By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported
The 13th "New Taipei City Gongliao International Ocean Music Festival" will be grandly held from July 11 to 15 at Gongliao Fulong Beach. The highly anticipated "Ocean Independent Music Awards" among independent bands is now open for registration, with the deadline set for May 7, 2012. Bands interested in participating should seize this opportunity to create a shining stage for their work.
The Gongliao International Ocean Music Festival has nurtured many well-known singer-songwriters and bands, attracting music fans every year. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau)
This year’s Ocean Independent Music Awards feature three prizes: the top "Ocean Grand Prize" with a cash award of NT$200,000, the "Jury’s Grand Prize" with NT$50,000, and the "Ocean Star" award. Over the years, bands that have honed their craft on the Ocean Stage, such as Cheer Chen, the Chopstick Brothers, Tizzy Bac, Won Fu, Sodagreen, Totem, Fish Leong, P.O.T., Lü Chuanzhong, and Matzka, have each carved out a niche in the Chinese music scene with their diverse musical styles. Last year’s Ocean Grand Prize winner, SE Band, will even perform at the Beijing Midi Festival in May this year, bringing the passion and rock charm of the Ocean Music Festival across the strait to represent Taiwan with pride.
In addition, the Heatwave Mini Stage performances during the Ocean Music Festival each year also provide a platform for independent bands to showcase themselves, and serve as a great opportunity for bands to network and exchange ideas. Applications for selection begin today and will close on June 4. The relevant application guidelines can be downloaded from the website 0rz.tw/JhvtI. For any questions about the event or the application process, you may call 02-26349292 ext. 206 for inquiries.
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