XHARKIE is a pioneering Taiwanese multidisciplinary artist, producer, Guitarist, Vocalist, and Visual Artist. Her work bridges music, visual arts (as her brand HOTCOCOAZOO), and literature, defined by a playful exploration of existentialism, nihilism, and surrealism. She is currently managed by the esteemed Japanese independent label, HOWLING BULL, Inc.

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XHARKIE was deeply influenced by her unique family background; her musical and philosophical artistic education began at the age of five. She first gained recognition as the leader and guitarist/vocalist of HOTPINK (2003–2014), Taiwan’s youngest-ever all-female punk band. This foundational work was chronicled in the documentary ‘Ocean Fever’ and various books. HOTPINK became a crucial, fiercely independent figure in Taiwan's modern music history, chronicled in various magazines, books, and news articles, and famously rejected all mainstream record label offers during the band's peak popularity.

 

XHARKIE has consistently pushed the boundaries of independent music and female artistic expression. This ethos is foundational to her career: she established herself as an uncompromising figure fiercely dismissive of industry norms and the commercial game most artists play. She is widely known for this commitment to non-compliance.

 

While touring internationally across Asia, XHARKIE’s artistic impact earned profound national recognition: she was recognized by the Taipei Music Center as a key figure in modern Taiwanese music history (1930–2019) and selected as one of 17 guitarists representing Taiwan at the 2017 Ho-Hai-Yan Festival.

 

XHARKIE’s sound fuses melodic punk, hardcore, ska, and punk rock with experimental touches of electronic and hip-hop mixture. Her music is characterized by powerful, yet childlike vocals, rapid rhythms, and emotional melodies. Her lyrics are composed in English, Japanese, and Mandarin. This history culminated in her debut solo album ‘FRAGILE’ (spanning 1997–2017), a meticulous project released in 2020 that embodies a philosophy of self-awareness, personal growth, and fully living in the present.

 

Under her HOTCOCOAZOO brand, XHARKIE translates her synesthesia diaries into award-winning visual art; her recent work ‘HARU’S HARUHARU’ was selected by a national Taiwan Emerging Art Awards in 2025. This unique integration of music and painting embodies her core artistic philosophies.

 

XHARKIE works with session musicians from Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong, utilizing a brand new team based in Tokyo, Japan. Her current management is Howling Bull, Japan’s leading indie label for loud music (metal and punk rock). The label's founder promoted major festivals including Air Jam, Beast Feast, and LOUD PARK. Furthermore, Howling Bull is the collaborative management partner for the internationally acclaimed Taiwanese metal band Chthonic in Japan, deepening the musical connection between Taiwan and Japan.

 

Since August 2022, XHARKIE has strategically stepped away from all public music activities. She operates strictly BEHIND THE SCENES, focusing on complex, multidisciplinary new projects. She actively engages in working with NPO community projects focusing on mental wellness and international cultural exchange, ready to redefine the boundaries of global alternative arts.

 

 

You better stay tuned ( Good Tunes ) 

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