Taiwan Grooves

Welcome to the second episode featuring Kyle, the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the band Electric Monk! In this episode, we continue from last week's discussion, where we covered the band's origins and introduced its members. We also explored the topic of overcoming stage fright.

Today, we will pick up right where we left off. We'll discuss the balance of using social media to promote music, and Kyle will share some of the inspiration and processes behind a few of their songs, which you will get to hear a taste of! So join us to learn more about Electric Monk.

Electric Monk got started in the mid-2000s in Austin, Texas, where Kyle (vocals and guitar) and Brent Scheihagen (vocals, guitar, and bass) played in the first version of the band with various friends. A second version formed in 2012 when both brothers ended up in Taipei and were joined by Ed Schaefer on drums. After Brent left the band to pursue other interests, Kyle and Ed spent several years recording the band's first album, Light Dreams of Darkness, with help from Brent and several guest musicians.

Following the album’s completion a few years ago, a new lineup began to take shape. In addition to Kyle and Ed, the latest iteration of the group includes Martin Maloney on bass; Max Lee on keyboards, violin, and guitar; and Bronson Gaerlan on lead guitar. The band's influences include the Beatles, Radiohead, punk rock, Southern rock, country music, bad break-ups, beer, and those dreams where you're, like, at school and realize there's a test you haven't studied for.

The band has played at various venues around Taipei, including Revolver, James Joyce, Rev-Now, and Bobwundaye, in addition to playing shows in Hsinchu, Taitung, and Hengchun. They've also taken part in the Tainan May Jam and ICRT's Battle of the Bands. If you're curious and want to hear/learn more about them:

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Welcome to today's episode with a member of Electric Monk, Kyle! Together, we will discuss how the band came into existence, current and past members of the band, some of his favorite and memorable performances, and we will dig into the topic of stage fright!

Electric Monk got started in the mid-2000s in Austin, Texas, where Kyle (vocals and guitar) and Brent Scheihagen (vocals, guitar, and bass) played in the first version of the band with various friends. A second version formed in 2012 when both brothers ended up in Taipei and were joined by Ed Schaefer on drums. After Brent left the band to pursue other interests, Kyle and Ed spent several years recording the band's first album, Light Dreams of Darkness, with help from Brent and several guest musicians.

Following the album’s completion a few years ago, a new lineup began to take shape. In addition to Kyle and Ed, the latest iteration of the group includes Martin Maloney on bass; Max Lee on keyboards, violin, and guitar; and Bronson Gaerlan on lead guitar. The band's influences include the Beatles, Radiohead, punk rock, Southern rock, country music, bad break-ups, beer, and those dreams where you're, like, at school and realize there's a test you haven't studied for.

The band has played at various venues around Taipei, including Revolver, James Joyce, Rev-Now, and Bobwundaye, in addition to playing shows in Hsinchu, Taitung, and Hengchun. They've also taken part in the Tainan May Jam and ICRT's Battle of the Bands. If you're curious and want to hear/learn more about them:

YouTube

FB

Welcome back to the second episode of our interview with opera singer, composer, and enthusiast, Ü. In last week's episode, we explored her rich musical background and discussed specific operas. Today, we will delve into some of her favorite composers, examine whether the opera audience is growing, and even hear short samples from her own work. If you're curious about opera but don't know much about it, you're in the right place!

Ü is a big data interpreter specialized in music and languages. She started as a pianist, cellist, alto saxophonist, organist, accordionist, conductor, composer, producer, interpreter, and diction coach. Becoming a self-taught coder and big data interpreter (projector), Ü has helped several countries establish or modify policies and protocols. Her data projects began in public health and expanded into behavioral science.

Now, she focuses on what she finds interesting or important. Since 2014, she has assisted children's homes and non-profit organizations in setting up fundraising strategies, reaching various benchmarks—such as raising $1,000,000 USD in half a year in Taiwan and organizing a concert for Ukraine in a rural area with a 19% poverty rate, with no funding and only volunteers.

