All translations provided by Sodagreen’s team.
Hello! Firstly, something light to kick things off: where in the world are you right now, and what have you all just enjoyed eating?
我們在台北喔，正好要為「一刻」的歌曲練團，大家也點了健康且低熱量的餐飲來吃。
We’re in Taipei right now, just about to rehearse for the new song for London. Everyone ordered something healthy and low-calorie to eat.
For people that aren’t familiar with sodagreen, how would you each describe the band and your music, in three words?
我們並不喜歡標籤著自己，也不喜歡標籤任何事情。或許有歌曲或是團的某種特質，都是能夠吸引你的一部分。
We don’t like to label ourselves or anything else. Perhaps certain songs or certain qualities of the band are what draw you in: and that’s what matters.
You’re performing in London for the very first time! What are you most excited about when it comes to performing in the UK’s capital?
二十年來，走過這麼多城市，卻還是有許多對我們具有特別意義的城市還沒去過。「倫敦」在韋瓦第計畫裡佔有非常重要角色，我們曾在這邊認識一群很棒的音樂人、也一起完成《夏／狂熱》專輯與影像的拍攝。十多年過去，可能有些人離開了這圈子，但能夠在以搖滾為名的城市上演出，也期待與倫敦的觀眾一起走過這二十年的一刻。
In these twenty years, we’ve traveled to many cities, yet there are still so many meaningful places we haven’t been to. London holds a very special place in our Vivaldi Project: it’s where we met incredible musicians and completed the recording and filming of our Summer/Fever album. More than a decade has passed, some of those people may no longer be in the industry. Still, being able to perform in a city known for its rock spirit is something we’re really looking forward to. We can’t wait to share this special concert with the audience in London.
Do you have any special moments or stages that you’ve prepared for UK audiences and if so, can you tease us as to what they are?
「二十年一刻」這場演出，希望透過四季的橋段，用我們的音樂陪伴大家走過這段旅程。而每一個城市，我們都希望回歸到最一開始玩音樂的初衷，用屬於這城市的一首新歌，來刻下現場的這一刻。
當然，倫敦也有屬於它的「一刻」，也期待這首新歌會讓大家喜歡。
For our 20th Anniversary Concert Tour, we hope to take everyone on a journey through four seasons, accompanied by our music. I n every city, we aim to return to the original intention of why we started making music: by presenting a brand-new song to that city, capturing the essence of that moment on stage.
Of course, London will have its own unique ‘moment’ as well, and we truly hope everyone will love the new song we’ve prepared.
We hope you love your time in London. What other cities would you hopefully love to perform in one day and why?
相信一定能在倫敦留下非常棒的一刻，未來只要是能夠一起走過的城市，我們都沒有設限喔。
We believe we will create a truly beautiful moment in London. As for other cities, anywhere we can travel together with our audience, there are no limits.
Your career has been the definition of a slow and steady, but well-earned, rise with plenty of trials and tribulations. How does it feel looking back on decades in the industry?
其實時間不停地向前推進，中間一定有失也有得，有時候你覺得是終點，卻可能是開啟下一個的起點。我們一起工作20年，我們比家人還像家人，能夠一直能做音樂，也是我們最幸福的事情。
Time keeps moving forward, and along the way, there are always gains and losses. Sometimes that feels like an ending is actually the beginning of something new. We’ve been working together for 20 years, and we’re more like family than family itself. Being able to continue making music together is truly the greatest blessing for us.
What does your 20th Anniversary mean to each of you?
人生第一個二十年，我們甚至還沒認識。第二個二十年，人生用蘇打綠烙印在我們身上。而這個名字，伴隨著各種美好的、快樂的、曾經受傷與悲傷，卻有團員與夥伴們陪伴著，讓我們重新展開旅程與微笑。蘇打綠，或許指的這六個人；對我們來說，蘇打綠也代表這一路上陪伴我們的工作夥伴、以及喜歡蘇打綠音樂的你們，都完整了這三個字。
In the first twenty years of our lives, we hadn’t even met. But the second twenty years of life are marked by the name ‘sodagreen’ etched into us. This name carries all the beauty, joy, pain, and sorrow we’ve gone through: but we’ve had our members and partners by our side, helping us start again and smile once more.
