Thought provoking and humorous, these artists are the rock bards of our times. They also recently caught Taiwan’s music world rather off guard. Formed in 2012, EggPlantEgg has always offered a unique fusion of indie rock and pop with their native tongue Hokkien. Their sound hatched an unexpected surprise at last year’s Golden Melody Awards, snapping up Best New Artist and Best Taiwanese Album, as well as getting them shortlisted for Best Band and Album of the Year, instantly making them the talk of Taipei. Recalling the moment they were announced as the winner of Best New Artist, the band said they remembered immediately to be grateful—for one another. “Our first instinct was to stand up and hug the band,” says EggPlantEgg. “If it wasn’t for supporting one another, we wouldn’t have succeeded, learned to cherish what’s around us, and be more determined to move forward.” EggPlantEgg joins Apple Music in celebrating the GMA’s 30th anniversary with an eclectic mix of songs, which they have relaxed to on repeat at the end of a long day's work. “Wu Bai and China Blue’s ‘Lingering’ represents a style and vibe we have always loved and deeply respected, while Ricky Hsiao’s ‘Brave Heart’ is a work of art that we just cannot stop listening to. On the other hand ‘The Sad Pacific’ by Richie Jen is a full experience that evokes different emotions with each listen—and this is a track we have been hearing since we were young.” Also included is “Devotion” from indie rock outfit No Party For Cao Dong, fellow winners of Best New Artist and Best Band at the 28th GMAs. Dubbed “the next big thing” by many, EggPlantEgg also added to their playlist someone they think is the next, next big thing – chill rap/R&B wunderkind L8Ching. These tunes are more than just earworms the group can’t stop listening to. “Every song has something you can learn from, like diction, arrangement, and the way they create imagery through lyrics and melody,” said EggPlantEgg. In other words, they were instrumental in showing the band how to tell their stories through music. “Every song is a story in and of itself—it is only through consuming good stories that we can truly grow into great storytellers.” But art is more than the sum of its parts. The band admits it is their love and passion for music that is their strongest point, and it shows in their work. “Our love for music is super ‘big’. If you don’t think so, try us.” Check out this playlist of recommendations from one of Taiwan’s most interesting bands for a taste of the inspiration that got them where they are today.