About the Artist
Formosan Groove is a contemporary fusion project led by Washington, D.C.–based Taiwanese artist Shinyi Lee (Rufusion). Drawing from classic Taiwanese Hokkien songs, the project reimagines familiar melodies through groove-driven arrangements that blend jazz harmony, electronic textures, global rhythms, and traditional Asian instruments.
Developed during the COVID lockdown, Formosan Groove grew from keyboard experimentation into a clear artistic vision. Lee spent five years securing official rearrangement copyright authorization, honoring the original works while reshaping them with rhythmic vitality and cross-genre freedom.
The album Formosan Groove (胡聲拍仔) transforms Taiwanese classics with fluid rhythms and instrumental textures—often likened to Taiwanese cabbage stew (bai-tsai-lo), where diverse ingredients simmer into a warm, balanced whole. Through performance and storytelling, Formosan Groove invites audiences to experience Taiwanese music through movement, connection, and groove.
