Cicada

“Ever listen to something so beautiful you just start crying?”

In the secret WhatApp group that often contributes to the2010s, I dropped a single from Taiwanese chamber group Cicada. Friend of the site Pads responded quickly, breathlessly and confirmed what I had thought when I first listened to 棲​居​在​溪​源​之​上 Seeking the Sources of Streams. We were listening to a singular beauty.

The ensemble, inspired by the natural wonders of Taiwan, indie music and new age meditations, has made a guided, aural tour of the misty, rain soaked trails of Taiwan and has invited us all to come along. We interviewed them below.

How do you go about reflecting the natural world through instruments?

We tried to open up senses and remember the feelings. When we went back home, we’ll play what we remembered from the body sensation.

There are moments where the woodwinds seem to be replicating bird song, in your mind, is that an attempt to duet or add to natural music?

We hear bird song all the time during hikes. “Birds and Moist Pine Needles“ depicts the interactions between two birds. There are some moments in “Remains of Ancient Trees” and “Foggy Rain” that woodwinds appear like a bird flying over. 

How do these compositions begin, by writing sheet music or jamming?

The thought process of this release happened during pandemic, so we rarely had chances to jam/practice. Most of the songs were composed by writing sheet music and then we’d revise during the practice. Guitar were mostly arranged by the guitarist.

Can you explain the importance of the Benihi tree?

There used to be an abundance of Benihi tree in Taiwan. However, most old grown forest were gone during the deforestation in the 20th century. In fact, a lot of the hiking trails were logging roads back then, so I’ve always wanted to learn more about the deforestation history which also caused the start of the Benihi tree protection act. The journey of the Benihi tree to Taiwan was also fascinating. During the ice age, Taiwan became their home, and after the ice age, they slowly moved to the high mountains in Taiwan. This journey symbolized our journey to the source of the streams.

Is some of the music trying to capture the sounds of the forest, or your own feelings while in nature?

Both. Long hikes provide opportunities for self reflection which was expressed through the sentimental parts in the music. The sounds and the sensation of the wind while in the nature spark insights so I like to intertwine the sounds in the forest with the music expressing feelings.

Your work over the years has often been based on nature, has music and nature always been entered for you?

Composing music and being in the nature are part of the daily life for me. Switching the environment to be in the nature is a way to inspire my creativity.

You have sheet music on your website, do you hope that other composers and musicians take up some of your songs?

We published the sheet music due to many inquiries during these years. We’d like to take this opportunity to compile the previous work and provide an official channel for people to obtain the sheet music. It’d be a pleasure to collaborate with other composers and musicians by sharing the sheet music.

What is the Taiwanese classical scene like in the current era?

We are more like an indie band than a classical one, though all our string musicians were classically trained. As far as I know, the classical training in Taiwan is mature and focused on music theory and techniques. Cicada is situated in a rather unique genre in Taiwan.

“Departing in the Morning after Rain” seems important because it is setting the tone of going on an adventure. How did you write that short piece?

The opening in our previous albums usually started with mysterious vibe. However, after years of pandemic, we’d like to greet audience with the image of sunshine after rain. This song depict the feeling of seeing sunshine glowing in the campsite when we open the tent after raining all night. The opening and the last song are somewhat related, like going back and forth between the home/tent in the mountain and the home in the city.

The album is broken up by shorter pieces and long compositions. How did you figure out the sequencing? Was the album supposed to sound like the journey through the forest itself?

Yes, the three long pieces are the main themes and the short pieces are inspired by rain and water. During the long hikes in Taiwan, rain is inevitable. Though I used to be upset by rain, moments and experiences such as walking in the foggy rain or listening to the sound of rain in the tents are becoming memories I treasure.

You move to a minor, more dark mood in “remains of ancient trees” which breaks from the mostly major and happy sounding album. Did seeing those trees demand a more thoughtful, darker tone?

This song described the history from logging, forest conservation, and hinoki sprouting and growing from the fallen tree by the streams. The dark mood came from my perspective as hinoki while being transported to be away from the mountain and when it’s protected by conservation activists. 

Is there an ideal setting for a listener to hear this album?

The album was inspired by the experience of staying in the mountain for a long time, so listeners can imagine yourselves walking into the mountains, experiencing various climates and topography, and leaving with the inspirations.

File Under: Interviews