Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra

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, which in 2020, also became a live ensemble consisting of Brisbane indie musicians, hip-hop artists, classically trained musicians, and multi-disciplinary artists.

Early life and education Matt Hsu was born to immigrant Taiwanese parents in Brisbane.

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.

Career Hsu is known as the co-founder, trumpet player and songwriter for the folk punk band The Mouldy Lovers.

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. The album features collaborations with noted Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal, Triple J Unearthed Sprung Hip Hop winner Blaq Carrie, and Japanese musician Kenta Hayashi,

As a "one-person orchestra" he has performed at TEDx and Australia's BIGSOUND Festival, and has been featured on SBS World News, and ABC's Art Works.

Awards Queensland Music Awards In 2020, Hsu became a Queensland Music Awards winner in the world music category

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.

(wins only)

"Make Everything" World Award of the Year Live ensemble Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra 'Forest Party' album cover. Photo by Rod Pilbeam

Formation In 2020, Matt established a live ensemble consisting of Brisbane indie musicians, hip-hop artists, classically trained musicians, and multi-disciplinary artists. Known as Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra, the ensemble is "underpinned by gender equity, inclusivity and visibility", and currently comprises 25 core members and frequent guest vocalists, which include culturally diverse, First Nations, disabled, transgender and non-binary artists.

Core members

Yvette Ofa Agapow - BADASSMUTHA - Sophie Bird - Tenzin Choegyal - Nima Doostkhah - Katherine Gough - Ai Hasegawa - Laura Hjortshoj-Haller - Matt Hsu - Andrew Humphreys - Georgie-Rose Jurss - Courts Lovell - PJ McEwan - Lucie Pegna - Katie Randall - Han Reardon-Smith - Saro Roro - Jodie Rottle - Skylar Sansome - Gabby Spina - Jonathan Sriranganathan - Kaya Tominaga - Caroline Townsend - Ebony Westwood - Fiona Wheeler -

Reserve members Mika Atkinson - Antonia Burwell-Rodriguez - Sarah Probets - Clair Wheatley -

Past members Aimee Harris - Alice Wheeler - Fin Nicol-Taylor - Flora Wong - Jen Horn - Kathryn Bermingham - Lisa Kelly - Maja Salamon - Steph McIntyre - Tristan Rogers -

Guests and collaborators

apadalia - Ashleigh Djokic - Blaq Carrie - Ethan Enoch - Kenta Hayashi - Aurora Liddle-Christie - Cait Lin 凱琳 - L-FRESH the Lion - Loopy! 鹿皮 - Mack Ridge - Naavikaran - Anisa Nandaula - Nardean - Rina - Sachém - SOLCHLD - Zy The Wway - 老莫 ILL MO - 春艷 -