Documentary | From Roots to Rhythm: Taiwan’s indigenous sounds reimagined with Flavor Hualien

We travelled into the mountains of Hualien in far east Taiwan with Studio Monkey Shoulder to join @flavor_hualien and producers from across the country to immerse themselves in the local culture of the Indigenous Truku people.

In a programme curated by founder @flavor_shane_tac, we explored the traditions of their music heritage, sampled local sounds and jammed with 404 beat samplers to create EASTSIDE SAMPLES – an upcoming compilation of tracks made by the producers that blends indigenous sounds with contemporary hip hop beats.

Take a look to see how Shane’s mission to educate and connect people with Taiwan’s roots, creating space for meaningful exchange – inspiring a new wave of Taiwanese sounds, preserving the culture and reconnecting future generations with their heritage.

“I love how this meeting of Taiwanese indigenous tradition and contemporary hip hop production come together in such a unique and authentic way. Can’t wait to hear this album and how the sounds of Hualien have been reimagined” @gillespeterson

Thanks to the Flavor Hualien team @flavor_shane_tac @beya.lee @hsu.c_ @elsie_suking @flavor_wensen

Mahon, Piteyru Ukah & Tumun Pitayru of the Truku people from Ketusan Studio, Hualien

And all the producers involved @itsnodtown @_tarolin @rodionn96 @polo1u @kio.con.tw @flavor_wensen @djbookyushu @wade.dao @elsie_suking

Video Credits

DOP & Editor: @francesco.martinuzzi

Local Production Crew: @yctengsounddiary @yunyunyun_li_

Music: Piteyru Ukah, @polo1u & @flavor_wensen

Producer: @magdalenamoursy (@worldwide.fm)

Supported by Producer: @phoetini (@kingdom_collective)

Translations: @Meganxshoots @__2ke__ @beya.lee lee

This video series by Studio Monkey Shoulder is a collaboration between @worldwide.fm and @monkeyshoulder