Currently, she holds two opera conducting contracts, is working on finishing a children's book with a NYS SCR grant, and manages several non-profit projects including Armenian, Ukrainian, Bengali, and Taiwanese music to help preserve cultural heritage and free coding classes in the local library.

Hello, and welcome to today's episode! I will be interviewing Ü during her visit back home to see her family and give some lectures. In this episode, we will discuss her origins in music, the importance of music in her life, and her unique connection between music and big data. We will also explore opera and score reading, including singing in different languages. Tune in for the first part of this two-episode series with Ü and learn more about the fascinating world of opera!

Ü is a big data interpreter specialized in music and languages. She started as a pianist, cellist, alto saxophonist, organist, accordionist, conductor, composer, producer, interpreter, and diction coach. Becoming a self-taught coder and big data interpreter (projector), Ü has helped several countries establish or modify policies and protocols. Her data projects began in public health and expanded into behavioral science.

Now, she focuses on what she finds interesting or important. Since 2014, she has assisted children's homes and non-profit organizations in setting up fundraising strategies, reaching various benchmarks—such as raising $1,000,000 USD in half a year in Taiwan and organizing a concert for Ukraine in a rural area with a 19% poverty rate, with no funding and only volunteers.

Currently, she holds two opera conducting contracts, is working on finishing a children's book with a NYS SCR grant, and manages several non-profit projects including Armenian, Ukrainian, Bengali, and Taiwanese music to help preserve cultural heritage and free coding classes in the local library.

Hello! Join us for today's episode, part II with Holly, a talented acoustic fingerstyle musician known for her introspective and relaxing instrumental music. We will continue our discussion from where we left off, focusing on how the songs she has been working on came to life and what common themes they share. We’ll also hear a breakdown and samples of a few tracks. Additionally, she will share a potential future update about incorporating new elements into her tracks.

Holly Mak was born and raised in Hong Kong, and has also lived in the UK and Canada before basing herself in Taiwan. A lover of music from a young age, Holly grew up playing piano and picked up the guitar as a teenager. In this time she discovered genres like alternative rock, jazz, and folk, all of which have made an impact on her playing style. Over the years Holly began writing and playing acoustic fingerstyle guitar instrumentals under the moniker OneTrackMind, and continues to do so today.

Holly embarked on her adventures in Taiwan two years ago, when she moved to Taipei with her husband. She has been exploring the city’s vibrant arts scene ever since, and can be found regularly performing on the keyboard as an improv musician with Formosa Improv Group (FIG) at their monthly shows. She hopes to check out more open mics and jams around town in future.

Music has always been present in Holly’s life; no matter where she goes, it’s there with her. It has gotten her through difficult times, and helped her celebrate great ones. Above all, music is a language Holly is grateful to speak, as it helps her move through different places and cultures with curiosity and openness. She hopes to keep telling stories with her music and deepening her connections with people along the way.

To know more about Holly's music, please visit:

IG

Bandcamp

Hello and welcome to today's episode featuring Holly! In this discussion, we'll explore Holly's journey with music, including how she was surrounded by it from a young age and began learning to play the piano and guitar. We'll delve into her experience in a band and how she transitioned between the two instruments. Holly will also share her role in a monthly improv show, including her preparation process for each performance. Finally, we'll talk about how her friends encouraged her to set up social media accounts so others could discover her music and the journey of recording the ideas and making them come to life!

Holly Mak was born and raised in Hong Kong, and has also lived in the UK and Canada before basing herself in Taiwan. A lover of music from a young age, Holly grew up playing piano and picked up the guitar as a teenager. In this time she discovered genres like alternative rock, jazz, and folk, all of which have made an impact on her playing style. Over the years Holly began writing and playing acoustic fingerstyle guitar instrumentals under the moniker OneTrackMind, and continues to do so today.

Holly embarked on her adventures in Taiwan two years ago, when she moved to Taipei with her husband. She has been exploring the city’s vibrant arts scene ever since, and can be found regularly performing on the keyboard as an improv musician with Formosa Improv Group (FIG) at their monthly shows. She hopes to check out more open mics and jams around town in future.

