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| Photo Courtesy of Sodagreen |
Twenty years in any career is no small feat – and in the music industry, it’s even more of an achievement. It’s a tough world out there, but with passion, hard work, and a sturdy spirit, not to mention a very devoted fanbase, anything is possible. Proof is in the group I talk to today: Sodagreen.
The Taiwanese band are entering their 20th year together, and what better way to celebrate than by marking the occasion with a tour? Fans in London have even more of a reason to rejoice, as Sodagreen will be marking another milestone with their first-ever London show, something that no doubt will be a dream come true for fans.
Starting out in 2005, Sodagreen has grown both in their professional and personal lives. They’ve stuck to what works best for them, even pausing to take a break to work on their own solo endeavours. That time apart was a small stepping stone to carrying them forward. That chapter was opened in 2020 with the release of Tomorrow Will Be Fine. A time for the members and fans to reconnect in a time where the year was unpredictable and scary. Once reunited, they proved exactly why taking time to work on themselves and their passions works wonders.
Now as they step out on tour, embracing their fans and proudly celebrating their anniversary, I ask how it feels to stand together after all these years. They wisely respond: "Perhaps the journey itself is the answer — what you think is an endpoint might actually be the beginning of another journey.” Sodagreen have truly mastered how to live their lives that suit their own musical direction, and in life too – a lesson we could all try to embody in our own lives, right?
You’re about to make history this April with your first-ever London performance at the OVO Arena Wembley, as part of your 20th Anniversary Concert Tour. What are you most excited to share with UK fans who may not have experienced your live shows yet?
Sodagreen: Music. It’s always about the music. For this 20th Anniversary Concert Tour, we are presenting Sodagreen’s music in four seasonal sections. We’ll walk through our four seasons together, and we will also bring a special moment for the city of London — a brand-new song, shared exclusively with those attending the London show.
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| Photo Courtesy of Sodagreen |
Celebrating 20 years together is a great achievement. How do you go about conducting your setlists for a tour that highlights your career so far? Do you aim for a balance of your own personal favourites as well as fans?
SG: With so many songs released over these twenty years, it’s really not easy to finalise a setlist. I remember when we were planning this tour’s setlist, we discussed from day to night, listing out thirty or forty songs. After discussion and rehearsals, we finally shaped the final setlist. Of course, we also kept our tradition of having a request section. It’s like an open book — each lucky audience member gets chosen and can request the song they most want to hear. Sometimes, the song they choose is also one that a band member has wanted to perform or play but wasn’t on the setlist. That’s the real magic and surprise of live performances.
Starting as a small indie group to now earning over 35 Golden Melody Awards (GMA) nominations and 9 wins, it’s no small feat. Do you ever sit to take a moment and reflect on how far you’ve come both as a group and as individuals?
SG: Sodagreen has indeed filled our lives over these past twenty years. Sometimes, what feels like an end is actually the start of a new beginning. Maybe we don’t stop to look back intentionally — instead, we give each other space, spend time with family, travel, and watch other amazing performances. Those are ways to recharge and rest. As for looking back, I think the media and our audience often do that for us, helping us recall all the roads we’ve walked.
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| Photo Courtesy of Sodagreen |
Each of you has a strong musical background and can play multiple instruments. How did your passion for music begin, and what was your own personal journey? What does it mean to be able to create and play music that you’ve written?
SG: The most classically trained musician among us is Agong, who graduated from a music department. The others have backgrounds in language studies, business, social sciences, and even neuroscience. During our student days, all of us were influenced by family members who loved music, joined music-related clubs, or were inspired by certain albums that set us on this path. Music is our emotional outlet. Some things cannot be expressed in words —but, we have music.
What role did music play while growing up, and what part did it impact and play a big part in your lives?
SG: Music is life itself. It’s the sound of the wind rushing past as you ride a scooter on mountain roads, the rhythm of your arms moving as you swim, the emotions connecting people as you stroll through a city. When you think you’re creating music, what you’re really doing is living your life fully. Live wholeheartedly, feel your surroundings, care for the people around you — in the end, it’s not about the role of music, but whether you can truly live your life well.
With over two decades in the industry, how have you seen the difference in the music scene change? Do you feel the need to have a strong social media presence, especially in today’s digital era where everything is digitised, including music, i.e., streaming, etc.?
SG: The core value of anything lies in its essence and authenticity. Whether it’s strong social media platforms or convenient streaming services, the key is still the quality and richness of the content. Our intention when making music is very simple. The medium for sharing it keeps changing. Fortunately, we have strong partners in different fields. We focus on making music, and they help us deliver it to the world.
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| Photo Courtesy of Sodagreen |
Throughout your years together, what has been the proudest achievement you’ve achieved as a group?
SG: The combined weight of the six of us. Even though it has increased with age, it’s still somehow kept in balance.
From your debut, Sodagreen, in 2005, to your most recent album, which release stands out as the most profound? Be it the message of the album personally or the reaction from the fans.
SG: Every album is our creation, representing the most authentic music we could produce at each stage of our lives. It’s hard to choose just one.
During your hiatus, each of you explored your individual music styles. Do you think that time apart contributed to your longevity as a band? Did pursuing solo projects bring fresh synergy and inspiration now that they are reunited and playing together?
SG: Sodagreen is like the musical home for the six of us. After exploring and growing on our own paths, we always bring those experiences back home, making this musical home even richer, more vibrant, and full of variety.
What was the most fun part about that break? With the variety of genres explored, were there any surprises in the musical directions of some of the members?
SG: Sometimes, the most fun parts are also the most exhausting ones. During our break, four children were born among our band members — two boys and two girls. Despite stepping into new roles, this period also gave birth to interesting creations, like Oaeen’s song, ‘I’m an Unpretentious Bassist.’ During that time, we also encountered the pandemic and tried creating music online. We tossed around melodies and ideas, seeing if something could be developed. Through that, we experienced new creative sides of each other. It was a lot of fun and led to the completion of Oaeen’s first album.
Your comeback single, 2020’s Tomorrow Will Be Fine, had quite a deeply emotional effect on fans. Did that experience strengthen your connection with your fans and feel more family vibes having grown together over the years?
SG: Due to the pandemic and some unexpected events, we felt even more tightly connected. Perhaps the journey itself is the answer — what you think is an endpoint might actually be the beginning of another journey. The band members have known each other for over twenty years; we’re more like family than family itself. Now, what we pursue is simply having things remain normal and steady.
In your view, what do you think is the key to maintaining a long and successful career together?
SG: This kind of thing — it’s hard to say for sure. If we knew the key, I guess we would’ve always followed it. But we’ve never really tried to define what that key is.
When you’re not dominating the music scene, how do you all love to unwind and switch off?
SG: Some members like to stay at home, playing with cats, reading books, or gathering with friends. Others spend time with their children, watching them grow and experiencing life together. Some members enjoy outdoor activities like hiking for forest therapy, diving, or skiing.
Finally, what does 2025 have in store for you?
SG: Another 365 days to live through. Each passing day is one day closer to 2026! This year, our 20th Anniversary Concert Tour will be entering its countdown phase. Just like we said before, perhaps it’s an endpoint, or maybe it’s the start of something new — who knows? We’ll think about the next steps after we finish this journey.
Catch Sodagreen at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on the 20th April. Tickets onsale Ticketmaster or AXS
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