Sodagreen

Sodagreen, founded in 2001, established its enduring lineup in 2003 with Wu Qing-Feng (lead vocals, piano, harmonica, accordion, percussion, flute), Hsieh Shin-Yi (bass guitar, piano, guitar, guzheng/zither, backing vocals, percussion), Liu Jia-Kai (guitar, backing vocals), Shih Jun-Wei (drums, percussion, guitar, harmonica, backing vocals), Ho Jing-Yang (guitar, ukulele, backing vocals), and Kung Yu-Chi (piano, viola, keyboards, backing vocals). The band initially gained recognition in the Taiwanese indie music scene after winning the Grand Jury Award at the Hohaiyan Gongliau Rock Festival in 2004, leading to a contract with Willlin Music. Their debut self-titled album, “sodagreen,” was released in 2005. Over two decades, the band has consistently produced music, including their ambitious “Vivaldi Project” which fused rock with classical elements, and achieved milestones such as being the first indie band to perform a concert at the Taipei Arena.

Throughout their career, Sodagreen has received numerous accolades, including multiple Golden Melody Awards. Notably, at the 2016 ceremony, their album “Winter Endless” secured five awards, including Best Mandarin Album and Best Band. The band faced a significant challenge from 2020 to 2022 due to a trademark dispute over their name, leading them to temporarily adopt the moniker “Oaeen.” During this period, they continued to release music, demonstrating their adaptability and dedication to their craft. In May 2022, they officially reclaimed the “sodagreen” name, commemorating their 18th anniversary and commencing a 20th-anniversary tour spanning Taiwan, Australia, and Europe. Their ongoing commitment to re-recording past albums under the restored name underscores their legacy and continued artistic output.

Sodagreen’s creative process emphasizes collective input and drawing inspiration from everyday life. While lead vocals and initial compositions often come from Wu Qing-Feng or drummer Xiao Wei, the band engages in group discussions and collaborative arrangements. This approach ensures that their music, which spans 11 studio albums and numerous EPs and singles, reflects the shared experiences and evolving chemistry of its members. Their live performances are known for their intimate yet expansive nature, reflecting their philosophy of fostering genuine connections with their audience and creating music that is both reflective and celebrated globally.