Accusefive is a Taiwanese folk-rock band who began their journey in 2017 with their debut EP "Son of Mist". Their sound blends indie rock, folk, and pop influences, all sung in Mandarin, creating a style that is unique, catchy, and has made them a global phenomena. Fans have described how Accusefive’s lyrics resonate, touching on themes of love, loss, and hope. Now they're helping bring Taiwanese music to a global audience.
It’s been an incredible seven-year journey for the group, who opened for Coldplay during their Music of Spheres tour in Taiwan. They’re known for their sold-out shows in major venues like Taipei Arena and Kaohsiung Arena, and have just embarked on their first international tour "Around The New World – Amusement of the Universe". This first foray into playing for international audiences caught our attention, and so spoke with the group while they were in Australia, just after their debut performance in Sydney.
Below is our interview with Accusefive (告五人) about their musical experiences, personal lives, and their current global tour.
Eastern Standard Times:
What are some of the biggest musical influences that have shaped Accusefive's sound?
Pan Yun-An AKA Pan Pan An:
When I was young, my mom would play Queen's music to me, that sparked my love of rock music. After learning guitar in my school time, I was always trying to write music of my own and perform it. I particularly quite enjoy music that blends lots of genres and that is why our music is diverse in various ways.
Richard Lin:
I got into music through the percussion section of a classical orchestra. During recordings and performances, I often use unconventional percussion instruments to generate creative ideas. Later on, I studied jazz and became a big fan of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Jost Nickel. I am continually learning and improving in this area.
Eastern Standard Times:
Looking back at your entire discography, is there a song you're particularly proud of?
Accusefive:
We think it might be the song "We Will Be Fine" and it just got nominated for Song of the Year at the Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan. (Big shoutout to the judges and our fans!) "We Will Be Fine" is like a soundtrack to our past seven years. With all the ups and downs and performing all around the world, this song keeps reminding us to be truthful and honest to ourselves. We still live in our hometown, Yilan instead of living in a big city like Taipei for example.
Eastern Standard Times:
Collaborations can be a great way to experiment with new sounds. Are there any artists you'd love to collaborate with in the future?
Accusefive:
We recently collaborated with some great graphic designers like Lady Aiko for one of our first world tour “AMUSEMENT OF THE UNIVERSE” merch and a UK illustrator, Tom Parker, who is based in Taiwan now, for our single“Where I Lost Us” to describe the emotional concept of this song.
We also had a music collaboration with the Taiwanese band, Power Station, for a new single “Log out of your World” earlier this year. And it has always been our dream to collaborate with great Taiwanese bands like Power Station.
We were also the support act for Coldplay while they played the Music of Spheres Tour in Taiwan. During our conversation with Chris Martin, he really inspired us to make more music to touch more people in the world–not just for Mandarin fans but the audience in the whole world.
Eastern Standard Times:
How do you feel as Chinese artists to be so popular globally? Did you imagine as kids that this is what your life would look like?
Accusefive:
We would've thought we'd be making music and touring the world, honestly! It's been an incredible journey so far, from disbelief to gratitude. But we're still pushing ourselves, striving to offer the best concert experience possible. Thanks to our fans for embracing our music and we really cherish every moment in every show, always making us feel so surreal to perform in major cities in the world.
Eastern Standard Times:
What are some of the rituals you have that keep you grounded while touring?
Pan Pan An:
Good coffee! That is ALL I NEED!!
Richard Lin:
Always rallying the team with encouraging words which makes me relax more and enjoy the show!
Eastern Standard Times:
Can you name one way the experience of being in Accusefive has changed who you are as people?
Accusefive:
The biggest difference is the constant packing and unpacking of our luggage (just kidding). Being part of Accusefive has been a fascinating journey. Our album "We Will Be Fine" took us all over the world, meeting fans everywhere which made us smile more and explore different cities while we had time and get more inspiration from cities like Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth.
We started as a trio and have now grown into a full-fledged team. It's been quite a transformation but our story continues and hope to inspire more people to join.
Eastern Standard Times:
Who are the people you look forward to seeing most when you get home?
Accusefive:
Our family, of course. There's nothing like spending quality time with them, sharing stories, and enjoying family life after finishing a leg of our current tour. Our busy schedule makes these moments become even more precious. And to our fans, your unwavering support always means the world to us.
Eastern Standard Times:
Playing to audiences worldwide must be an incredible experience. What are some of the most memorable places you've performed at?
Accusefive:
Every show brings unforgettable memories, we are truly enjoying the experience! While we were on NZ/AU tour, we explored the city while we could and enjoyed the vibe of the city. Looking back on our journey, we could not imagine we would be able to perform in a city like Melbourne or Sydney, it has been a surreal journey for us to be honest and we definitely will come back to NZ/AU again for sure.
Eastern Standard Times:
Do you find cultural differences between audiences in various countries to be significant? If so, how do you adapt your stage presence accordingly?
Accusefive:
Everyone needs food for a living, and everyone loves good food to make life feel great! So, we always enjoy hearing about local delicacies or what they would do in the city during our show. While we were in Perth, we asked “What do they usually do at night?” during our show, the fans all shouted “SLEEPING”, which was a hilarious reaction.
For us, it is such a priceless interaction and brings us closer to our audience instead of just performing.
Eastern Standard Times:
Have any particularly enthusiastic or unique crowd / fan reactions that have stuck with you?
Accusefive:
Since this is our very first world tour, it has always been quite nerve-racking and exciting for the tour to be honest. We are so touched by every fan’s reaction, singing harmoniously and enthusiasm. We are trying to respond to every Melon (our fans) and seeing all the handmade posters and conversations during the show has always been an experience we never expected.
Eastern Standard Times:
Describe Australian audiences for us. What’s Australia like to perform in compared to other countries?
Accusefive:
IT WAS AWESOME! Touring Australia and New Zealand was such an incredible experience for us, and all the nervousness and excitement were real as well since this was our first time touring here in Australia and New Zealand. The reaction from the fans has been surreal and meaningful to us, we can’t wait to come back and do it all over again, again and again, and bring our new music next time!