Whereas many consider Okay-pop as synonymous with idol teams, there is a wealthy tapestry of genres inside Korean music. One typically neglected however distinctive section is Okay-bands. Regardless of the dominance of catchy pop tunes, these bands supply a novel mix of authenticity and melody.
A number of Okay-bands from the 2nd and third technology, like FTISLAND, CNBLUE, TRAX, DAY6, N.Flying, and The Rose, have left an indelible mark on the business. Now, the 4th technology brings a contemporary set of Okay-bands with their very own distinctive charms.
SURL
A quartet that started as high-school buddies and made their indie debut in 2018. Later becoming a member of Blissful Robotic Information in 2019, SURL’s music is characterised by its soothing, lazy afternoon vibe. They just lately clinched the 2nd spot within the MNet band survival present, Nice Seoul Invasion. Advisable tracks embrace “Snow”, “Dry Flower”, and “Sizzling Air Balloon”.
Hoppipolla
Named after a famend Icelandic tune, this band gained recognition as winners of the JTBC band survival present, Superband. They debuted in 2019, delivering profoundly emotional music. Following their contract’s expiration in 2021, the members proceed to interact in solo tasks. Songs like “Sufficient”, “Let’s!”, and “Your Ocean” are must-listens.
ONEWE
Previously often known as M.A.S. 0094, they re-debuted underneath RBW Leisure in 2019. With an upbeat sound, their tracks might match seamlessly into any movie or drama. Tracks like “Rain to Be”, “Regulus”, and “Finish of Spring” stand out.
LUCY
Members of Superband, they debuted in 2020 underneath Mystic Story. Their uplifting, violin-centric music speaks of youth and on a regular basis life. Tracks like “Flowering”, “PLAY”, and “I Received U” are noteworthy.
Rolling Quartz
The one and solely all-female band in 4th technology. Shaped in 2019, initially a two separate bands named “Rolling Girlz” and “Rose Quartz”, however later they merged right into a single group named “Rolling Quartz”. The band consists of lead vocalist and keyboardist Jayoung, guitarists Iree and Hyunjung, bassist Arem, and drummer Yeongeun. Throughout their early pre-debut period, they often carried out primarily in golf equipment and festivals, particularly in Hongdae area of Seoul. Additionally they uploaded some reside cowl on their official YouTube channel. The band formally debuted on December 30, 2020 with the one “Blaze” underneath Rolling Star Leisure. Some suggestions of their songs embrace “Blaze“, “Delight“, and “Holler“.
YUDABINBAND
A five-member co-ed indie-pop band shaped in 2021. They debuted on March 9 with single “LETTER“. Consists of Yu Dabin (vocals, acoustic guitar), Lee Junghyun (electrical guitar), Cho Youngyun (bass), Lee Sangwoon (drums), and Yoo Myeongjong/YOU (keyboard). The band merely named after their primary singer, Yu Dabin. Their music primarily tells about hopes and desires with fairly chilling music. Some suggestions of their songs embrace “LETTER“, “Over the Dream“, and “Voyage“. In 2022, they participated on MNet band survival present Nice Seoul Invasion and completed in third place. They later moved to MPMG Music’s sub-label, Faction A Like in 2023.
TOUCHED
A five-member co-ed indie-rock band consisting of vocalist and guitarist Yunmin, drummer Kim Seungbin, bassist John B. Kim, electrical guitarist D.on, and keyboardist Chae Dohyeon. They debuted with a digital single “The Daybreak Star” on January 20, 2021. The band has so many achievements even earlier than debuting. Comparable to profitable a grand prize on the Yoo Jae Ha Music Contest, winner of the music competitors 2021 Rising Star and Indiestance 2021, and just lately additionally gained the MNet band survival present Nice Seoul Invasion in 2022. They later moved to MPMG Music’s sub-label, Faction A Like and launched the EP “Yellow Supernova Remnant” in 2023. Some suggestions of their songs embrace “The Daybreak Star“, “Hello Bully“, and “Night time View“.
Xdinary Heroes
One of many well-liked idol bands shaped underneath JYP Leisure in 2021. Made up of six members: Gunil (chief, drums), Jungsu (vocals, keyboard), Gaon (guitar, vocals), O.de (synthesizer, rap), Junhan (guitar), and Jooyeon (vocals, bass). Xdinary Heroes means “everybody might be the heroes“. In contrast with their senior DAY6 who often expresses deep feeling of their music, their music is notably upbeat and rock. They formally debuted with a digital single, “Blissful Loss of life Day” on December 6, 2021. In 2022, the band gained two awards in MAMA within the classes Finest New Male Artist and Finest Band Efficiency for “Blissful Loss of life Day”. Some suggestions of their songs embrace “Check Me“, “Freakin’ Dangerous“, and “Good Sufficient“.
9001 (Ninety O-One)
Final however not least 9001 is a four-piece rock band made up of Jo Gon (chief, vocals, guitar), Received Woo (keyboard), Ui Geon (drums), and Ju Received (bass). They initially often known as identify “Oyster“, and later they re-debuted in 2022 underneath Amuse Leisure with a single album “Plastic Love” launched on January 4. Additionally they joined a number of band survival reveals, comparable to JTBC Superband (as Oyster), MBC Asian Prime Band, and MNet Nice Seoul Invasion. Some suggestions of their songs together with “Zinnia“, “Model“, and “Upside Down“.
It is evident that whereas Okay-bands won’t have the highlight like their idol counterparts, their expertise and variety can’t be ignored. Dive into this technology’s gems, and uncover a brand new aspect of Okay-music. Do share your ideas on any bands you are conversant in!
