The awards may be a far cry budget-wise from Mando-pop's Golden Melody Awards, but the organizers have nonetheless put NT$260,000 up for grabs for the three winners. The first-place winners will walk away with NT$200,000, which for most independent bands working out of home studios is more than enough to put out their next album.
"The prize should give a major boost to whoever wins it," Topper said at a press conference on Tuesday to announce the finalists.
The battle will wind up Saturday, culminating in a concert by last year's winners 88 Guava Seeds (88
The second day's roster includes shows by Labor Exchange (
There will also be a secondary stage on both days of the festival for shows by bands that didn't make the cut for the competition. Organizers are encouraging bands to bring their instruments to sign up on each day of the festival for empty slots on the second stage.
The festival has free admission for the two days, but the site does not allow camping on the beach, which means festival-goers should reserve rooms now, or face a fight over hostel and hotel beds.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Transportation: Fulung is best reached from Taipei by train. The trip takes about one hour and the station is a short walk from the beach and festival site.
Hotels: Ming Hsing Hotel (
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