Taiwan Grooves

Fil Leskovsky,Rti
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Discover the rich and diverse world of music in Taiwan, and join me on a journey to explore the lives of musicians and their experiences that inspire the vibrant music scene here. Through this musical exploration, we can gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and the stories behind the notes.      

  1. 2D AGO

    Healthy Competition and Challenging Each Other With Tokyo Chuo-Line

    Join us for today’s jazzy episode featuring Tokyo Chuo-Line! All three members—Ken, Toru, and Nori—will be with me to introduce themselves, the band, and the type of music they play. We'll also explore their perspectives on performing in Taipei versus Tokyo and how it influences their music. The band members will share insights into their creative process, and we'll listen to some of the first songs they created! Tokyo Chuo-Line is the name of our band. We are an instrumental band that consists of Ken Ohtake on guitar, Toru Hayakawa on bass, and Noriaki Fukushima on drums.  The name of the band comes from a railway in Tokyo. There is one train running across Tokyo city, and it is called "Central line" (Chuo-Line).  Lots and lots of bars, live houses, and clubs are in the area, and 3 of us grew up playing those jazz and rock venues when we were younger. We still do. So the word "Tokyo Chuo-Line" has a symbolic meaning to our musical journey. Yes, it is one of our key elements. Originally, Ken and Toru started to play duo concerts in Taiwan back in 2013. Their first encounter was when they were in the university and played together a lot since then,  including long-time collaboration with Hakka folk singer Lin Sheng Xiang in Taiwan.  After some shows, they decided that we need a drummer. Then decided to invite Noriaki to play. Toru and Noriaki (everyone calls him Nori) go way back. Toru and Nori first started to play together in their mentor's band in 2000. Their mentor was a legendary jazz drummer in Japan,  Ryojirou Furusawa. They played in his band called "Ne" (which means "root" or "tone of a sound") until 2011. After countless gigs and various sessions together, Toru and Nori trust each other so much.   So the first time the 3 members came together was in 2014. We did a tour and played in  Legacy Taipei (6/12), Room335 Tainan (6/13), and In Our Time Kaoshiung (6/14). We did a live recording. And released a live debut album "佇台南 Live in Tainan" in May 2015.  Actually, at that time, we didn't call ourselves "Tokyo Chuo-Line" yet, but we named the concert event "Tokyo Chuo-Line Unexpected". And the people in Taiwan kept referring to the band as "Tokyo Chuo-Line" since then, so we realized the name had already stuck. So we decided to call ourselves that from 2017. In May 2017, we released a studio album called "One Line".  Our repertoire is original compositions. Ken has his unique, exquisite way of playing guitar and is great with his way of creating texture, and that shows in his composing also. Toru creates tunes that have a big open space to improvise over and allows anything to happen, as we play in a big playground. Nori's groove is always big and strong, but at the same time, his composing is surprisingly melodic and interesting. 3 of us have a background of jazz influence, but we improvise not strictly in a traditional jazz manner, but allow ourselves to let anything happen. And our long-term relationship makes this band ensemble more tasteful and full of sensitivity.   In 2018 March 25th, the band appeared on one of the biggest music festivals in Taiwan, "Megaport Festival".  And during this period, Tokyo Chuo-Line invited renowned saxophone player, Minyen Terry Hsieh, to record 3rd album, "Lines & Stains", which was later to be released in June.  Both "One Line" and "Lines & Stains" were distributed in Japan also from 2018 June. In 2019, the album "Lines And Stains" was nominated in 3 different categories for the Golden Melody Award in Taiwan, and on June 29th, the album won the award as "Best Instrumental Album". To hear more of their music and find out about the band, please visit:  Official websiteYouTube

  2. FEB 25

    On Difference Between Mixing & Mastering, Various Demands of Bands ft. Max

    Hello and welcome! Join Max and me as we explore the world of audio engineering. Normally, I would introduce you to an artist, but this week we are once again talking about live engineering and sound from behind the scenes. Max is here to share his experiences and provide us with an inside look at the demands of different bands. We’ll discuss what a typical day of concerts with Mayday looks like, learn the differences between mixing and mastering, and take a closer look at the place where he works: Rhythm Music Studio. Max is a seasoned audio engineer with over two decades of experience in the live and studio scenes in Taiwan and China. He began his career in the late ’90s, focusing on P.A. system design and multitrack recording. Since then, he has collaborated with some of Asia’s most established artists and venues, including Mayday, Bobby Chen and notable live houses in Shanghai and Taipei.  His expertise includes a wide range of audio work, from live concert mixing and studio recording to audio post-production for video. Since 2019, Max has been based at Rhythm Music Studio in New Taipei City, where he specializes in live sound mixing, audio recording/mixing and video productions. He also has a video project related to original music. (see YouTube link below)  For more information about the current studio and potential collaboration, please go to:  YouTubeFacebook

