Taiwan Music Archives | Talking Taiwan Podcast

Surviving the Coronavirus Crash as a Musician: A Discussion with Peter Lin Ep 74

Felicia Lin — Mon, 11 May 2020 01:45:23 +0000

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Since I’ve stepped into the role of Producer of this podcast, in addition to being the host, we’ve been working on consistently delivering quality content, and on releasing previously unreleased episodes. In doing so, it’s allowed me to revisit some of our previous guests like Peter Lin who is a jazz musician and trombone player who I interviewed in 2018.

Recently I caught up with Peter, two years after our first interview. Artists and musicians have been amongst the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and I wanted to know how Peter was dealing with it.

I learned that Peter released a second album in 2019 and has started a new company, Yardbird Entertainment. He had lots of great advice and tips for musicians who are trying to get through these tough times.

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

The difference between performing live vs. doing remote, online performances
How the Internet can offer new opportunities for musicians to reach the larger global community
How some musicians have earned money by performing on a live stream with a link to Venmo or PayPal to donate
What relief funds and government assistance there is for musicians
The different ways that musicians have been trying to earn money
The Facebook group, the COVID-19 musicians support group- a resource to apply for unemployment, and find out about grants
Resources where musicians can apply for relief
The importance of staying at home and protecting those who are most vulnerable and realizing who has been hardest hit
What Peter has been working on since the last time he was on Talking Taiwan on 2018
The release of Peter’s second album New Age Old Ways in 2019 and the comic book that accompanies it
Peter’s YouTube series Jazz Biz 101 by Yardbird Entertainment
Peter’s remote video production company, Yardbird Entertainment
Creating mobile live stream
How clubs can widen their reach by broadcasting on the Internet
How people can support artists and musicians in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic

Jazz Trombone Player Peter Lin: A Mix of East and West Ep 73

Felicia Lin — Mon, 04 May 2020 15:58:41 +0000

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Peter Lin, is a trombone player, leader of the jazz band, The Lintet, and music teacher. He is a man who wears a lot of different hats! In March of 2018, Peter talked about his career as a professional musician, the difference between being a bandleader versus a sideman, and how he met jazz legend Slide Hampton. We also talked about the Lintet’s first upcoming album, and the connection between Jeremy Lin, Linsanity, and The Lintet- all of which incidentally are not related to me.

Peter shared why he describes jazz as democratic, and a barometer of the United States’ social climate. In his first album, The Lintet introduces Taiwanese music to jazz listeners and jazz music to the Taiwanese.

Two years later, we’ve invited Peter back onto Talking Taiwan to let us know what he’s been up to, how he’s been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and to share some advice for how musicians can get through these tough times. Our follow up interview is coming up on the next episode of Talking Taiwan.

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

How Peter got started playing the trombone
How he decided to become a professional musician
Where the band’s name The Lintet came from
What Peter does as a bandleader
How jazz has historically reflected the social climate and race relations in the U.S.
How The Lintet incorporates Taiwanese and Chinese songs done in jazz style at his performances and on their first album
The twofold purpose The Lintet’s album to introduce Taiwanese to jazz music and to introduce jazz listeners to Taiwanese and Chinese music
Peter’s observation that more Taiwanese people are becoming interested in jazz

Here’s a sound clip from one of the Lintet’s 2018 Lunar New Year performances. It’s a rendition of a classic Teresa Teng song:

An Interview with Author, Musician, and Journalist Joe Henley Ep 64

Felicia Lin — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 13:41:49 +0000

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

I conducted an interview with author, musician, and journalist Joe Henley, about his latest book, Bu San Bu Si, and his first book, Sons of the Republic. In writing Bu San Bu Si, Joe (who is Taipei-based) clearly drew upon his multi-disciplinary background.

The book after all is about a Taiwanese punk band and the struggles that the musicians face in reconciling their punk personas with Taiwan’s societal expectations. Joe, incidentally, has sung in punk rock and metal bands, and much of what he’s written in Bu San Bu Si was inspired by what he experienced in the Taipei punk and metal band scene.

We also talked about what motivates people with creative pursuits and how important money and fame might be in that pursuit. I asked him about his writing process and to offer advice to aspiring writers. Joe was unabashedly frank about what motivated him to write his first book, Sons of the Republic and talked about the subject of his next book.

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

• Joe’s latest novel, Bu San Bu Si
• What the phrase “bu san bu si” means
• Joe’s writing process
• How Joe ended up in Taiwan
• How Saskatchewan (where Joe is from) compares to Taiwan
• How Joe adjusted from moving from Saskatoon to Taipei
• What motivated Joe to write his first novel, Sons of the Republic
• Joe’s career as a musician and freelance writer
• The topics of Joe’s future books
• Joe’s advice for aspiring authors
• Being a journalist vs. a novelist/author
• Joe’s two bands: Stench of Lust, and Revilement

Taiwanese Waves – Mia Min Yen Talking Taiwan Ep 56

Felicia Lin — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 10:33:52 +0000

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Last year was the first year that there was a Taiwanese Waves concert at the Central Park Summerstage and it was smashing success! Thousands of people were introduced to Taiwanese musicians Anpu (also known as Deserts Xuan), Wonfu, and Sunset Rollercoaster.

