We connected with SUNSET CHASER Executive Producer Scott Noise to delve into his 12-episode mix series filmed in Taiwan, showcasing local talents and cultural narratives.
As electronic music emerges as one of the leading genres globally, more artists are drawing inspiration from their cultural backgrounds. The genre’s vibrancy lies in its ability to blend diverse sounds, creating fresh music that reflects the stories and traditions surrounding us.
This is the essence of the new mix series SUNSET CHASER, produced by Scott Noise and 4000. This innovative duo aims to highlight the burgeoning creative talents from Taiwan by infusing local culture into their work and presenting it in a novel format.
Across 12 episodes, SUNSET CHASER invites viewers to explore unconventional hidden gems in Taiwan, including a pool hall, night market, thrift store, and even a shrimp fishing pond. Each venue serves as a unique backdrop for curated DJ performances by local artists, encapsulating the rich Taiwanese heritage and its vibrant yet underappreciated electronic music scene.
“If I were to pinpoint what inspired SUNSET CHASER, I’d say it’s Taiwan’s night markets and shrimp fishing ponds,” Scott shared, having spent over a decade immersed in electronic music. “These locations often feature loud, 170 BPM hard bounce tracks as background music. While some locals may find it somewhat abrasive, I see it as uniquely captivating. That contrast inspired me to share this cultural fusion with the world online.”
Our mission is to showcase traditional industries that were once flourishing but are now gradually fading. By featuring these locations, we offer a glimpse into parts of Taiwan that often go overlooked. Simultaneously, we wanted this DJ series to break free from conventional spaces and settings. This contrast helps us convey the unique bond between the locals and the music.
Scott Noise
Filming in Unique Locations
The title of the mix series, SUNSET CHASER, conjures a vivid image of someone pursuing their dreams. Scott explained that the title originates from a term used in Taiwan to refer to declining traditional industries, often labeled as “sunset industries.” He stated, “I’m not entirely sure if that’s the precise translation, but the idea is similar. Through this series, we are ‘chasing’ these scenes—moments and industries that could fade away.”
Choosing to film in unconventional locations was a daring decision, presenting numerous logistical hurdles. Scott acknowledged that shooting at these sites could be chaotic, but it aligned perfectly with his creative vision.
“The unpredictable moments were intentional,” he said. “We wanted viewers to feel as though they were right there in the scene, enhancing their engagement throughout the DJ set.”
“The true challenge, however, arose from some of the more hazardous locations we filmed in,” Scott continued. “In a forthcoming episode, we filmed in an abandoned car dismantling factory. The gasoline odor was so overpowering that I felt lightheaded after just five minutes, yet the artist still had to perform a full 50-minute set in that setting. That’s really what embodies the ‘chaser’ spirit.”
The electronic music culture in Taiwan isn’t as thriving as in Western nations, so we hope that by presenting it through a cultural lens, we can better communicate our unique vision of electronic music.
Scott Noise
A New Wave of Talent
Recently, Taiwan’s underground electronic scene has experienced a surge, introducing a wave of emerging artists. SUNSET CHASER highlights talents such as Karika, longlongty, LeNin, Molly Lin, and others.
Scott shared the qualities he looked for in each artist and how their styles resonated with the unique locations of their performances. He remarked, “Taiwan is home to many gifted artists, and when selecting them for the series, we primarily chose those whose music complemented the venues. For instance, I truly appreciate the connection between Karika and the comic book store. He is passionate about comics, and these stores are gradually disappearing in Taiwan. With his anime-inspired track selection, we aimed to showcase a different, unconventional aspect of electronic music.”
He added, “Starting from ‘Episode 6,’ we’ve been experimenting with more filming techniques. We are also monitoring the performance of earlier episodes to guide our future endeavors. There’s a long list of exciting locations we wish to feature, but pairing them with the right scenes can be challenging. Personally, I’m particularly excited about an episode involving Taiwan’s sole vinyl and cassette tape factories, although we are still in discussions for that one. It’s definitely something to look forward to!”
Integrating electronic music with local culture has always been a vision of mine.
Scott Noise
Expanding Horizons in Southeast Asia
Looking ahead, Scott is eager to expand the series’ reach. His goal is to create a platform that unifies the electronic music community while showcasing the unique cultural elements that have shaped these dynamic scenes.
“Season 1 of SUNSET CHASER serves as an experimental endeavor to demonstrate how a DJ series can weave into everyday life,” he explained. “If SUNSET CHASER is successful, we aspire to expand into Southeast Asia—exploring places like Bangkok, Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Indonesia. We believe there is so much more to uncover within these sunset industries, and we aim to reveal that through the series. For season 2, we are already in talks with platforms about a project in Bangkok, so stay tuned!”
