Article: Raymond Mei
Photo credit: Jason B. Chen & Peter Yang Zhao & Niko
This year’s’ Taiwan CMJ 2013 Music Showcase was a blast! This free event at NYC’s Webster Hall drew a large crowd and kicked off the weekend. AsianInNY.com has been a proud sponsor of the event for the past three years.
Miss Ko, got the party started with her sick hip hop beats and raps. She’s a Queens-based female rapper and the 1st female rapper to win a Golden Melody Award. Miss Ko is known as the “Missy Elliot of Taiwan” and rocked the stage with her 90’s inspired track suit, all-white “FRE$H” beanie and a pair of all-white Adidas Superstars. Her swag filled ensemble is reminiscent of Missy Elliot’s. Miss Ko rocked the crowd with her smash hits that included “Hey Dj”, “Slide”, “Stylin” and her inspiring song “Break It”, which she emphasized power for women and breaking boundaries. Miss Ko managed to pump everyone up and set the tone for the night. She was exceptionally excited when she saw her parents standing among the crowd as they watched her perform.
Next to perform was the award-winning Taiwanese artist, singer-songwriter, composer and music producer, Joanna Wang. Talented in both Mandarin and English, Wang’s debut album, “Start From Here” reached #1 in Taiwan in 2008. Her latest album “Galaxy Crisis” was the theme of the night. Wang, dressed in a green sweater donned orange hair while performing some of her favorites from the album with her band, “The Weird Uncles”. Songs performed included “Coins”, “You and Me” and “Enlightenment.” Her hand gestures and facial expressions went along with the mood of the song. Joanna played the banjo when performing her songs inspired by hillbilly music and video games. The performance overall was interesting and enjoyable.
DJ Noodles, the show’s final performer turned the tables (no pun intended) and exhilarated the crowd. Dropping sick beats and flashing strobe lights, DJ Noodles played some of her own mixes along with club favorites. Her set featured a Chinese traditional bass drum that flowed well with her beats; something I’ve never seen before and very creative. DJ Noodles closed the show in a collaboration with Brooklyn’s Rabbi Darkside, a rapper and beat boxer. As a sweet surprise, DJ Noodles tossed ramen noodle snacks into the crowd after the performance. How cool!
Hosted by the Taiwan Ministry of Culture Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development (BAMID) and organized by Taiwan-based GCA Entertainment, the concert totally rocked! What a great way to spend a Friday night! Definitely looking forward to next year’s CMJ Taiwan showcase!
For more info about the artists’ bio, please visit: http://www.asianinny.com/?p=34260
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