This year Taiwanese Waves has been invited back to Summerstage. Recently, I sat down to talk with Mia Min Yen, the founder and organizer of Taiwanese Waves. Mia spoke with me about the origins of her love of live music, how she was finally able to bring Taiwanese Waves to Summerstage, how the musicians featured this year (Fire Ex, Dadao Huang & Berry j, and Sangpuy) are representative of the cultural diversity of Taiwan, and her vision for the future of Taiwanese Waves.

Taiwanese Waves is not only a great showcase for Taiwanese musicians, but also the only Summerstage concert series lineup to feature Asian musicians. Taiwanese Waves will be at the Summerstage on July 29th from 6:00-10:00 pm at the Rumsey Playfield in New York’s Central Park. To learn more about Taiwanese Waves, visit: www.TaiwaneseWaves.com

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

Where the name Taiwanese Waves comes from
How Mia was finally able to bring Taiwanese Waves to Central Park’s Summerstage
Where Mia’s interest in live music and bands came from
How she curates the Taiwanese Waves concert series
A preview of some of the musicians who will be performing at this year’s Taiwanese Waves
What’s Mia’s future vision for Taiwanese Waves
Mia’s other love of photography and where you can find on her Instagram

Singer, Songwriter and Musician – Treya Lam Talking Taiwan Ep 55

Felicia Lin — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 02:31:12 +0000

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

I first learned about Treya, an up-and-coming musician with an amazing voice about two years ago, when she was profiled on TaiwaneseAmerican.org. From then on she was definitely on my radar to have as a guest on the Talking Taiwan, but somehow the timing was just not right for it. As I waited for the stars to align, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing her perform live several times. Now it’s time for me to have her on Talking Taiwan as a guest, and the timing couldn’t be better as Treya is in the midst of a Pledge Music campaign to raise funds for her first album. She’s running a sort of crowdfunding campaign, which I happen to know a thing or two about. So I am really thrilled to be able support her at this time, and to let others know about her huge talent. On top of all this I have the distinct honor of being the first on record to have done an audio interview with her!

Listen to Treya Lam’s “Sapphyr Skies”

http://traffic.libsyn.com/talkingtaiwan/sapphyr_skies.mp3

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

Treya’s thoughts on Taiwan and being Taiwanese and American

Her musical inspirations and influences

Treya’s music writing process and her sources of inspiration

How she deals with writer’s block

Working on her first album and her Pledge Music Campaign and what she has planned for it

How you can support Treya’s Pledge Music Campaign and what she is offering at different contribution levels

Her thoughts on musicians independently producing their own music

2017 Hello Taiwan Tour – Ysanne Spevack Talking Taiwan Ep 54

Felicia Lin — Thu, 11 May 2017 02:38:33 +0000

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

It’s that time of year again here in New York City. Spring is upon us, and as the weather warms up you’ll find street fairs popping up all around the city. I’ve already run into a couple of them. If you have ever been in the city at this time of year, you’ll know what I’m talking about. It’s hard to miss it when you come across blocks and blocks of a wide New York City avenue that are closed off to traffic, and bustling with pedestrians instead. You’ll smell the aroma of mouthwatering foods wafting in the air, and see a variety of vendors hawking their wares. Imagine a massive flea market and a block party all rolled into one.

In the summer New York City is known for its free, open air, outdoor, public events with all sorts of cultural offerings ranging from classical music performances in Central Park to screenings of blockbuster movies at one of the Hudson River Park piers.

Most notable for the Talking Taiwan podcast and our listeners, is the Passport to Taiwan, an outdoor festival dedicated to celebrating everything related to Taiwan. The festival takes place every May in Union Square Park and is a chance for the public to experience Taiwanese culture. There are arts and crafts demonstrations, community organizations represented, the ever-popular Taiwanese food stalls, and live music performances. Passport to Taiwan has been going on for 14 years and last year an estimated 10, 000 people were in attendance.

The Hello Taiwan concert series was born out of the Passport to Taiwan and brings musical artists from Taiwan to New York to perform at the festival. This year’s Hello Taiwan musical artists are truly representative the ethnic diversity of Taiwan.

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ysanne Spevack, the producer of this year’s Hello Taiwan Tour. Ysanne herself is an accomplished musician who works with up-and-coming musical artists. I was really impressed with how she has embraced Taiwan and the Taiwanese music industry, which she compared to the U.K.’s. That’s high praise indeed! This year’s Hello Taiwan Tour runs May 24-29. Learn more about Hello Taiwan in this episode of the Talking Taiwan podcast.

