Taipei Mayoral Race Pioneers Use of Original Songs in Campaigning

Source: Tonight, the Musical Sky Is Very “Political”
From: Stratosphere Arts Salon
Date: May 31, 2006. Author: Li Chih-ming

During the 1994 Taipei mayoral election, Lu Han-hsiu (lyrics) and Chan Hung-ta (music) collaborated to write two campaign songs for candidate Chen Shui-bian. One, “Flower Bud of Spring,” described the ups and downs of his and Wu Shu-chen’s love story — mutual support through hardship, inseparable devotion. The other, “Taipei New Homeland,” painted a vision for Taipei. According to reports, the two songs, once released, not only brought a fresh impression to voters and helped Chen win the Taipei mayor’s office, but also made him the first Taiwanese politician to commission custom-composed campaign songs.

After the election, many members of the public continued to call in requesting recording copies; the songs even became popular choices in karaoke establishments. Later, Crystal Records — recognising the songs’ intrinsic archival value — obtained a licence from the Formosa Foundation, officially publishing and distributing them the following year, with versions in various indigenous languages (except Thao) and Hakka added.

 

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External Links

• On the Development of Independent Music through Crystal Records (Ho Tung-hung and Chang T’ieh-chih in conversation)
• Can Music Change Politics? Taiwan’s Campaign Songs (Chang T’ieh-chih)
• A Survey of Election Campaign Songs through the Years: Do You Want Tearful Mass Singalongs or Indie-Band Freshness? (The News Lens)
• Freddy Concert Rallies for Election — British Media Take Notice (Apple Daily)