【Interview】Kay Huang:Step into the Flowing Musical Feast of Taiwan

Taipei Pop Music Center's First Overseas Exhibition: "Taiwanese Pop Music Stories" Debuts in Seattle

The Taipei Pop Music Center's permanent exhibition is making its first international stop: "Taiwanese Pop Music Stories" will debut on April 24th at the University of Washington in Seattle. This marks the first overseas exhibition, bringing Taiwanese music to the world and allowing more people to learn about Taiwan's vibrant pop music scene.

Visitors will journey through the history of Taiwanese pop music, starting with the mesmerizing visual designs of vinyl records. From the sounds of Chen Ming-chang's xylophone to Lo Ta-yu's electric guitar, the exhibition unveils the rich musical history of Taiwan from 1932 to 2010. Join Kay Huang, Chairman of the Taipei Pop Music Center, along with curators Ma Shih-fang and Chen Te-cheng, in listening to the sounds of Taiwan. Each exhibition area features captivating melodies and memories from different eras.

Q: Could you share with us about the exhibition "Music, Island, Stories: Taiwan Calling! Singing Our Songs: Taiwanese Pop Music Stories Exhibition – Seattle Station"?

A: We are very excited and thrilled to finally have the opportunity to bring the permanent exhibition of the Taipei Pop Music Center overseas. This is the first overseas stop for our permanent exhibition, and we are here at the University of Washington in Seattle. Although it is only a small part of the exhibition, letting the world hear Taiwan's voice has been the effort and hope of the Taipei Pop Music Center since its establishment in 2020, and today it is finally coming true. This is our first overseas stop, and we are very grateful for the assistance of many friends in Seattle. Since its establishment in April 2020, the Taipei Pop Music Center has been working hard to promote its permanent exhibition. This time, bringing Taiwanese music to the world, even though it is only a small part of the Taipei exhibition, we welcome everyone overseas to learn more about Taiwanese pop music.

Q: Could you guide us through this overseas exhibition, highlighting some of the more precious exhibits or sections?

A: This exhibition, both in terms of space and the exhibits themselves, faced many limitations. However, we worked hard to overcome these challenges and managed to bring them here for display. Among the exhibits, there are two very precious instruments that have deep connections with Taiwanese music.

Firstly, there is Lo Ta-yu's electric guitar. Lo Ta-yu is known for his innovative approach to sound quality and has significantly contributed to Taiwanese film scores. The importance of this guitar cannot be overstated. The second notable instrument is a yueqin (moon guitar), which tells an equally compelling story. This yueqin belonged to Chen Ming-chang and represents the continuation of the legacy of contemporary folk master Chen Da. This exhibit evokes the era of campus folk songs, where many young Taiwanese musicians strived to connect the old memories and musical history with modern music, embodying our traditional musical spirit.

In essence, the yueqin and the electric guitar span nearly 100 years of Taiwanese pop music history. Seeing these meaningful exhibits right at the entrance of the exhibition is truly significant.

A: "Singing Our Songs: Taiwanese Pop Music Stories Exhibition" is being held overseas for the first time. This exhibition is designed for an international audience, and while it introduces Taiwanese pop music, it also aims to acquaint more American audiences with Taiwan as an island nation. Taiwan is a frontline of freedom and democracy, one of the world's most important chip exporters, and a hub for Mandarin pop music. By telling these stories, we hope to pique the curiosity of foreign audiences, showing them how Taiwan has nurtured many significant musicians and become a base for contemporary bands. Through this narrative, we emphasize the unique identity and story of Taiwan as an island.

Nearly 50 extraordinarily precious exhibits have crossed the seas to reach Seattle, bringing to overseas audiences an authentic portrayal of Taiwan's century-long pop music history. The exhibition "Music, Island, Stories: Taiwan Calling! Singing Our Songs: Taiwanese Pop Music Stories Exhibition – Seattle Station" chronicles the planning, discussions, and the transoceanic curation and setup process by King One Design and the Taipei Pop Music Center. The aim is to transform this vintage yet avant-garde Taiwanese centennial music feast into a splendid platform for international exchange in Seattle. This endeavor aligns with the mission of King One Design in every curation project.