Dear Music Lover,
How have you been? As we approach the end of the year and the arrival of 2024, we'd like to reflect on the 10 remarkable highlights of 2023. This significant year marks the thirty-fifth anniversary since Wind Music's establishment in 1988. Join us for a brief overview below!
01.Album Highlights
In February, Taiwanese chamber music ensemble, Cicada, unveiled their ninth album, ‘Seeking The Sources Of Stream,’ under the WINDIE label, a sub-brand of Wind Music. This musical journey documents the exploration of deep mountain valleys, where emerging from the misty forest reveals vast and boundless streams.
✱ Album Link: Seeking The Sources Of Stream
In the end of August, Finnish pop Kantele diva, Ida Elina, introduced her first collection album ‘Fearless,’ exclusively available in eight Asian regions. Marking her fifth album, the collection comprises a total of 11 songs, featuring 9 in English, 1 Canzona song, and 1 Finnish song.
✱ Album Link: Fearless
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02.Coverage Highlights
In April, the renowned world music magazine Songlines(UK) presented an interview featuring Putad Pihay, the vocalist from Outlet Drift, and Sauljaljui, the Paiwan singer-songwriter. Conducted by Simon Broughton, Songlines’ editor-in-chief, who had attended the 2022 World Music Festival @Taiwan (WMFT) the previous year.
Towards the end of August, Simon published another insightful piece, this time focusing on the WMFT and the cultural heritage of the Paiwan group. This article further solidified the festival’s irreplaceable position in showcasing cultural richness.
✱ Full Coverage: Festival Pass: Taiwan World Music Festival
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03.Holiday Highlights
During the pivotal month of March, on International Women’s Day, we embarked on a project featuring Wind Music artists - the Kite Flying Band, a duo composed of Guqin player Sylvia Hsu and Accordion player Vincent Tsai. The project delved into a documentary highlighting the influential woman conductor Marin Alsop and her impact on breaking gender stereotypes in the music industry.
✱ Full Project: International Women’s Day 2023
Moving to the 9th of August, observed as World Indigenous Day, a significant occasion for indigenous communities worldwide. In Taiwan, home to 16 indigenous groups, we paid tribute to the esteemed late teacher, Camake Valaule from the Paiwan group. Camake devoted his life to preserving his cultural heritage and posthumously received the Special Award at the 34th GMA for Traditional Arts and Music.
✱ Full Post: World Indigenous Day 2023
04.Showcase Highlights
The psychedelic rock band, Outlet Drift from Wind Music, delivered a sensational performance at the Golden Melody Festival, earning rave reviews in the aftermath.
✱ Full Post: Outlet Drift’s GMA Review
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05.Festival Highlights
Korean new-generation artist JeongSu Park performed at the 2023 Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival, which included six shows, leaving the Taiwanese audience with an unforgettable journey.
✱ Full Review: Meet JeongSu Park @ Yilan, Taiwan!
At the 2023 World Music Festival @Taiwan, artists from 14 countries showcased cultural diversity to the public. A total of 16 languages were featured on three stages, comprising 8 native languages in Taiwan and 8 from abroad.
✱ Review: Earth Stage / Indoor Stages / Beyond Stages
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06.Interview Highlights
Delving into the deeper aspects of the music industry, we gained valuable insights from professionals who shared their stories and advice based on their previous experiences. These experts provided us with diverse perspectives, including Jung Hun Lee(KR), the President of GloMMnet; Kaushik Dutta(IN), the founder and current President of MusiConnect Asia; Noda Ryuji(JP), the founder of Music From Okinawa; Fabio Scopino(IT), the CEO, Co-Founder, and Director of Italian World Beat; and the CEO and Founder of SOUNDPUZZLE, Sung Chun Lee(KR).
✱ Full Interview: Jung Hun Lee / Kaushik Dutta / Noda Ryuji / Fabio Scopino / Sung Chun Lee
07.Domestic Tour Highlights
European artists Ida Elina(FI) and Pipo Romero(ES) made their debut in Taiwan, embarking on a campus tour and showcasing their talents at the 2023 WMFT. Their exceptional performance abilities garnered them a growing fanbase among the Taiwanese audience.
✱ Full Article: Artists Tour 2023
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08.International Tour Highlights
Leaf Yeh, the Hakka ethereal singer-songwriter, had a solo performance and collaborated with artist Ohelen (KR) at the 2023 Seoul Music Week in South Korea. Her passion extended into October, where she engaged in a co-production with Ayano Uema, Anna Sato, and Toshiyuki Sasaki from Japan.
Towards the end of August, the Paiwan group pure vocalist Sauljaljui brought the sound of Yueqin (an instrument with the shape of the moon) to the ACC World Music Festival in South Korea, presenting a world music co-production alongside the traditional musicians group Hey String(KR).
Additionally, in early October, the East-West fusion duo Musician’s House took part in the Gwangju Busking Worldcup in South Korea and is slated to perform at the Music Lane Festival in Okinawa in January of the upcoming year.
✱ Full Review: Leaf Yeh @Seoul Music Week / Sauljaljui @ACC WMF
09.Networking Highlights
Wind Music has actively participated in music events worldwide, assuming various roles such as a delegate at the 2023 Global Toronto, guests at Colours of Ostrava, and serving as a label company and conference speaker at WOMEX23. Additionally, this year we engaged with key figures, exchanging ideas through meetings and face-to-face interactions.
In April, we had discussions with Meg Booth, the CEO of Performing Arts Houston, and Aisha Ahmad-Post, the Executive Director of the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. In mid-June, we met with Sarah Guppy, the COO of Gig Life Pro, to explore insights into the Australian music industry and potential collaboration opportunities.
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10.Award Highlights
In this enriching year, Taiwu Ancient Ballad Troupe from Wind Music achieved notable recognition. Their album 'Who's Singing at Vuvu's House?' clinched the Best Crossover Album Award at the 34th Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music(GMAFTA) in October.
In addition, Musician’s House received acclaim as their album 'Heroine' secured a silver medal at the 2023 Global Music Awards. Furthermore, Biung Wang's album 'Muskun Kata' earned nominations for Best Indigenous Album and Album of the Year, while Poorva181's latest release, 'Strolls,' took home the Best Folk Album honor at the 14th Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA).
✱ Album Link: Who’s Singing At Vuvu’s House? / Heroine / Muskun Kata / Strolls
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As the page turns on another chapter for Wind Music, we eagerly anticipate organizing more events, serving as a bridge between different cultures, and strengthening the connection between Taiwan and the world. We express our deepest appreciation for your ongoing support day by day. See you soon in 2024💖!