Softlipa, io and Boxing to represent Taiwan at CMJ 2015 in New York. Photographs courtesy of GCA Entertainment.
The Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development（BAMID）held a pre-tip press conference at the Mayor’s Residence Art Salon this afternoon (Oct 30th) for Taiwanese musicians who will be performing at the 2015 CMJ Music Marathon in New York. Three groups will be participating this year. They are namely rapper Softlipa（蛋堡） (nominee for 21st, 22nd and 25th Golden Melody Awards), Taiwanese rock band io (nominee for Best New Artist and Best Band awards at the 22nd and 24nd Golden Melody Awards), and Latin rap band Boxing (Best New Artist winner for 26th Golden Melody Awards; selected out of 53 bands through public voting and by the CMJ Music Marathon's international jury). At the press conference, we got to see these three groups donning clothes specially customized by Versace designer Daniel Wong.
Taiwan began sending its musicians to the CMJ Music Marathon in 2011, earning us some great results over the past few years. This included a special report in the New York Times in 2011, being hailed as the best CMJ showcase and the most 'not to be missed' performance by the US media in 2012 and 2014 respectively. CMJ's official website has also highlighted the outstanding performance of our representatives.
Top designer Daniel Wong (right) to design outfits for the three groups.
For this year's cross-brand promotions, top Versace designer Daniel Wong was brought in to create the concert outfits for the three participating groups. Wong said that fashion and music have always had a close link and that he felt honored to be designing outfits for these groups. He also shared his design philosophies for each group, such as io's black, white and blue theme as an expression of their independent spirit and rock-based style, as well as Boxing's black, yellow and green theme which showcases a wilder side of the group.
Wearing their newly designed clothes at the conference, io's members said that most of the songs in their third album will give off a New York vibe, while their new songs released in Taiwan will feature Chinese lyrics originally written in English. Performing at the CMJ Music Marathon will allow the group to return to their creative roots and sing in English, and io is looking forward to opportunity.
Also a veteran of overseas tours, the well-known rapper Softlipa said that in preparation for his debut at the birthplace of rap music that is New York, he will be seeking to learn from his junior Miss Ko, who had previously performed at the CMJ Music Marathon. The rapper hopes that the audience will love his multi-cultural Taiwanese-style hip hop. With regard to his upcoming album, Softlipa indicated that he is working on it while taking care of kids, with the hope of introducing new music next year.
Having emerged victorious from a pool of 53 competing bands, the members of Boxing shared their ecstatic feelings about the entire journey from selection to finally earning a spot to New York. They also assured their fans that they not disappoint, fans overseas will be treated to a great show that will make the band the pride of the Chinese music scene.
The three groups will also be holding a Taiwan Beats concert on October 13th at SOB's (New York), a famous music venue with a 23-year history. Other related activities will include a cocktail reception for international journalists, professional forums and media interviews. You can find the latest news and updates on the CMJ Music Marathon 2015 on GCA Entertainment's official fan page.
