Taiwanese Singer-Songwriter Sauljaljui Reimagines the Yueqin with VAIVAIK

A Sonic Exploration of Land and Spirit🗺️🌱🎵

Dear Music Lover,

How’s everything going? As we approach the year-end holiday season, there’s so much excitement in the air—it’s a time we all look forward to. Adding to the festive spirit, Wind Music artist Sauljaljui has just released her third full-creation album, VAIVAIK. This nine-track album marks a milestone as her first project as a producer. At its core, VAIVAIK reimagines the art of playing the Yueqin, blending inspirations from Paiwan culture with influences from various global traditions. The result is a vibrant tapestry of cultural rhythms and the rich rewards of exploring the world through sound.

Listen to VAIVAIK Online

Sauljaljui’s highly anticipated new album, VAIVAIK (meaning “embarking” in the Paiwan language), is a bold and evocative journey into world fusion music. The album seamlessly blends raw emotion with captivating soundscapes, pushing the boundaries of traditional music and contemporary sounds.Following her successful European tour, including a standout performance at the WOMAD Festival in Manchester, VAIVAIK marks a significant milestone in Sauljaljui’s musical evolution. Each track offers a unique narrative that resonates deeply with themes of culture, nature, and humanity.

The album’s lead single, “VAIVAIK (Searching for My Path),” showcases Sauljaljui’s extraordinary talent in redefining the traditional Yueqin. By fusing its timeless sound with global rhythms, she has captivated both longtime fans and new audiences alike. A standout feature of the album is Sauljaljui’s innovative approach to the Yueqin, treating it as a rhythmic instrument rather than a traditional string instrument, creating a fresh and danceable sound.

Reflecting on her global experiences, Sauljaljui shared, “There’s an uncanny sense of belonging I feel when I see each person embracing their unique identity.” She believes that self-belief is the key to a fulfilling journey, as it naturally guides one's path. VAIVAIK features collaborations with renowned artists, including the Taiwu Ballads Troupe. The album’s track “Dipin Kari Tang (Bread, Curry, Hedgehog)” is a dynamic fusion of traditional Mauritian rhythms and Paiwan indigenous melodies.

Born and raised in Kapanan, a tribal community in southern Taiwan, Sauljaljui has always been deeply connected to the land. Her personal journey of building a home from the ground up inspired the creation of the song “tjualayu (Tjualayu Mountain),” which captures the transformative power of nature. The album’s track “madjadjumak (Finding Each Other)” is a minimalist piece recorded in a single take, showcasing the raw energy and spontaneous interaction of the musicians.

As a member of Taiwan’s Indigenous minority, Sauljaljui is not only a groundbreaking artist but also a cultural ambassador. She has hosted the indigenous cultural program The Sound of Nasi and led workshops to promote Indigenous culture and inspire others. Sauljaljui’s work transcends musical boundaries, bridging cultures and preserving traditional sounds in a modern world. Her innovative approach and dedication to her craft have earned her international recognition and acclaim.

As renowned music journalist Simon Broughton noted, “In Taiwan, the indigenous people are only 2.4% of the population, but musically their profile feels far higher. Seeing Sauljaljui perform, you understand why.” Sauljaljui’s global footprint extends to Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Estonia, Belgium, Germany, and beyond. In the coming year, she will be performing at prestigious international festivals such as Folk Alliance International and WOMADelaide.

Stay tuned for VAIVAIK’s highly anticipated physical album! Designed by Grammy Award winner Yu-Wei, this release promises to be something special. For the latest updates, follow Sauljaljui on Instagram, visit her website, or check out Wind Music on Facebook.

Embarking on 'VAIVAIK' now