Weaving the Spirit of Defiance: Sorry Youth’s Taiwanese Journey

Resonance with Japanese Alternative Rock: The Way Stories Are Presented

What are your thoughts on Sorry Youth’s music being listened to by Japanese audiences?

Giang Giang: In a word, it’s “moving”! Last year, when we performed at the ‘ITAMI GREENJAM ’23’ in Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture, I think there were fewer people who knew us compared to now. Still, after the live performance, some Japanese fans came to our merchandise booth to buy CDs and goods. Among them, there was a couple who bought all three of our past albums and passionately shared their thoughts on our live show and music. A few days later, when I mentioned we had a concert in Osaka, they said, “I want to go!” and we were able to meet again at that Osaka concert. They even adjusted their schedules to come, driving after work just to see our performance.

The moment when music transcends language! Sorry Youth has performed in Japan several times, but do you have any favorite Japanese music or musicians that you look up to?

Giang Giang: We really love Japanese music! SUPERCAR, envy, toe, Yura Yura Teikoku, bloodthirsty butchers, Shonen Knife, Fishmans, Spangle call Lilli line, eastern youth… the list goes on and on (laughs).

Chung-Han: We’re especially influenced by storytelling. For example, when I listen to ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s “Solanin,” I can imagine the background of the work and the feelings of the characters. It clearly conveys the emotions and adds depth to the story through the music. It’s not easy to translate that connection between story and music into something that resonates with everyone.

Weni: We’ve also been inspired by how they engage with society. When we did an online collaboration event with the band apart in 2021, I was struck by their positive attitude, saying, “I want to play in front of the audience soon,” especially considering how many people were feeling down during the pandemic. Additionally, when ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION visited Taiwan for the large festival Megaport Festival, I was really happy to have dinner with them and discuss their interest in Taiwan’s politics and the changing global situation.

It’s been about a year since your last tour in Japan, which starts in October. What are your thoughts as you prepare for it?

Weni： This time, we are working with a Japanese promoter who is handling all the detailed arrangements and logistics, so it’s our first experience with this kind of setup. We want to do our best to expand our music. In addition to festivals, we’ll also be playing at live houses, so I hope we can sell out!

Chung-Han: Since I’m also the “alcohol representative” of Sorry Youth (laughs), I hope to have lots of conversations and deepen our connections with Japanese musicians and band members! And for everyone who has been waiting for our visit, we’d love for you to come and hang out at our “Noise Apartment”!

Giang Giang: There were many legendary movies, books and manga that taught us about the Japanese indie music scene when we were college students. We are very excited to be a part of it!　We sing in Taiwanese but we believe we have a universal language called “Rock.”

Thank you very much!