‘sodagreen’ may refer to these six people, but for us, it also represents all the people who’ve walked this road with us: ourteam, our friends, and all of you who love our music. Together, you complete what the name ‘sodagreen’ stands for.
Do you remember your very first performance on stage as sodagreen? How do you feel you’ve changed and grown since then, and how do you feel you haven’t?
蘇打綠以這六個人的面貌，第一次登上舞台是在我們大學快要畢業時的貢寮海洋音樂節，六個人也就這樣走了二十年。對我們彼此來說，可能有些人身份從學生轉換成父母親，成熟了不少，但有時還是一樣胡鬧。身材部分，有些人還維持著精實狀態、但有些團員卻守不住嘴巴，胖了不少（如阿福）。
Our very first time on stage as the six members of sodagreen was at the Gongliao Ho-Hai-Yan Rock Festival, right around the time we were about to graduate from university. Just like that, the six of us have beenon this journey together for twenty years.
For each of us, some roles have changed from students to parents and we’ve all matured in many ways. But sometimes, we’re still the same playful [people] and joke with each other. Some of us have worked hard to stay fit, but others (like A-Fu) just couldn’t resist good food haha!
What are your specific individual rituals and preparations before performing and why?
我們習慣把後台工作人員都聚在一起，像是球隊比賽喊聲一樣。大家手會疊在一起，等團長喊「蘇打綠」後，全部人一起喊聲。也常常這小段時間，互相鬧一下彼此，減輕點上台前的緊繃感。
We have a tradition of gathering all the backstage crew and band members together, almost like a team huddle before a game. Everyone puts their hands together, and when A-Fu calls out ‘sodagreen,’ we all shout it out loud in unison. During this little moment, we often tease each other and joke around to help ease the tension before going on stage.
Some of your biggest hits, such as ‘What’s the Trouble on Your Mind’, ‘Sleeplessly’ and ‘Once in a lifetime’ are still highly popular today. Have you ever been surprised at which songs of yours become popular with people, and how does it feel seeing some of these songs have such a long life?
音樂創作與製作完，或許呈現出當下我們最真實的面貌。
謝謝一直支持的朋友們。這些歌曲或許在每個人人生拼圖裡，都有著不同角色。也謝謝每個你們賦予這些歌曲生命，讓其能持續影響著我們彼此。
After we finish writing and producing a song, it reflects who we truly are at that moment in time.
We’re so grateful to all the friends who have supported us along the way. These songs may play different roles in each person’s life puzzle. We also want to thank every one of you for giving these songs life and allowing them to continue influencing all of us, together.
How do the six of you manage to work together to craft your songs? What process do you have as a band to create a ‘sodagreen’ song?
大部分歌曲是由青峰或小威獨立完成詞曲創作，也有幾首歌是團員的創作，我們也有全團共同創作的歌曲，總之我們是不斷在嘗試各種創作的可能性，當一首歌進入編曲階段的時候，我們會全團一起進行，有時候創作者會先講一下這首歌的創作背景，例如靈感來源、創作時預設的風格、個人喜歡的旋律樂句，團員們會一起討論彼此在歌曲中要放入的想法，通常是阿龔負責和弦與音準的校正，小威負責節奏的發想編寫，我們從沒想過什麼是「蘇打綠式」，一起玩音樂超過20年，現在做音樂對我們來說變成一件很自然的事情。曾經有一個後輩鼓手跟我分享一個他的觀察心得：我們六個在一起做出的音樂就是蘇打綠。
Most of our songs are written and composed by either Qing Feng or Wei individually, although we also have songs created by other members and even tracks written together as a full band. We’re constantly exploring all creative possibilities.
Once a song enters the arrangement stage, we work on it as a group. Sometimes, the songwriter will first share the inspiration, the intended style, or their favourite musical phrases. Then, we all discuss how to contribute our ideas. Usually, Agong is responsible for refining the harmonies and tuning, while Wei focuses on developing rhythmic ideas.
We never deliberately define what ‘sodagreen-style’ is — after making music together for over 20 years, it’s become something natural to us. A younger drummer once shared an observation with me: ‘Whatever the six of you create together — that’s sodagreen.’
You have an incredibly distinct sound that really encapsulates your heritage whilst also sounding fresh and modern. How much do you keep tinkering and evolving that sound from album to album versus sticking with what your fans are comfortable with?
