The 15th annual festival, kicking off July 10 at Fulong Beach, generated over NT$1 billion (US$33.3 million) in business, the city’s Tourism and Travel Bureau estimated.
“Hohaiyan is one of Taiwan’s largest music festivals, and playing a gig here is a dream come true for independent music makers,” the organizer said. “Fresh sounds originating from the festival have been a constant source of inspiration for Taiwan’s music industry, bolstering its dominance of the Mandopop scene.”
Independent bands from across Asia, including Hong Kong’s 9AM, Japan’s D=OUT, Malaysia’s Manhand, Singapore’s Ahfive and mainland China’s Nine Treasures, also brought their sounds to the Taiwan audience on the opening day.
A total of 10 Taiwan independent rock bands selected from over 200 hopefuls performed July 13, and the winner of this year’s Ocean Indie Music Awards, KyRa RAY, was announced by Mayor Eric Liluan Chu shortly after.
On July 14, past winners, including Boxing, Children Sucker, Jasmine Small Band, Matzka, Monkey Insana featuring Dizzy Butterfly, Punk Hoo, Queen Suitcase, Totem Band, The White Eyes, Won Fu and 88balaz, all gathered to perform live in the Come Back Stage extravaganza.
Taiwan pop divas A-Mei and Cheer Chen, as well as Sodagreen and this year’s Golden Melody Awards Best Mandarin Album winner Chang Chen-yue, graced the stage as well.
Launched in 2000, Hohaiyan is organized by New Taipei City Government and has been one of Taiwan’s longest running free outdoor music events. The organizer expects the festival to continue serving as a platform for emerging musicians while boosting local tourism. (YHC-SDH)
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