  3. FEB 18

    Live Mixing Engineer - Pilot's View Being In Control ft. Max

    Usually, I bring you musicians, but today’s guest is someone equally fascinating from behind the scenes. Joining me is Max, a live sound engineer who has worked with major artists like Mayday, Bobby Chen, and Wang Fu in venues across Taiwan, Shanghai, and beyond. Max is here to share his experiences and give us an inside look into the world of live sound. He will discuss how live sound engineering compares to studio work, what has changed over the years, and how he initially got into the profession. We’ll also talk about his journey across Asia, collaborating with big names, some unforgettable moments, and what local bands look for in their sound. Max is a seasoned audio engineer with over two decades of experience in the live and studio scenes in Taiwan and China. He began his career in the late ’90s, focusing on P.A. system design and multitrack recording. Since then, he has collaborated with some of Asia’s most established artists and venues, including Mayday, Bobby Chen and notable live houses in Shanghai and Taipei.  His expertise includes a wide range of audio work, from live concert mixing and studio recording to audio post-production for video. Since 2019, Max has been based at Rhythm Music Studio in New Taipei City, where he specializes in live sound mixing, audio recording/mixing and video productions. He also has a video project related to original music. (see YouTube link below)  For more information about the current studio and potential collaboration, please go to:  YouTubeFacebook

  4. FEB 11

    Reaching Out To Festivals With Quality Portfolio ft. Project Maximus

    Hello and welcome to part II of our interview with Max Lee, the founder of Project Maximus. In the last episode, we caught up with Max about what he has been doing since his last appearance on the show six months ago. We discussed topics such as recording two tracks in Florida, his current projects, and his goals for the coming months. In today's episode, we will continue our conversation by exploring his recent tour in Taiwan, the quest to find stable bandmates, and the connections built through this tour. We will also talk about the importance of developing a quality portfolio to reach out to more venues and festivals for performances. Additionally, we will hear samples of the tracks he recently recorded, along with some insights gained from the tour. Join us for this episode of Taiwan Grooves! Today, I am once again joined by Max from Project Maximus, who will provide us with an update on what has happened since he was last a guest on the show six months ago. In this first part, we will explore his reconnection with his former producer, the projects he is currently working on, and his plans for the near future. We will also conclude the episode by discussing recent performances in southern Taiwan. In 2022, Maxwell Lee moved to Taipei after being awarded a Gold Card from the Taiwan Ministry of Culture for excellence in the arts. He maintains a busy performing schedule, as a primary member of the punk rock band Electric Monk, the dark art rock trio Hive Mind, LoFi group Ai Mao Yuan, and his own pop rock band Project Maximus. Maxwell also frequently features as a guest performer with artists including the Church of Loops, Mr. Bamboostick, Taiwan Beer spokesperson Billy Walshaw and Hits! The Musical cast member Lili Greenberg.  With 22 years of classical training, Maxwell has enjoyed roles as a performer, educator and adjudicator. He has performed in concert halls in the US, Europe, and Asia. He also previously served as a professor of music at Florida State College in Jacksonville and as a frequent judge for the upper divisions of numerous local and state competitions.  Maxwell received a master of music degree from Northwestern University in the studio of Alan Chow. He has also studied under the tutelage of Arkady Aronov (Manhattan School of Music) Paul Schenly (Cleveland Institute of Music) and Boris Slutsky (Peabody Conservatory). As a violinist, Maxwell served as the concertmaster of his civic youth orchestra and received certificates in string pedagogy from the University of Florida and Northwestern. He also plays guitar and bass in a few of his bands.   For more information about Max and his music, please visit: YouTube Facebook Spotify

