Golden Melody Student Award winner Awkward releases "Transparent," a raw look at emotional defenses

Formed in Taipei in 2020, four-piece band Awkward — vocalist Chen-Hao, guitarist Bo-Ru, bassist Nian-Zhen, and drummer Yi-Hsuan — centers their sound on alternative and emo rock, specializing in the delicate emotions of urban youth navigating loneliness, confusion, and relationships. Ahead of their debut full album this October, the band officially released digital single "Transparent" today (9/10) to lead the way.

The single's cover presents a blurred, faceless figure out of focus — evoking how, when you hide your own emotions, even you become indistinct to yourself. The track first appeared on StreetVoice this March, topping the platform's weekly chart on release, and went on to help the "Golden Melody veterans" of Awkward sweep the 43rd NCCU Golden Melody Student Awards with "Transparent," taking home both the "Creative Grand Prize" and "Best Lyricist."

Childhood defense mechanisms of an only child become creative fuel; the demo was once dismissed by bandmates as "just not good"

"Transparent" digs deep into the self-depleting act of actively detaching from emotion — becoming "transparent" — to avoid getting hurt in the face of pain. The idea traces back to vocalist Chen-Hao's own childhood. As an only child, he unconsciously filtered his joys and sorrows from a young age, believing that was what "maturity" meant, only realizing later it was simply a long-accumulated defense mechanism. Chen-Hao reflected: "Being able to carry a lot, and being able to really feel yourself — those are two completely different things."

Surprisingly, this double award-winner nearly got scrapped at the demo stage. The band admits the early demo's groove and dynamics were too fragmented, even calling it "just not good." After countless revisions — and a flash of inspiration adding gloomy piano textures and a rare bass solo — the murky, uneasy emotion finally built to its peak.

Off stage, each member has their own private ritual for "thawing out" their feelings: drummer Yi-Hsuan swears by eating well, exercising, and sleeping; vocalist Chen-Hao turns to cleaning and reading; bassist Nian-Zhen likes walking alone with music; and guitarist Bo-Ru prefers a drink and some video games. For listeners who tend to hide themselves away, Awkward offers a gentle message: "Running away isn't shameful — just please always be willing to look back at yourself."

A surprise record deal with Underworld Music, signed while blasting Mayday in the car — band previews a 2026 year-end show for 1,000-plus at SUB

Awkward's members go back to junior and senior high school together, building their music career step by step. Recalling how they signed with renowned label Underworld Music last year, the band laughs that they never expected to get noticed by a major label. Beyond playing VOICES this October, Awkward has also announced their debut album, also dropping in October, and a year-end show at Nangang SUB — their first time playing a venue for over a thousand people.

For more, follow Awkward's official Instagram.