Taiwanese Waves: Fire Ex, Dadado Huang + Berry j, Sangpuy

A night of diverse music featuring folk and rock in tribal language, Taiwanese and Mandarin

Fire Ex

The fantastically frenetic sound of Taiwan’s premier pop punk ambassadors instantly takes you on a joyous voyage into bilingual, cross-cultural fun. Assembled in Kaohsiung, Taiwan at the turn of the century, Fire Extinguisher (shortened to Fire Ex) is led by frontman Sam, with Orio on guitar, and JC on bass (all high school pals). In 2012 they added a drummer, Ti Wu, who rounded out the quartet and added fast-paced, thumping percussion. They released their first album, the sprightly Let’s Go, in 2007. The record tackles issues of overcoming adversity; facing anything that life throws at you and keeping the pedal to the metal. They then toured all over the country, with nonstop enthusiasm and heartfelt appreciation for their success. As the bandmates matured, they threaded some post-rock arrangements into their sound, elevating their work to a more sophisticated level. Yet they have always stayed true to their punk roots, as evidenced on the hit singles “Good Night! Formosa!,” “A Man on the Sea,” and “Island’s Sunrise,” spread out over four full-length records. With the consistent goal of pursuing their dreams, Fire Ex has been bestowed with the honor of being named “The Taiwan People’s Music Band,” a badge they wear with grateful pride.

Dadado Huang and Berry J

Gifted with an extremely tender voice, Dadado Huang crafts melodic, touching songs that pull at heartstrings (even if you do not speak any Mandarin). The Taiwanese sensation in soft vocal tones and evocative acoustic guitar released his first full-length album in 2007, and received vast praise. His best-known track is “Shangrila,” which fans adore, not only for the dulcet quality of Huang’s voice, but for the lyrics which offer comfort in times of emotional duress. To date, Huang has released four LPs and has held hundreds of concerts, at some of the most prestigious venues in his country.

Sharing the stage with Huang is Berry J, another Taiwan based talent in singing and songwriting. Her soothing voice is can be found on three full length albums, as she weaves indie-pop with natural, peaceful sounds. After the release of her latest album, Berry J committed her efforts to musical production and the creation of a whole new band, Over the Hill, formed with her friends. Fans eagerly await their forthcoming melodic outputs and live shows.

Sangpuy

Sangpuy Katatepan Mavaliyw is a direct descendant of the native Pinuyumayan tribe of Taiwan, and generations of heritage can be heard in his uniquely cultivated voice. His greatest joy is indeed singing, and providing those who listen with a soothing cure for the embattled modern soul. His sound, and mind, are pure. In his words, “When the night has come, the bonfire is bursting, the breeze is softly sweeping through treetops, and the smoke is spiraling with the wind. You don’t need the glamorous music at such peaceful moment, the only thing you need it tranquility.”