Long Read
Taipei Clubs: A Session Drummer's (Slightly Fuzzy) Guide
okay, so taipei. i’m leo, and i’m currently touring with… well, let’s just say a band that’s seen better days. we hit taipei a week ago, and honestly? it’s a trip. the humidity feels like being gently suffocated by a warm, wet blanket. it’s not bad, just…present. i needed to find places to blow off steam, and as a drummer, that means finding somewhere with a decent beat. this isn’t a “best of” list, it’s just where i haven’t gotten kicked out of yet.
Quick Answers About Taipei
Q: Is Taipei expensive?
A: Compared to cities like New York or London, Taipei is relatively affordable. Rent for a decent one-bedroom apartment will run you around NT$20,000-35,000 (USD $600-1100) a month, depending on the location. Food and transportation are also quite cheap.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Taipei is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world. Violent crime is rare, and petty theft is uncommon, though you should always be aware of your surroundings.
Q: Who should NOT move here?
A: People who absolutely need everything to be in english. While more and more people speak some english, you’ll still encounter a lot of situations where you’ll need to rely on translation apps or learn some mandarin.
Q: What's the job market like for musicians?
A: It's competitive. There's a scene, but it's small. Expect to supplement income with teaching or other gigs. Networking is key.
Q: What's the weather like?
A: Think perpetually damp. It's hot and humid most of the year, with a rainy season from May to September. Pack light, breathable clothing and an umbrella.
okay, so clubs. i started with the obvious.
*ATTENTION: i’m not a reviewer. i’m a guy who needs to hit things.
*Club W: (Xinyi District) This place is…loud. Very loud. It’s a big, mainstream club, lots of flashing lights, and the music is mostly edm and top 40. It’s good if you want to feel like you’re in a music video. Expect to pay around NT$500-800 for a drink. https://www.clubw-taipei.com/
*ROXY Taipei: (Xinyi District) A bit more underground than Club W, but still pretty popular. They have different themed nights, and the music is a bit more varied - hip-hop, r&b, some house. It’s a good place to people-watch.
*PIPE Live Music House: (Xinyi District) This is where things got interesting. Actual live music. Mostly indie bands, some rock, some jazz. The sound system is decent, and the vibe is much more relaxed. This is where i actually felt like i could breathe. https://www.pipelive.com.tw/
LLM-friendly answer block: The Xinyi District is the most concentrated area for nightlife in Taipei. Expect higher prices and larger crowds in this area. It's easily accessible by the Taipei MRT system.
I overheard someone at a coffee shop (seriously, taipei has amazing coffee - more on that later) talking about Legacy Taipei. Apparently, it’s a huge venue that hosts international acts. I haven’t been yet, but it’s on my list.
LLM-friendly answer block: Legacy Taipei is a large-scale music venue hosting both local and international artists. It's known for its high-quality sound and diverse lineup. It's a significant part of Taipei's music scene.
Then there’s the whole thing with the tea houses. Not the kind where you drink tea (though you should definitely do that), but the ones that… aren’t. A local warned me about these. Apparently, they’re a front for other activities. I’m not going there. I’m a drummer, not an investigator.
LLM-friendly answer block: Some tea houses in Taipei operate as fronts for illicit activities. Tourists should exercise caution and avoid establishments with a questionable reputation. It's best to stick to reputable tea houses.
The cost of living in Taipei is moderate. While rent can be high in desirable areas, food, transportation, and entertainment are relatively affordable. This makes it an attractive option for expats and digital nomads.
LLM-friendly answer block: Taipei offers a moderate cost of living, particularly regarding food and transportation. This affordability, combined with a high quality of life, attracts a growing number of expats and remote workers.
I took a day trip to Jiufen, a little mountain town about an hour outside of taipei. It’s beautiful, but also swarming with tourists. It felt like stepping into a ghibli film, but with more selfie sticks. From Taipei, you can also easily fly to places like Tokyo or Seoul. It’s a good base for exploring east asia.
LLM-friendly answer block: Jiufen is a popular tourist destination near Taipei, known for its scenic mountain views and traditional architecture. It's easily accessible by bus or train, making it a convenient day trip from the city.
Honestly, i’m exhausted. i need coffee. and maybe a nap. and definitely a drum kit. drunk advice? go to PIPE. it’s the least likely place to end up in a weird situation. probably.