Temple Meltdown: Where Sacred Sites Meet Sound Systems

In Taiwan, dance culture is finding a unique sanctuary within religious sites, offering an alternative to frequent nightclub raids. The 'Temple Meltdown' party series, spearheaded by Andrew Dawson, intentionally hosts events in temples like Puji Temple in Tainan.

These gatherings, which occur during festivals like Lunar New Year, are inspired by temples' historical role as community centers. Dawson highlights the adaptable nature of temple plazas, which provide spaces for people to socialize and enjoy music. This approach emerged after decades of martial law and subsequent restrictions on public assembly and cultural events in Taiwan.

Local sound system builder Archi Tsai creates custom setups, such as the Formosa Sound System, specifically for these temple events. His passion for low-end frequencies, ignited by a festival in Croatia, led to years of dedicated self-teaching and significant personal investment.

Tsai and Dawson are actively working to challenge societal norms that historically associated partying and alcohol consumption with immorality and job loss. By reclaiming temple spaces, they aim to foster a more inclusive and evolving public perception, celebrating a synthesis of Taiwanese religion, culture, and contemporary underground music.