The title says it all ^_^ Here are random recommendations of my favorite Asian artists. Most are of course, Chinese alternatives/indies, but I will try to recommend some Japanese/Korean goodies too.
I really enjoyed Ayano's song "風になる" that played in the credits of the movie "The Cat Returns." However, I couldn't find more of her music until a week ago - when her newest album "CALENDAR CALENDAR" was released. I believe Ayano (Japanese singer/songwriter) makes fun, acoustic pop music (although I'm never good at describing/categorizing songs *_^). Her speciality is of course, the super cute ukulele! Definitely check her music out if you haven't already ^_^
I expected to hear the same cute, light indie sound such as "My Little Airport" and "The Marshmallow Kisss" when I first got Tizzy Bac's (Taiwan) album. I was wrong. Mixing piano with the electric guitar (and drums of course), Tizzy Bac's vocal Chen Hui Ting's semi-deep voice is perfect for an upbeat, jazzy-indie sound. Tizzy Bac's sound is indeed different, and awesome ^_^
I was on a MV downloading spree yesterday and found 2 new Cheer MVs ^_^ They're from her new album "A Fabulous Adventure." Different from her earlier works, this new album have a heavier emphasize on instruments (especially the violin). Some Cheer fans prefer her earlier, simpler works better, but I love this new album too - glad Cheer is branching out & trying something different. Watch: The Meaning of Traveling Too Much
I just found Putfile today - I decided to re-host all the sample music there. Putfile is basically a free media hosting site-the best thing is that the files won't expire given that it's active once within 6 months :) If you guys/girls like certain sample tracks and wants to keep them, just fish them out of the "temporary internet files" folder (or click "view," and then "source," and get the DL url from the listening page) :P
I love the Japanese duo "the Indigo" ^_^ With their nice alternative/groove/funky sounds & Miki's awesome voice, I get a happy feeling whenever I listen to their music. "Fantasista Girl" is their newest single (from their new album Flair). It's on repeat-play for me quite often ^_^
Words cannot describe how much I love Cheer Chen's (TW singer/songwriter) music. It was definitely not love at first listen, but after giving Cheer songs repeated listens, her's clear, soft voice and mellow acoustic guitar grew on me. Most of Cheer's songs are relaxing and very simple (minimal instruments - only the guitar and sometimes piano). However, Cheer's upbeat/rockish songs are wonderful too. I'm proud to say that this songwriter & singer is one of my favorite, favorite c-indie/alternative artists and will remain forever, no matter what future music directions she decides to take.
I wish I could attend her concert someday... someday...
Just got this album, and wow, SCLL's mellow electronic instrumental/vocals live is amazing. The live songs sound just like the studio recorded version, maybe even better. Thanks noodz-shi for introducing me to this great band!
Usually singing rock/rap music, Stanley goes mellow/electronic in this song. This is my favorite track from the 20 something taipei ost - it's quite laid-back & relaxing, sometimes I set it on repeat and go into my mellow/sleepy/zoned out mood.
I enjoy indie compilation albums because they constantly introduce new/unknown artists to me. Sober was one of the nice discoveries I made on this album, along with Life Journey, New Pants, and Milk@Coffee.