我認為我們的創作在歌詞的研究上是最大的特色，我們不喜歡太直白的表達，總是喜歡帶有一點詩意的婉轉，我們喜歡賦予創作多重意義，不只是音樂與旋律上的契合，我們更要求音樂與歌詞能做到更好的結合，既然是音樂跟著歌詞演化，那麼就不該被單一風格侷限，所以我們每次都會透過創作去挑戰音樂融合上的更多可能。我們是一個創作力爆炸的樂團，到現在還有一堆demo還沒發表，我們也還沒有足夠的時間把這些demo好好完成，就看這些demo會帶我們到哪裡去吧（笑）。
I think the biggest signature of our creations lies in our lyrics. We don’t like overly direct expressions: we prefer something poetic and subtle, always giving our songs multiple layers of meaning. It’s not just about melody and harmony; we strive for the perfect integration of music and lyrics. Since music evolves with the lyrics, it shouldn’t be confined to a single style.
Every time we write, we challenge ourselves to find new possibilities in musical fusion. We’re a prolific band: even now, we still have a huge stack of demos yet to be released. We just haven’t had enough time to finish them all… so we’ll see where those demos take us (laughs).
Your music always feels incredibly heartfelt and atmospheric. Where does this come from and what are your individual inspirations for your music?
我們的創作靈感來自於生活，不管是我們的親身經歷還是身邊的友人的經歷，都是我們創作的養分，每個音樂人對創作的定義與方法都不同，我們透過音樂與創作記錄生活，可能也剛好我們都是比較感性的人，對人生的反饋也主要是透過音樂與創作，有時候只是生了一場病，就被我們寫成歌了，這沒有什麼秘訣，就是不斷練習，熟能生巧。
Our inspiration comes from life itself. Whether it’s our own experiences or those of our friends, they all become nourishment for our creativity. Every musician has their own approach to songwriting; for us, music is a way of recording life.
We’re probably all more sensitive, emotional people. Our reflections on life are expressed through music and songwriting. Sometimes, something as simple as getting sick ends up becoming a song. There’s no secret: it’s all about practice and becoming skilled through repetition.
Each of your profound skills as musicians really shine through in your artistry. With the growing use of AI and people prioritising quick hits as opposed to musicianship, how does this impact your individual feelings or approaches to music?
我們一直維持著練團與討論音樂的節奏、在各自樂器上的精進與維持。當然科技的進步，提升錄音與編曲上的方便性。但是，我們還是很珍惜能夠窩在錄音室的時光，錄製真實的樂器，透過每個人的演奏，感受彼此的呼吸與律動，這不是科技與AI能夠取代。我想這樣的習慣，會一直是我們做音樂的方式。
We’ve always kept up a steady rhythm of rehearsals and musical discussions, along with constant improvement on our instruments. Of course, technology has made recording and arranging much more convenient. But we still cherish the moments when we’re all huddled in a studio, recording real instruments and feeling each other’s breathing and rhythm through live performance. That’s something technology and AI can never replace. And I think this will always be the way we make music.
Are there things artistically or musically that you haven’t tried yet which you hope to one day?
在音樂上想做的當然還有很多，我們都已經年紀不小了，也都有家庭要照顧，我們現在想的更多的是如何成為一個榜樣，這個世代到處鼓吹金錢至上與物質主義，很多人一輩子追逐短淺的名利，卻失去了對事物的深度認知與理解能力。有些音樂人說我們的作品是教科書等級的作品，因為這些作品不只是詞曲，還包含了我們從音質、音準、錄音工程，甚至到出版品的印刷與排版，所有細節我們都認真面對沒有鬆懈，這是我們身為華人音樂產業最前線的責任，我們希望留給我們的孩子們一份足以傳家的作品，希望對得起一直以來支持我們的歌迷朋友們，而這份名為「蘇打綠」的作品，還在隨著我們的音樂之路繼續長大。
There’s still so much we want to do musically. Now that we’re older and have families to care for, we think more about how to set a good example. This generation is constantly bombarded with materialism and the pursuit of fame and wealth, often losing depth and the ability to truly understand things.
Some musicians have said that our works are textbook-level, because they’re not just about lyrics and melodies: they also reflect our dedication to sound quality, pitch accuracy, recording engineering, even down to the printing and design of the physical albums. We take every detail seriously.