  5. FEB 4

    Solidifying Their Sound, Project Maximus Tours Southern Taiwan

    Join us for this episode of Taiwan Grooves! Today, I am once again joined by Max from Project Maximus, who will provide us with an update on what has happened since he was last a guest on the show six months ago. In this first part, we will explore his reconnection with his former producer, the projects he is currently working on, and his plans for the near future. We will also conclude the episode by discussing recent performances in southern Taiwan. In 2022, Maxwell Lee moved to Taipei after being awarded a Gold Card from the Taiwan Ministry of Culture for excellence in the arts. He maintains a busy performing schedule, as a primary member of the punk rock band Electric Monk, the dark art rock trio Hive Mind, LoFi group Ai Mao Yuan, and his own pop rock band Project Maximus. Maxwell also frequently features as a guest performer with artists including the Church of Loops, Mr. Bamboostick, Taiwan Beer spokesperson Billy Walshaw and Hits! The Musical cast member Lili Greenberg.  With 22 years of classical training, Maxwell has enjoyed roles as a performer, educator and adjudicator. He has performed in concert halls in the US, Europe, and Asia. He also previously served as a professor of music at Florida State College in Jacksonville and as a frequent judge for the upper divisions of numerous local and state competitions.  Maxwell received a master of music degree from Northwestern University in the studio of Alan Chow. He has also studied under the tutelage of Arkady Aronov (Manhattan School of Music) Paul Schenly (Cleveland Institute of Music) and Boris Slutsky (Peabody Conservatory). As a violinist, Maxwell served as the concertmaster of his civic youth orchestra and received certificates in string pedagogy from the University of Florida and Northwestern. He also plays guitar and bass in a few of his bands.   For more information about Max and his music, please visit: YouTube Facebook Spotify

  6. JAN 28

    Everyone Is a VOYAGER ft. Yosifu

    Join us today for a special episode featuring an on-camera interview at Rti with the talented painter and singer, Yosifu! In this episode, Yosifu will share his artistic background and what art means to him. He will also discuss how he returned to singing after a long hiatus and the important connections he made along the way. Later, we will explore his latest album, *VOYAGER*, where he will explain the meaning behind the album and some of its songs. Yosifu was born in the village of Matailing, Taiwan, and belongs to the Amis tribe of indigenous people found in the east of the island.  He now lives and works mainly in Edinburgh in Scotland, and has exhibited successfully internationally.  He is one of only a very few artists promoting Taiwan's indigenous culture in Europe over the past 20 years. Yosifu's varied creative talents encompass music, photography, design, and painting.  His bright, vibrant style has its roots in indigenous and naive forms of artwork and is a fusion of Western and Asian styles and techniques.  He focuses on the strong use of colours to dramatic effect, with a simple facade often hiding more serious observations or social commentary.  His unique style is appreciated internationally, with works collected in Taiwan, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Canada, USA, Brazil, Australia, Sweden, France & Spain.   Yosifu has been an invited artist to exhibit at Art Taipei International Art Fair, as well as at Taipei International Airport.  He is deeply committed to using art as an educational tool, and has been invited to teach at the prestigious Stanley Yen Cultural Foundation Art Summer School and multiple times to speak at TEDx Taipei.  He has held workshops and lectures at several schools and universities to inspire the younger generations, and to promote art and culture, and increase awareness and understanding of the indigenous tribes of Taiwan.  Yosifu has worked on prominent public art projects and has created striking designs for internationally recognised brands such as Rolls Royce, McDonalds, and Matisse Whisky.  He is the proud recipient of a 2022 Golden Bell award for his work as a presenter on the National Geographic documentary "Secrets of the Ocean Tribes".  For more information about Yosifu and his art, please visit: https://www.yosifu.com/ Apple Music IG

