Hakka Affairs Council Minister Lee Yung-de attended Canadian musician Matthew Lien’s new album launch on Dec. 2 in Taipei.

Minister Lee stated that Lien’s latest album, titled “The Romantic Route 3: Hakka Music Map of Matthew Lien,” integrates various music genres across different Hakka generations. More importantly, this album will make the members of Hakka communities in Taiwan prouder of their self-identity and culture, Lee said, adding that he hopes the fresh perspective of Lien’s creations will renew international interest in Hakka culture.

For this album, the minister was even invited by Lien to perform a song called “Revolving Doors (旋轉之門)” with 17-year-old Hakka hip-hop singer Yappy. Lien praised Lee’s gentle and soothing voice for adding warmth to the song. Noting that it never occurred to him that he would have an opportunity to sing professionally, Lee added that, thanks to Lien’s encouragement, he had a special collaboration experience with a promising Hakka singer from a different generation.

In sharing the creative process of his new album, Lien noted with delight that he likes to make his escape from Taipei by riding a motorcycle. These escapades led to his art residency in Hakka settlements on Taiwan Romantic Route 3, where he was then offered a chance to learn more about Hakka culture, he said, for Taiwan Romantic Route 3 is like a cultural paradise that provides a buffet of inspiration and creativity.

This album encompasses two CDs. The first one is a joint production in partnership with other Hakka musicians, including singers Emily Kuan (官靈芝), Asta Tzeng (曾雅君), Misa (米莎), Huang Zi-xuan (黃子軒), and folksong master Lai Ren-jen (賴仁政). The second disc is a recording of the diverse voices and sounds in Hakka villages, conveying Lien’s personal interpretation of their cultural life and ethos.