Taiwan Grooves

Fil Leskovsky,Rti

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. Jul 8

    On Music Industry and Social Media Following with Aysanabee

    Welcome to the second part of our interview with Aysanabee, a Canadian Indigenous singer-songwriter who recently performed at a music festival in Taiwan. In today’s discussion, we will explore his experiences performing for a Taiwanese audience, the relationship between social media following and selling out shows, and his recent musical evolution. He will also share his insights on the music industry, including ticketing conglomerates, and provide a breakdown of two of his songs. I hope you'll enjoy the conversation! Aysanabee is a multi-JUNO Award–winning Indigenous (Oji-Cree) singer-songwriter whose music blends alternative, indie-folk, and rock influences into a sound that is both intimate and expansive. Known for his emotionally resonant songwriting and unmistakable voice, Aysanabee has quickly become one of Canada’s most compelling contemporary artists, earning national acclaim for his artistry and storytelling. Aysanabee’s music has garnered widespread critical praise and industry recognition. From “Nomads” and “Somebody Else” to “Home”, his music has become a staple on Canadian alternative and alt-rock formats while receiving consistent airplay across commercial radio, CBC and SiriusXM. His ability to connect deeply with listeners has made tracks like “Dream Catcher” standouts, with the original version, released last summer, becoming a fan favorite and a defining moment of his recent tours. Renowned for his powerful live performances, Aysanabee has built a reputation as a must-see artist on stage. Whether performing in intimate theatres or on major festival stages, his shows are marked by raw honesty, magnetic presence, and a rare emotional connection with audiences. His now global performance history has created a loyal fan base and made him a standout performer across the country. Continuing this momentum, Aysanabee has just announced Timelines, a new EP reimagining fan-favorite songs, set for release on March 20th. Two tracks, “Nomads (Timelines Acoustic)” and “Dream Catcher (Acoustic)” are already available digitally, offering a stripped-back, deeply personal glimpse into the songs that have defined his journey. IG https://www.aysanabee.com/ Spotify

  2. Jul 1

    On Hard Work and Coincidences ft. Aysanabee

    In today's episode, we have another world traveler, Aysanabee, whom I met during his tour in Taiwan for the Jade Music Fest. In the first part of our interview, we will discuss his meeting with my last-week's guest, Tennyson, and his journey to Taiwan. We'll also talk about his rituals before the show to prepare mentally and how he began playing guitar. Aysanabee is a multi-JUNO Award–winning Indigenous (Oji-Cree) singer-songwriter whose music blends alternative, indie-folk, and rock influences into a sound that is both intimate and expansive. Known for his emotionally resonant songwriting and unmistakable voice, Aysanabee has quickly become one of Canada’s most compelling contemporary artists, earning national acclaim for his artistry and storytelling. Aysanabee’s music has garnered widespread critical praise and industry recognition. From “Nomads” and “Somebody Else” to “Home”, his music has become a staple on Canadian alternative and alt-rock formats while receiving consistent airplay across commercial radio, CBC and SiriusXM. His ability to connect deeply with listeners has made tracks like “Dream Catcher” standouts, with the original version, released last summer, becoming a fan favorite and a defining moment of his recent tours. Renowned for his powerful live performances, Aysanabee has built a reputation as a must-see artist on stage. Whether performing in intimate theatres or on major festival stages, his shows are marked by raw honesty, magnetic presence, and a rare emotional connection with audiences. His now global performance history has created a loyal fan base and made him a standout performer across the country. Continuing this momentum, Aysanabee has just announced Timelines, a new EP reimagining fan-favorite songs, set for release on March 20th. Two tracks, “Nomads (Timelines Acoustic)” and “Dream Catcher (Acoustic)” are already available digitally, offering a stripped-back, deeply personal glimpse into the songs that have defined his journey. IG https://www.aysanabee.com/ Spotify

  3. Jun 24

    If You Love It, Just Keep Doing It ft. Tennyson King

    Join me today for a quick backstage interview with Tennyson King, who has returned for a festival and ended up staying for an entire month of shows and travel. In our conversation, we'll discuss the significance of Taiwan to him, his early influences, and the themes of his upcoming albums. We'll also have the chance to hear some of his songs and explore some aspects of life as a touring musician that people may not realize. Tennyson King 百城 is an award-winning, nomadic folk musician whose life and music stretch between Hong Kong and Canada. A lifelong traveller at heart, he draws inspiration from the road, bringing his songs to audiences across continents. Blending Western indie-folk with traditional Chinese influences, he creates music that bridges cultures with warmth, honesty, and a spirit of connection. Performing in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, Tennyson builds his sound around rhythmic guitar, kick drum, and traditional instruments like the zhongruan—crafting a live show that feels both intimate and expansive. His concerts are filled with playful stories from his travels, interactive moments, and a contagious positivity that transforms rooms of strangers into a shared community. He has performed around the world, including a career highlight appearance at Glastonbury Festival, and earned a nomination for Performing Artist of the Year at the Ontario Folk Music Awards. No matter the stage or country, Tennyson brings an infectious energy that makes audiences feel both grounded and uplifted. At its core, his music feels like a warm hug for the soul—rooted in connection and carried by smooth vocals and the steady heartbeat of his kick drum. It’s an experience that lingers long after the final note fades. For more information about Tennyson and his music, please visit: https://tennysonking.com/

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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.