  7. JAN 21

    Hustle and Taiwan Tycoon ft. Doggydogo

    Join us for today's chat with Doggydogo, a Taiwanese rapper from Nantou, who will share details about his first solo album, "Taiwan Tycoon." In this conversation, you will discover the themes of the album and the original meanings behind the songs, which are in both Chinese and Taiwanese. Later in the episode, Doggydogo will discuss the performances he aims to achieve and his plans for 2026! *Taiwan Tycoon* is a grand vision born from the imagination of a young dreamer, serving as both a creative expression and a reflection on the challenges of a capitalist society.  When asked to define labor, AI provides this definition: “Intentional human activity performed in exchange for remuneration. In labor law, it typically refers to services provided by a worker under the direction and supervision of an employer in exchange for payment.” In 2022, after graduating from college, Doggydogo officially entered the workforce. He sold breakfast from a coffee truck at dawn, drove for Uber, and worked as a TV show assistant. By observing society through these varied experiences, he drew inspiration to understand how value and class shape and reproduce themselves. This understanding has become a core aspect of his creative process in recent years. Though he initially planned to release his debut album in 2024, the passing of his grandmother prompted him to put those plans on hold. During this time, he released a collaborative Xiangbao album with his peers, hosted a show on a Taiwanese-language radio station, and continued to draw inspiration from other artists’ work. However, he also faced setbacks: his funding applications were rejected, he worked exhausting jobs to make ends meet, and he often questioned his direction in life while engaged in activities unrelated to music. After a year of introspection and reflection on the flow of time and the impermanence of life, *Taiwan Tycoon* was finally released in 2025. The album features Doggydogo’s closest friends and collaborators. Longtime partner TEN PLUS 1000% contributed significantly to creating a solid foundation, alongside producers Janzan, Dylan Tu, and Belgian beatmaker faux sala, each adding their unique ideas and textures. The album also includes contributions from old friends and fellow hustlers RapShark, LAZYHONG, and Begone, who offered their full support.  From the moment the introduction begins, Doggydogo fluidly navigates jazz, trap, old-school, and boom bap sounds with ease. His lyrics, keenly attuned to social realities, capture the essence of the times, as he succinctly puts it: "The lyrics are the medicine that I’m cooking." To know more about Doggydogo and his music, please go to:  YouTube Apple Music

  8. JAN 14

    Finding Sense of Identity With Rap ft. Doggydogo

    Hello and welcome! Today, I will be interviewing Doggydog, a Taiwanese rapper from Nantou. In this episode, we will explore his beginnings and influences, as well as the motivation behind his music. We will also discuss his latest album, *Taiwan Tycoon*, and share insights into some of its songs. Lastly, we'll talk about his recent album release performance, including his guests and how it went! *Taiwan Tycoon* is a grand vision born from the imagination of a young dreamer, serving as both a creative expression and a reflection on the challenges of a capitalist society.  When asked to define labor, AI provides this definition: “Intentional human activity performed in exchange for remuneration. In labor law, it typically refers to services provided by a worker under the direction and supervision of an employer in exchange for payment.” In 2022, after graduating from college, Doggydog officially entered the workforce. He sold breakfast from a coffee truck at dawn, drove for Uber, and worked as a TV show assistant. By observing society through these varied experiences, he drew inspiration to understand how value and class shape and reproduce themselves. This understanding has become a core aspect of his creative process in recent years. Though he initially planned to release his debut album in 2024, the passing of his grandmother prompted him to put those plans on hold. During this time, he released a collaborative Xiangbao album with his peers, hosted a show on a Taiwanese-language radio station, and continued to draw inspiration from other artists’ work. However, he also faced setbacks: his funding applications were rejected, he worked exhausting jobs to make ends meet, and he often questioned his direction in life while engaged in activities unrelated to music. After a year of introspection and reflection on the flow of time and the impermanence of life, *Taiwan Tycoon* was finally released in 2025. The album features Doggydog’s closest friends and collaborators. Longtime partner TEN PLUS 1000% contributed significantly to creating a solid foundation, alongside producers Janzan, Dylan Tu, and Belgian beatmaker faux sala, each adding their unique ideas and textures. The album also includes contributions from old friends and fellow hustlers RapShark, LAZYHONG, and Begone, who offered their full support.  From the moment the introduction begins, Doggydog fluidly navigates jazz, trap, old-school, and boom bap sounds with ease. His lyrics, keenly attuned to social realities, capture the essence of the times, as he succinctly puts it: "The lyrics are the medicine that I’m cooking." To know more about Doggydogo and his music, please go to:  YouTube Apple Music

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About

Discover the rich and diverse world of music in Taiwan, and join me on a journey to explore the lives of musicians and their experiences that inspire the vibrant music scene here. Through this musical exploration, we can gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and the stories behind the notes.      

Information

  • Creator
    Fil Leskovsky,Rti
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2018-2026 Rti - For Personal Use Only
  • Show Website
    Taiwan Grooves