Matt Hsu is a Taiwanese-Australian musician and composer. In 2016 he began creating music as a multi-instrumentalist under the moniker Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra[1], which in 2020, also became a live ensemble consisting of Brisbane indie musicians, hip-hop artists, classically-trained musicians, and multi-disciplinary artists.
Matt Hsu was born to immigrant Taiwanese parents in Brisbane.[2]
As a child he listened to metal and punk music, in an effort to distance himself from Asian stereotypes, but later embraced his Taiwanese heritage, using music to express overcoming internalised racism.[2] When he was 15, he played in a metal band, rapping covers of Rage Against the Machine.[3]
In 2016, Hsu began composing as "Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra", initially as a solo project.[5]
His 2019 debut album The Shirt Album is notable for having been released "in the form of an organic fair-trade T-shirt in place of a CD" with the aim of reducing potential plastic waste.[6] The album features collaborations with noted Tibetan musicianTenzin Choegyal, Triple J Unearthed Sprung Hip Hop winner Blaq Carrie,[7] and Japanese musician Kenta Hayashi,[8]
In 2020, Hsu became a Queensland Music Awards winner in the world music category[10]
The Queensland Music Awards (previously known as Q Song Awards) are annual awards celebrating Queensland, Australia's brightest emerging artists and established legends. They commenced in 2006.
Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra 'Forest Party' album cover. Photo by Rod PilbeamMatt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra photographed by Ange Costes in 2024
Formation
In 2020, Matt established a live ensemble consisting of Brisbane indie musicians, hip-hop artists, classically trained musicians, and multi-disciplinary artists.[12] Known as Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra, the ensemble is "underpinned by gender equity, inclusivity and visibility",[13] and currently[when?] comprises 25 core members and frequent guest vocalists, which include culturally diverse, First Nations, disabled, transgender and non-binary artists.
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