Bandstival marks TAIPEI — September 3, 2025 — As Taiwan’s indie breakouts like Sunset Rollercoaster and Elephant Gym continue to win international fans, a new multi-platform music reality series is set to open the curtain on the scene itself. The 15-episode season premieres Wednesday, September 3, at 8 p.m. Taiwan time (UTC+8), with episodes available worldwide on YouTube; the series also airs domestically across TV and streaming platforms in Taiwan.
Executive produced by Isaac Chen (陳鎮川, manager of Mandopop superstar A-Mei Chang) and Kenny Chou (周佑楷, former MTV channel director and showrunner of hit hip-hop reality series The Rappers), Bandstival brings together 24 Taiwanese indie bands across styles and career stages. Featured artists include long-running “happy-rock” favorites Wonfu and rising outfit KAKI ACRYLIC, formed by British-Taiwanese actor-turned-singer Rhydian Vaughan.
Rather than leaning on competition tropes, Bandstival follows each band’s journey through the show, with an emphasis on the on-stage performances. Fans watch the bands grow, take on seven on-show challenges, and shape their own path. At the live tapings, in-person audience members cast votes as part of the format.
To translate a real festival’s energy to screen, the production built multi-stage sets in-studio and tapped top-tier live sound capture and mixes—designed to play beautifully on TV or mobile.
Touted as “a reality show unveiling the full universe of Taiwan’s indie music and youth culture,” Bandstival welcomes arena-level artists and well-known creators as guests and hosts. In the latest trailer, veteran funk singer Ma Nien Hsien (馬念先)appears as a flamboyant announcer with anime-inspired styling, while Sandra Hsu (徐有潔) — popular YouTuber, vocalist, and former government interpreter—interviews industry professionals for candid reactions to the bands’ performances.
Ahead of the premiere, Bandstival has released a 12-track live performance album drawn from Episode 1, available today (September 3) on major streaming platforms — offering an early listen to the show’s on-stage electricity.
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We are aliens who travel between galaxies to find the music we love across the universe.🛸💫