Taiwan Announces First Ever Export Mission to Canada for CMW 2014

Award Winning Taiwanese Artists Matzka, IO, and RED to Showcase in Toronto. Press Event to Take Place at the Marriot During CMW – May 07, 2014 at 1:00PM EST

The Taiwan Ministry of Culture Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development (BAMID) is excited to showcase three Taiwanese bands at this year’s Canadian Music Week (CMW) in partnership with CLICK MUSIC. As the first foray into Canada, performers include the Taiwan Golden Melody “Best Band” Award winner MATZKA, twice-nominated io, and Taiwan Golden Indie Music Award nominated RED. A perfect showcase of local Taiwanese culture with the crossover appeal of overseas pop, these bands are ready to take Toronto storm with two nights of music on Wednesday May 7th and an official Taiwan showcase on Thursday May 8th from 7-10 pm on the second floor of the El Mocambo. The showcase will also include collaborations with the bandleader from Montreal-based band The Ins and Outs. Full show details below. For more information on the ‘Hearing Taiwan’ showcase at Canadian Music Week, click here: http://tinyurl.com/k44dsxn.

In addition to the official showcase, Taiwan representatives and artists will be available to connect with the media. A press event will be held at the Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre at the International Market Place Adelaide room on May 8th from 11AM-12PM, which will include a stripped-down acoustic set from MATZKA. Media will have the chance to speak with key leaders in the export mission and showcasing artists. To attend please RSVP tojonathan@audioblood.com. In addition, the Taiwan delegation will be available for B2B meetings as part of Canadian Music Week’s international conference activity. For more information on how to get involved, please email tradeshows@cimamusic.ca.

Canadian Music Week (CMW) is one of the most influential international music conferences and festivals in the world. Reflecting the Taiwanese Government support for the performing arts, the Ministry of Culture has fully supported this project and selected these three outstanding Taiwanese music acts to participate. To bridge gaps between the musicians and the global music industry attending CMW, Taiwan will be sending music business veteran Jesse Liu to CMW to discuss the latest trends in the development of international music. In addition, he will share insights regarding the status of Taiwan pop music industry and encourage more cross-border collaborations to promote opportunities for the future. This is surely the start of a great partnership between the booming music industries in Taiwan and Canada, and beyond. To learn more about BAMID: http://www.bamid.gov.tw.

MORE ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

MATZKA

Haling from Eastern Taiwan (Taitung), MATZKA is a four-piece group that mixes traditional reggae elements with rap and their aboriginal history for what they’ve deemed “Taiwanese Reggae”. Comprised of Taiwanese aboriginals, MATZKA blends smooth rhythms with soaring vocals sung in both their aboriginal language and Mandarin. The band has been making waves internationally with their heartfelt and emotional music, touring overseas to music festivals around the world.

CMW Dates:
May 07 @ Cadillac Lounge – 7pm
May 08 @ El Mocambo – 9pm

*Artist media materials (for media use only): http://tinyurl.com/nwdxrk9
Website: http://www.matzka.com.tw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matzka2010
Video: http://tinyurl.com/ooxcmoz

io

Formed in Vancouver, BC, io is four Canadian-born Taiwanese dreamers who left behind their staid cubicle gigs to pursue their passion – rock and roll. With two LPs under their belt, io have proven themselves at the forefront of Taiwanese rock. They have been nominated twice for the Golden Melody Award in Taiwan and recently signed with major Taiwanese record label Rock Records. A band with ambitions to change the world with their music, io are geared up and excited to return to Canada.

CMW Dates:
May 07 @ Johnny Jacksons – 7pm
May 08 @ El Mocambo – 7pm

*Artist media materials (for media use only): http://tinyurl.com/omwz76f
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ioband
io Official YouTube Channel: http://tinyurl.com/ottx9yw

RED

RED, which is led by Taiwan’s top electronic music producer DJ Code, mashes up Chinese classical instruments with avant-garde electronic arrangements and ultra-psychedelic vocals for something truly unique. RED have netted multiple invitations to perform at clubs and prestigious music festivals, both mainland and overseas. Notable appearances include the Spring Scream’s Moonlight Carnival Party, China’s Qingdao International Music Festival and Chengdu Zebra Music Festival, Russia’s Asia Festival, and Malaysia’s WE LOVE ASIA Festival. The band’s lead single “Olive Tree” also garnered a Goldie Indie Music Award nomination for Best Electronic track and they notably featured as the opening act for US house band Late Night Alumni’s sold out concert in Taipei.

*Artist media materials (for media use only): http://tinyurl.com/o87qku9
RED Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redmusic.fans
Official Video for “Olive Tree”: http://tinyurl.com/qektf9b

CMW Dates:
May 07 @ The Painted Lady – 12am
May 08 @ El Mocambo – 8pm
Artists and organizers are available for interviews now. For all media inquiries:sari@audioblood.com.