KOREA SPOTLIGHT presented by KOCCA at SXSW Sydney 2023
When you think of Korean musicians what comes to mind? You’re probably imagining a pop band with upbeat dance choreography. Names like BLACKPINK and BTS. However, there is a new wave of Korean indie music making waves internationally and here to take Sydney by storm.
What better time to showcase these emerging artists than at SXSW Sydney which saw the transformation of many venues into bustling centres of live music. The Kyiv Social was purposefully constructed for this very occasion to present the Australia debut of Korea Spotlight, brought to our shores by the Korean Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), who support creative endeavours in a range of industries in Korea. On Friday 20 October, the stage was set, and the crowd was buzzing with excitement as the four unique acts took the stage, each offering their own distinct musical flavour.
The evening began with Seoul-based synth-based indie pop band ADOY, known for their knack for weaving a tapestry of city-pop, 80's romantic pop, indie rock, and dream pop. Their music is an emotional voyage through the sensations of summer, youth, and the little things that bring joy. Since their EP CATNIP burst onto the scene in 2017, ADOY has been turning heads in the Korean indie circuit. Their dynamic live performances and genre-blending tunes have captivated audiences from local pubs to the biggest rock festivals in Korea. With recent headline tours in Asia and the U.S., their sights are now set on Europe and Australia.
If you love to binge the Netflix catalogue of Korean series, you might be familiar with My Holo Love which features Jacqui’s hit singles White Cloud and Birthday. Her soundscapes blend nu jazz, neo-soul, RnB, and pop with themes of self-love, confidence, reflection and growth. Jacqui's latest release, Salty Feelings, a song about embracing one's emotions, has garnered acclaim on Triple J and landed a spot on LA's One's To Watch playlist. Jacqui's music resonates with authenticity and wisdom that belie her years, and if this performance was anything to go by, she continues to ascend as a formidable musical force.
Bringing a unique sound to the lineup was emerging artist Meaningful Stone who’s music blends garage rock with reinterpretations of 1990s alternative rock. Though relatively new to the Korean indie scene, it was clear she possesses a remarkable gift for songwriting. Her debut full-length album, A Call From My Dream, not only earned her the 'Rookie of the Year' award at the Korean Music Awards in 2021 but also climbed to #34 on the US 2020 RYM charts.
Wrapping up the night was hip hop duo Lil Cherry and GOLDBUDDA, a brother-sister act who raised the roof with their eclectic mix of southern rap and experimental trap. Their music is an amalgamation of the cities they grew up in – Miami, New York, and Seoul which can only mean a delicious mix of unique sounds that will have heads turning. Their music exudes an undeniable energy and charisma that makes them ones to watch out for in the evolving landscape of hip-hop and rap.
It was evident that the Korea Spotlight event was more than just a concert. It was a testament to the power of music to transcend borders, cultures, and languages. It showcased the incredible talent that South Korea has to offer and demonstrated that music truly knows no boundaries. Don't miss the opportunity to catch Korea's most exciting indie exports when they make their debut Australian performances. This was just a taste of the remarkable talent that's emerging from this dynamic music scene.
