Washington: To Shinyi Lee, known by her stage name "rufusion," traditional Hokkien Taiwanese music needed a transformation. She perceived the genre as predominantly filled with "kh u-tiau-¡" or "crying songs" and lacking in rhythmic energy, prompting her to infuse it with a fresh and groovy vibe.
According to Focus Taiwan, Lee, a Taiwanese resident in Washington, D.C., and a self-taught keyboardist, was motivated by the melancholic nature of Taiwanese music she encountered growing up. This inspired her to revamp traditional Taiwanese Hokkien songs by adding grooves and a festive atmosphere. She noted that while the Taiwanese people have a sad musical tradition, it doesn't need to be devoid of joy.
Lee's journey into this creative endeavor began during the COVID lockdown when she found herself with ample time to experiment with music. Her initial attempts involved casual keyboard sessions that eventually evolved into a significant project aimed at preserving and modernizing traditional Taiwanese songs.
In her 23 years in the United States, Lee observed that while musicians from South America and South Korea perform their native music in America, Taiwanese concerts have often focused on classical music. Her new album, Formosan Groove, features seven tracks that blend traditional Hokkien songs with jazz, bossa nova, and electronica.
Lee collaborated with friends Chen Cheng-lun and Andy Lin, both erhu players, to create the album. She described it as a musical stew, combining diverse elements to craft a rich and flavorful composition. While incorporating Western styles, she emphasized maintaining a distinctly Taiwanese identity in her music.
Lee hopes her work will motivate others to pursue creative ventures without formal training. She has six shows scheduled for the year, targeting both Taiwanese American and non-Taiwanese audiences. Her performances aim to connect cultures by sharing the stories behind each song and integrating American cultural references.
Lee believes cultural introduction should be organic, encouraging mutual understanding. She expressed skepticism towards Taiwan's governmental approach of seeking global recognition, suggesting that cultural exchange should be more about mutual interest than self-promotion.