Korean Job Discussion Forums

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

I'm interested in listening to Korean music, but I really cannot stomach pop music or most Korean hip hop that I've heard. Is there an indie rock scene in Korea? The more popular (non-Korean) groups I listen to are Appleseed Cast, American Football, Belle & Sebastian, Mates of State, Sunny Day Real Estate, Tori Amos, Bright Eyes, etc. Is there anything along those lines produced in Korea? Or perhaps acoustic rock vis a vis Ani Difranco? And is there any Korean hip hop that won't make me cringe?

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Qinella

mithridates · Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 8:12 am Post subject:

komtengi · Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Location: Slummin it up in Haebangchon

Korean Hip Hop.... my speciality.

Garion, the best hip hop outfit to come out of Korea. Their first album, Garion, uses at least 90% of Korean samples. They're currently working on their second album. JU the dj and primary producer has left the group after a falling out, and legal issues with the label and management. But MC Meta, by far the most active and best MC in Korea should keep them on track for their next album.

Keeproots, my personal favourite has almost wrapped up his first album, but you can get your hands on an ep he released. Hes also very handy with production. Some Pete Rockesque to his style.

Others worth checking out include Trespass, DJ Soulscape, Kaknakane, Gypsy Tambourine, P-type... and some others I cant think of at the moment. You could always try and get your hand on a copy of Stealth magazine and check out the feature on the Korean scene

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

komtengi · Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Location: Slummin it up in Haebangchon

unfortunately we dont have any distro in Korea at the moment... but you can check out the site www.stealthmag.com

gang ah jee · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: city of paper

You might like 3rd Line Butterfly and Nastyona.

sarahsarah · Joined: 05 Aug 2004 Location: Bundang

Maybe Julia Hart, Nell, or Jaurim. I also like Cherry Filter. However, these may be a little mainstream for your taste.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

No there is no good Korean music! At least no good modern music. Some of the older stuff isnt too hard on the ear but for the most part Koreans seem to be tone deaf. Their stereo systems have 2 settings off and full freaking blast. This does not endear oneself to Korean music.

Mashimaro · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Location: location, location

this always comes up... definitely worth a sticky

Butterfly · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Location: Kuwait

Depends what you're into. I'm into this.

http://www.lifeinkorea.org/m_page/read.php3?readnum=156&sec=H

dulouz · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Location: Uranus

I work on my rooftop garden on weekends or at least it looks like work. My soundtrack for that activity is Korean traditional-classic music. Jethro Tull and Drunken Tiger doesn't make the grade anymore.

uberscheisse · Joined: 02 Dec 2003 Location: japan is better than korea.

denverdeath · Joined: 21 May 2005 Location: Boo-sahn

Crying Nut's not half-bad. They're kind of a mainstream softcore punk band. Four of the five members just got out of jail(the military) a few months ago and hopefully will be cutting a new album sometime soon. They do an occasional ska tune as well.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Punk is okay, but I just can't dig it anymore. Let me phrase the question this way: is there Korean music which is musically creative and artistically rendered with thoughtful lyrics and vocals (or no vocals)? Perhaps the genre name "indie rock" is too vague, but that's the only thing I know to call what I'm describing. Typically, music that isn't trying to be cool or flashy - just genuine, sincere, artistic music.

Thanks for the help.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

srahsarah and gang ah jee, I'll check those out ~ thanks~~