The Wall Live House

The Wall Live House is the venue to visit if you want to hear what is happening at the grassroots of Taiwan's music scene. Since 2003 this basement club in the Gongguan area has given a stage to emerging Taiwanese musicians. It is less polished than the city's larger concert halls, and that is exactly its appeal.

The room holds about 600 people, big enough for a proper crowd and sound system but small enough that you are never far from the band. The programming is wide-ranging and leans towards the alternative: rock, punk, metal, shoegaze, hip-hop, electronic and experimental music all feature. If you are curious about Taiwanese indie music, pick a night with several acts on the bill and arrive in time for the first band, as that is often where you discover new names.

The club suits music fans and travellers who enjoy a gritty, energetic atmosphere. It is not the place for a quiet drink, and families with young children should look elsewhere. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you do not mind getting warm in, since basement gigs can be hot, and bring earplugs if you are sensitive to volume. Some events sell tickets in advance and others at the door, so check the details for the show you want.

Gig listings are posted on the venue's Instagram account, which is the best place to check what is on, start times and ticketing. Weekend shows are the busiest. Allow two to three hours for a full bill. Keep an eye on the time if you are relying on public transport, as late finishes can make a taxi the easiest way home.

The Wall is in the basement of No. 200, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, in the Wenshan District, in the Gongguan neighbourhood. For a fuller picture of Taipei's music venues, combine a night here with a bigger show at Legacy Taipei in Huashan 1914 Creative Park, or with Riverside Live House at The Red House in Ximending, which focuses on pop, indie and jazz. Together they show the range of the city's live scene, from student-crowd basements to mid-sized concert halls.