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

What is the Passport to Taiwan

The origins of Hello Taiwan and the Hello Taiwan tour

The musical artists who will be performing at Hello Taiwan: Gina Can, Sean Huang, and Biung

Taiwan’s music industry and how it compares to the U.K.’s

Hello Taiwan tour dates

Taiwan’s Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan’s equivalent of the Grammys

Ysanne’s advice for aspiring musicians

Taiwan Music Showcase – Ed Yen Talking Taiwan Ep 51

Felicia Lin — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 15:12:08 +0000

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Ed Yen is a Taiwanese music producer, music executive, entrepreneur, singer-songwriter, audio engineer, theater designer, film score, commercial composer, A&R manager and vocal coach. He is the Executive Producer of Taiwan Music Express and CEO Of GCA.

The post Taiwan Music Showcase – Ed Yen Talking Taiwan Ep 51 appeared first on Talking Taiwan Podcast.

Hiphop – Dwagie Talking Taiwan Ep 50

Felicia Lin — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 15:08:37 +0000

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

TalkingTaiwan catches up with Dwagie at the CMJ Music Night Showcase on 24 October

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dwagie%E5%A4%A7%E6%94%AF/267893688022

The post Hiphop – Dwagie Talking Taiwan Ep 50 appeared first on Talking Taiwan Podcast.

Borcheng Hsu on the 13th Passport to Taiwan Festival Ep 45

Felicia Lin — Mon, 19 May 2014 15:12:27 +0000

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Borcheng Hsu talks about the 13th Passport 2 Taiwan Festival at Union Square in New York City. P2TW has grown to over 60 booths (1/3 are authentic Taiwanese food you cannot find in the US outside of someone’s home) and how cultural groups are now being flown in direct from Taiwan. Mr Hsu also talks about the future of the event, and how it could be traveling to a city new you someday soon!

The post Borcheng Hsu on the 13th Passport to Taiwan Festival Ep 45 appeared first on Talking Taiwan Podcast.

Andrew Watson of the band Feiwu Talks about Hello Taiwan Ep 38

Felicia Lin — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 15:55:34 +0000

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

When I invited Andrew Watson onto Talking Taiwan to talk about the fourth annual Hello Taiwan Concert, I was pleasantly surprised by how our conversation touched on the 1990s music scene in Taiwan. Andrew was living in Taiwan at the time when he formed his band Feiwu (廢物樂隊), which will be performing at Hello Taiwan. Feiwu is the hard-rocking band who wrote and performed the classic “我愛台灣啤酒” (“I Love Taiwan Beer”) and other original songs at Spring Scream and various venues around the island from 1997 to 2001. The band is well known as one of the core bands that pioneered the Taiwan independent music scene of the ’90’s along with Mayday (五月天), Cthonic (閃靈), 1976, The Chairman (董事長), and Quarterback (四分衛).

This year, organizers of the Hello Taiwan Concert will be raising funds for Typhoon Haiyan victims in the Philippines. Last year they raised $10,000 for the Breezy Point firemen who were themselves victims of Hurricane Sandy, when their houses were burned down in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Many of the Breezy Point firemen, were the first responders at the 9/11 terrorist attack.

The bands that will be performing at Hello Taiwan include: Feiwu (廢物樂隊), Bikini Carwash, Torpid May, and The Underground Channel.

There will be a special guest performance by Filipino American rapper, producer and performer, IZZY.

Hello Taiwan will be hosted by Ben Hedges. journalist, producer and TV host. He now hosts New Tang Dynasty Television’s show “Lao Wai Kan Zhongguo” 郝毅博是《老外看中國》的主持人.

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this episode:

The bands that will be featured at the fourth annual Hello Taiwan Concert
Andrew’s band Feiwu (廢物樂隊) and Code of Resistance
What’s going to be happening at the Hello Taiwan Concert
How the Hello Taiwan Concert is a mix of a Taiwan-style night market with live music performances
What brought Andrew to Taiwan
Will Feiwu record a third album?
The 1990s music scene in Taiwan
How Andrew would compare the music scenes in Taipei and New York
Andrew’s Flushing restaurant recommendations
Filipino rapper Izzy will be among those performing at Hello Taiwan
How Ben Hedges the host of Lao Wai Kan Zhongguo (老外看中國) on New Tang Dynasty Television will be hosting Hello Taiwan

Taiwan Music Archives | Talking Taiwan Podcast

Surviving the Coronavirus Crash as a Musician: A Discussion with Peter Lin Ep 74

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

Related Links:

Jazz Trombone Player Peter Lin: A Mix of East and West Ep 73

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

Related Links:

An Interview with Author, Musician, and Journalist Joe Henley Ep 64

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

Related Links:

Taiwanese Waves – Mia Min Yen Talking Taiwan Ep 56

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

Related Links:

Singer, Songwriter and Musician – Treya Lam Talking Taiwan Ep 55

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

Related Links:

2017 Hello Taiwan Tour – Ysanne Spevack Talking Taiwan Ep 54

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode:

Related Links:

Taiwan Music Showcase – Ed Yen Talking Taiwan Ep 51

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Hiphop – Dwagie Talking Taiwan Ep 50

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Borcheng Hsu on the 13th Passport to Taiwan Festival Ep 45

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Andrew Watson of the band Feiwu Talks about Hello Taiwan Ep 38

A note from Talking Taiwan host Felicia Lin:

Here’s a little preview of what we talked about in this episode:

Related Links: