, her music demonstrates her sheer femme-power, unpicking existentialist tropes through a feminist lens.
Bonander live creates an emotional experience where the dramatic and expressive productions come to life. She has performed at venues and events such as Manifestgalan Nalen, Viva Sounds, Future Echoes, Spike Bulgaria, Scala theatre, Kulturhuset Stadsteatern and more.
Flesh Juicer
Flesh Juicer was formed in Taiwan Taichung, 2006. Most of their songs are about Taiwanese traditional culture, social conventions, and temple parades. The melodic line in their music employs the traditional eastern pentatonic scale with the use of oriental instruments, such as Suona, Gongs, and drums.
In 2015, Flesh Juicer released their first album – GIGO – and won the Best Rock Album award at the Golden Sound Award. They later released several EPs and performed at multiple international music festivals.
In 2018, Flesh Juicer released Fairy Tales of Ocean Deep and was recognized for its work and live performances domestically. In addition to being nominated for Best Band at the Golden Melody Awards, the album cover was also recognized by the Independent Music Awards in the U.S.
In 2021, Flesh Juicer welcomed their 15th anniversary and released their third album - GOLDEN TAIZI BRO. The concept of the album originated from "Taichung." In the same year, the album won the Golden Indie Music Award for Best Album, Best Live Performance, and Best Band, making them the biggest winner of the night. They continue to enjoy incredible success.