You don't need to understand Chinese to realize that Kou Chou Ching does't fit the mold of the stereotypical Western hip-hop apin...
'What can I say about Taiwan hip-hop? Like everywhere else in the world, hip-hop is getting more popular in Taiwan, and like everywhere else, Taiwan has its share of 'pop' hip hop artists making money from rhyming over beats, gays like Jay or Wang (two rappers currently popular in Taiwan). A lot of Taiwanese hip-hop artists start by mixing music on computers, then mixing in various Westen influences, including of course old and new school rap from African-American hip-hop artists.
But some groups try to take it in a different direction aiming for a more clearly Taiwanese flavoured hip-hop music. Kou Chou Ching draws its influences not primarily from the West, but from the music of our home, from traditional Taiwanese music; Kou Chou Ching songs sample Beiquan and Nanquan, Taiwan Opera, Hakka Ba-yin and Mountain Songs, South Chinese Huamei Diao, with some Peking Opera and Classical Chinese music thrown into the mix.
Kou Chou Ching's language and lyrics reflect the new generation of Taiwan, people who have transcended so-called 'ethnic differences'. Our song 'Confluent People', attempts to realise this desire for harmony among Taiwan's diverse ethnic groups. The name of the song itself mixes Hoklo and Hakka language elements, using the Hakka phrase for youth and a Hoklo expression that means 'becoming close friends with just one word'. Together, this name represents young people shaking hands and coming to agreement, singing together and forming friendships.
Another songs is called 'Your name is Taiwanese'. Modelled on an old Taiwanese folk song called 'Moonlit Sighs', our song has a background beat that sounds kind of pensive as if reminding the listeners to think things over. The word 'Taiwan' is sung many times throughout this song. This repetition, the beat and lyrics combined remind listeners to use their hearts when considering their roots.
These days many people forget their roots. Caught up with J-Pop and the K-wave, young people don't remember their own culture. Parents send their children to study English, but where do the children learn to speak their mother tongue? Kou Chou Ching songs are about reminding people that it doesn't matter what language you speak at home; if you grew up eating Taiwanese rice, drinking Taiwanese water, then you are Taiwanese person.'
Check out Kou Chou Ching's music online at www.myspace.com/koucc or www.kou.com.tw
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