That’s our responsibility as part of the mandopop music industry’s front line. We hope to leave behind works that can be passed down for generations: something our children can be proud of. We want to do right by the audience who have supported us all along.
And this creation called ‘sodagreen’ continues to grow along with our musical journey.
You have a truly eclectic discography that spans hundreds of songs and over a dozen albums. What are each of your favourite sodagreen albums and why?
這些都是我們在這二十年來的心血，就像孩子一樣，每張專輯、每個孩子都是心上肉，無法割捨與比較。
或許在各個人生階段和不同場景下，都會選擇不同專輯播放。但若是要選擇的話，真的無法去作比較。
All of these are the result of twenty years of hard work. They’re like our children: each album, each ‘child,’ is part of us. We could never separate or compare them.
At different stages of life or in different moments, we might choose to play different albums. But if you ask us to choose one favourite album, it’s impossible to compare.
What you miss most when you’re touring? Do you each have specific trinkets from home that you bring with you?
我們非常重視每場演出的品質與內容，所以每次巡演大家都非常緊繃與認真地看待每場演出。此時，周遭的工作夥伴常常會用各種方式，讓我們更放鬆心情。常常在巡演結束後，最想念和印象深刻往往都是與身旁這些夥伴相關。也包括每個城市遇見的你們。
「二十年一刻」這場巡迴，我們應該最會想念的，就是真正完成一場沒有螢光棒、沒有人錄音錄影拍照，能夠看見所有人的表情與專心看著表演的時刻。
We care a lot about the quality and content of every performance, so every tour comes with a lot of pressure and seriousness. At those times, the people around us — our crew and team — often help us relax in different ways. After each city on the tour, the things we miss the most are usually tied to these partners and friends who were by our side: and, of course, everyone we met in each city.
For this 20th Anniversary Concert Tour, what we might miss the most is experiencing a show with no glowing sticks, no one recording or taking photos, just the chance to clearly see everyone’s faces and feel everyone fully immersed in the moment.
In 20 years, what is your most memorable moment as part of sodagreen?
第一次用蘇打綠在小巨蛋演出，看到許多熟悉的朋友都參與，當時我們忍不住唱了五個多小時；
第一次在倫敦錄音，看著牆上那些經典的唱片，我們也正用心與真實的感受這一刻；
第一次重新用蘇打綠重聚，睽違數年的舞台，台下的你們確實都還在；
第一次用魚丁糸在小巨蛋演出，我們用不一樣的態度，黑色幽默著自己；
第一次重拾名字回到舞台，復刻專輯的數量龐大，但也證明下一個階段，我們都應為自己與彼此好好的走下去。當時在舞台上宣布蘇打綠回歸的訊息，也會是非常難忘的一刻。
The first time we performed as sodagreen at the Taipei Arena, seeing so many familiar faces in the audience, we couldn’t help but sing for over five hours.
The first time recording in London, standing in that studio surrounded by classic records on the walls, feeling the weight of the moment.
The first time reuniting as sodagreen after years apart, and seeing all of you still there.
The first time performing at the Taipei Arena as oaeen, taking on a different attitude, playfully poking fun at ourselves.
And the first time returning to the stage under the name sodagreen, with so many albums to re-release: it showed that a new phase had arrived, and we all needed to continue moving forward for ourselves and for one another. Announcing sodagreen’s return on stage was also one of the most unforgettable moments.
What music or artists are you enjoying right now?
我們每個人最近聽的東西很多元，包含：
Lately, each of us has been listening to a wide variety of music, including:
Yoasobi, The Wild Robot Original Motion Picture soundtrack, Men I Trust, St. Vincent, Ellie Dixon, Fujii Kaze, Tom Odell, Raye, Jacob Collier, Miley Cyrus, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ariana Grande.
‘The Love Club’ by Lorde, ‘Messy’ by Lola Young, ‘Too Many Feelings’ by Ruel, ‘Out Of This Car’ by Emily Weisband, ‘Dodo’ by Dave Matthews, ‘Come On Come On’ by Dave Matthews Band, and of course our own new song, ‘Daydream Rope.’
What advice would you give to young artists that wish to follow in your footsteps?
認真練琴與練習樂器，認真生活，用心對待身旁每個人。
Practice your instruments diligently, live life sincerely, and treat everyone around you with care.
sodagreen will be performing in the UK on the 20th of April. For tickets and more details, click here.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