Music has always been present in Holly’s life; no matter where she goes, it’s there with her. It has gotten her through difficult times, and helped her celebrate great ones. Above all, music is a language Holly is grateful to speak, as it helps her move through different places and cultures with curiosity and openness. She hopes to keep telling stories with her music and deepening her connections with people along the way.

To know more about Holly's music, please visit:

IG

Bandcamp

Hello and welcome to a slightly different episode! As for the last part of my holiday, I decided to give everyone a little quiz! Just to recap a bit and see how much you pay attention, we will play a short bit of a song from artists who appeared on this show before, and your job will be to guess the song's name! Or at least an artist. In case you can't, worry not! At least enjoy good music and perhaps discover something new to listen to.

P.S. Hope you do like my new logo, a big thanks and shout out to David and Thao!

In part II of the episode with Wenwen, we will discuss the creation of Wenwen's EP "Wa kah i li," exploring the themes of first love and the unique mix of Taiwanese and English lyrics that define her music. We will also cover the role of live performances and social media in reaching audiences, and how these platforms influence WenWen's musical journey. Additionally, she will share insights into the challenges and rewards of being a self-sufficient artist, along with the strategies Wenwen uses to share their music with the world. At the end, Wenwen offers advice for aspiring musicians, highlighting the importance of authenticity and perseverance in the constantly evolving music industry.

Wenwen is an artist and singer-songwriter from Taichung, Taiwan. She is passionate about integrating her ideas into the work she creates, such as making books and writing songs. In June 2025, she released her first EP, Wa kah i li, which is written in both Taiwanese and English. Wenwen writes about her personal experiences and relationships, blending them with a tropical feel and a hint of summer.

For more information about her music, please visit:

AppleMusic

IG

Spotify

In this episode, we explore the journey of Wenwen, an artist who evolved from studying illustration to creating music. We discuss early inspirations and the transition from illustration to music, highlighting the influence of both Taiwanese and English artists. The episode also covers Wenwen's transformative experience studying in New York and how it shaped her artistic and musical perspectives. We delve into her creative process—from writing songs in her bedroom to producing demos with Logic Pro. Additionally, we examine her path to signing with a record label, the challenges she faced, and the crucial support from her family during this pivotal time.

Wenwen is an artist and singer-songwriter from Taichung, Taiwan. She is passionate about integrating her ideas into the work she creates, such as making books and writing songs. In June 2025, she released her first EP, Wa kah i li, which is written in both Taiwanese and English. Wenwen writes about her personal experiences and relationships, blending them with a tropical feel and a hint of summer.

For more information about her music, please visit:

AppleMusic

IG

Spotify

In part II of our conversation with Lili, we will explore the delicate balance between hard work and the pursuit of inspiration in the music industry. Our guest, Lili Greenberg, a talented singer-songwriter, will share her experiences transitioning from the competitive atmosphere of New York City to the more relaxed and community-focused music scene in Taiwan. She will also discuss how this change has allowed her to find her unique voice and create music that resonates deeply with her soul. Tune in to hear Lili's insights on maintaining ambition while embracing the creative solitude necessary for genuine artistic expression.

Lili Greenberg is a multidisciplinary artist whose work lives at the intersection of joy, community, and human connection. A singer, songwriter, and dancer, Lili uses her voice and body as instruments to tell stories, spark emotion, and invite others into shared experience.

Raised in New York City and deeply influenced by both the sounds of the streets and the music of her synagogue, Lili’s artistic identity blends raw emotion with vibrant rhythm. Her songs often explore the love we didn’t get to have, the ache of longing, and the beauty found in honest expression—yet they always carry a through-line of hope, humor, and connection.

Her performances are not just shows—they’re gatherings. Whether on a small stage, in a festival field, or in an intimate living room, Lili crafts each moment with warmth and intentionality. Through soulful melodies and lyrical vulnerability, she makes space for audiences to feel seen and heard.

Her medium is music and movement. Her mission is to bring people closer.

Whether she’s singing about unspoken feelings or dancing with abandon, Lili Greenberg’s work reminds us that joy is a powerful form of resistance—and that art is, at its best, a communal act.

To find out more about her art, please visit:

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