Lineup of Taiwanese Musicians to Perform in 2016 SXSW Music Festival

Translated and compiled by Bing-sheng Lee

This year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival presents Taiwanese rapper DJ Aristophanes, and indie bands TRASH and Queen Suitcase, among the over 2,220 acts in the festival. The three groups will perform in Taiwan Beats, the official Taiwan music showcase in SXSW, on March 19.

Established in 1987, SXSW features a series of festivals and conferences that highlight original music, independent films, and emerging technologies, attracting over 100,000 visitors who look for up-to-date innovation, revolutionary creations, and unique artistic performances each year. Last year alone, more than 2,200 music performances featuring artists from 62 different countries were held in SXSW. International artists like Lady Gaga, Coldplay and Snoop Dogg all have performed in the event annually in Austin, Texas.

DJ Aristophanes is a female rapper from Taipei. She is best known for her diverse music samples, enigmatic literary references, aggressive beats, enchanting laughter and delirious screams. In 2015, she teamed up with Canadian musician Grimes and produced a single, “Scream.”

Rock trio TRASH lays the ground for buoyant Mandarin rock with strong song arrangements. Their music bounces between Brit pop, alternative rock and grunge. Nirvana is said to be the main inspiration for TRASH to work on decadent music.

The music of indie band Queen Suitcase resembles 1960s rock music. The combination of the lead singer’s sultry voice and post-punk guitar riffs serve to honor the golden age of rock.

Recommended by the Ministry of Culture of the Executive Yuan, these Taiwanese artists have been selected by the organizers of the SXSW Music Festival this year.

Edited by Olivia Yang

Sources:
SXSW
“TAIWAN’S LINEUP FOR THE 2016 SXSW IN AUSTIN” (TECO)
Taiwan Beats
INSIDE
iGuang.tw
Newsnet.tw
Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development, MOC
TaiwaneseAmerican.org