The 6th annual Taiwan Beats Official 2021 SXSW showcase will (virtually) feature four acts representing Taiwan’s vibrant independent music scene: NekoJam, Fire EX, Enno Cheng, and The Chairs. Each act will share a pre-taped, 55-minute long performance showcasing their unique talents as well as highlighting different elements of Taiwanese culture including the popular activity of indoor shrimp fishing, a beautiful Taoist & Taiwanese temple, a stunning Yilan mountain landscape, and a traditional machine factory. Preview HERE.

Watch the Taiwan Beats 2021SXSW Showcase on Thursday,March 18th, 2021 starting at  6PM(CDT) via SXSW Online (Channel 2) and at iconic Austin venue, The Mohawk, via SXSW Online XR.

SXSW would have been an amazing opportunity for all four of these acts to expand their audience internationally and to explore new industry connections in person. When the conference moved to a virtual setting due to the pandemic, the Taiwan Beats 2021SXSW showcase team (sponsored by The Ministry of Culture in Taiwan) chose to partner with Young Team Productions and FIRE ON MUSIC (the biggest punk label in Taiwan) to create special performances spotlighting each artist’s personality and allowing fans to get more familiar with Taiwanese culture. Young Team is a beloved local promoter in Taiwan behind setting up international shows for Yo La Tengo, Rhye, Ride, Jose Gonzalez, Japanese Breakfast, among others.

Previous Taiwan Beats SXSW showcases have been a hit, garnering praise from the likes of the Austin Chronicle, KUTX, Alt Citizen, NPR Music, hello asia! among others, and featuring a range of genres including minimal, experimental artists to electronic, rock, indie dream pop and more. 

TAIWAN BEATS ~ OFFICIAL 2021 SXSW SHOWCASE LINE UP

• Enno Cheng (dreamy indie pop) – Enno has been a household name in Taiwanese popular culture for nearly a decade. In addition to  amassing millions of streams for her music and hundreds of thousands of social media fans, she is also an actress with multiple popular Taiwanese TV credits to her name. 
• Fire EX(punk rock band coined the ‘People’s Band Of Taiwan) – Fire EX rose to popularity during Taiwan’s 2014 Sunflower Movement (a months-long protest occupation of Taipei’s administrative district) and are helping forge a new identity for the progressive, democratic generation.
• The Chairs– (a touch of retro folk rock with mellow psych vibes) – The Chairs are an indie three-piece who have won a Golden Melody Award (Taiwan’s equivalent to the Grammy) and were also nominated for two Golden Indie Music Awards. 
• NekoJam (fun electronic, all-female 4piece with visuals that pop) – NekoJam’s style and camaraderie are akin to groups like Hinds or CHAI. They’ve keenly adapted to the shift in Taiwan’s music scene, starting off as a rock band and switching over to synths and beat drops. 

Press materials for all showcasing artists (including bios, photos) HERE.