On November 2, the Asian indie music scene hit a high note as the 15th Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMAs) took center stage at the Taipei Music Center. Renowned for celebrating creative freedom and championing diversity in music, this year’s event showcased an impressive roster of nominees, including Taiwanese math rock innovators Elephant Gym and the Korean experimental band Silica Gel. With awards spanning a wide range of genres — from rock and hip-hop to R&B and electronica — the GIMAs once again proved to be a premier platform for showcasing boundary-pushing talent.
The night not only celebrated the best of indie music but also featured powerhouse performances that bridged cultures and sounds. Special cross-national collaborations brought together Taiwanese, Korean, and Japanese artists, transforming the event into a global showcase. From The Jury Award for Wayne Liu’s Solo Album to Bremen Entertainment Inc.’s win for Best Album, the GIMAs highlighted the vibrant evolution of indie music and its ability to transcend borders, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Here’s an inside look at the memorable moments and winners that made this year’s GIMAs a standout event.
A Night For Indie Stars
The 15th Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMAs) saw some unexpected but well-deserved wins, with emerging artists taking the spotlight. Elephant Gym, known for their intricate math rock sound, triumphed with Best Band for their album World. The trio also earned Best Alternative Pop Song for their track “Jhalleyaa,” featuring Indian artist Shashaa Tirupati, showcasing their international appeal and ability to fuse rock with diverse influences.
Korean indie band Silica Gel turned heads with their win for Best Asian Creative Artist for their album POWER ANDRE 99. Competing against nearly 80 other entries, their victory underscored the GIMAs’ commitment to celebrating cross-cultural music. Another big winner was Bremen Entertainment Inc., whose home-recorded album The Great Bremen Show shocked audiences by claiming both Best Album and Best Rock Song with their track “Peace and Quiet (Bremen announcement).” Looks like the future of indie music is in great hands — and maybe a few home studios.
Fresh Faces And Familiar Favorites
Taiwan’s rap music stepped into the spotlight with Taiwan Rap Handsome Man, who took home Best New Artist for his album SIM. His blend of local flavor and contemporary beats is giving Taiwan’s hip-hop scene a fresh, exciting edge. ØZI, teaming up with Sunset Rollercoaster, claimed Best R&B Song for their sultry track “SEX TAPE,” a smooth fusion of R&B and electronic elements that has already become a fan favorite.
Indie rockers Sorry Youth made their mark by winning Best Rock Album for Noise Apartment. The album, with its raw energy, stands as a testament to the power of staying true to one’s roots in an ever-evolving music scene.
Paying Tribute to Taiwan’s Legacy
The GIMAs not only celebrated the present but also paid homage to the past. The Jury Award went to Wayne Liu’s Solo Album, a poignant nod to Taiwan’s indie music evolution from the early 2000s. As the final project from the late Wayne Liu, the album holds a special place in Taiwan’s music community, capturing the spirit of a pivotal era.
The evening also honored “THE NEXT BIG THING” with the Special Contribution Award. For 15 years, this platform has been at the forefront of discovering and nurturing rising talent, shaping Taiwan’s indie scene. It was a well-deserved tribute to a stage that has consistently amplified the voices and untapped talent of the island’s music landscape.
Bridging Borders Through Powerhouse Performances
The 15th GIMAs were a celebration of music’s universal power to unite, featuring performances that blended cultures and sounds. A standout moment was the soulful collaboration between Taiwan’s Enno Cheng and Korean folk artist Lang Lee. Their bilingual rendition of “寬寬仔來到祢的面前” wowed the crowd, effortlessly weaving Taiwanese and Korean lyrics into a rich orchestral backdrop.
Hip-hop fans got their fix with an electrifying performance by Korea’s SINCE, who teamed up with Taiwan’s NIGHTONLY duo for a dynamic take on “DREAM.” The set perfectly captured the cross-border energy of modern hip-hop. Meanwhile, Japanese sensation Tatsuya Kitani brought the night to a thrilling close with an epic performance of anime tracks.
Setting The Standard For Asian Music
Since its inception in 2010, the Golden Indie Music Awards have sought to become the gold standard for original music awards in Asia. With a focus on originality and diversity, the GIMAs cover a wide array of categories — including rock, folk, electronica, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and alternative pop — giving artists across genres the chance to showcase their talent.
As the 15th GIMAs came to a close, one thing was clear: indie music is alive and thriving, with its pulse reverberating beyond borders. This year’s winners embodied everything the awards have stood for — authenticity, creativity, and an unapologetic embrace of musical innovation. With each performance and every award, the GIMAs reaffirmed their place as a beacon of indie spirit, uniting Taiwan’s dynamic music scene with the global stage. The future of indie music is brighter than ever, and the GIMAs are lighting the way forward.