Bands to Check Out at Zandari Festa 2016
The Zandari Festa 2016 is going to start in less than two weeks at the heart of youth culture and Korean indie music scene, Hongdae, Seoul. The international music festival started in 2012 and it’s getting better every year with amazing line-up of Korean and global bands. Every autumn, Zandari Festa brings together acts and music industry professionals from around the world for concerts and conferences at a number of unique venues around Hongdae. With one wrist band, you can watch as many acts as possible in all Zandari Festa venues where music fans, journalists, and global industry professionals will have a great time enjoying music.
This year, Zandari Festa will be featuring 163 acts from 18 different countries along with two special showcases, the “Sound City Takeover at Zandari Festa” British Night and the “Esprit Français” French Night. Festival goers will be exposed to various musical talents. Zandari Festa also helped build bridges that have allowed for Korean and overseas artists and Korean and overseas music companies and festivals to better communicate, work together, and learn from each other.
I will be hanging out at the Zandari Festa 2016 as part of my autumn trip. I have filled up my list of acts to check out after Zandari Festa has announced their full line-up. There are so many acts to check out at so many venues. Although some of my favourite bands are performing at different venues at the same time, I will still find the time to watch as many acts as possible. I will be going from one venue to another to discover great music for four days in a row. This is a great opportunity and a wonderful experience for me.
Here are a couple bands that I recommend you to check out during Zandari Festa 2016.
57
(Source: CASPER MUSIC TV)
Hail from Jeonju, guitarist Junhong Yoon and drummer Seol Kim are the amazing duo 57 (Oh Chill, which is pronounced in Korean) who brings in raw energetic and emotional songs and performances. Their music begins to mature, from wild ‘U & I‘ to their recent single, which is more sentimental, ‘Pray for the Dead‘. Their songs have so much depth of emotions in both lyrics and tunes. This will be their 3rd time performing at the Zandari Festa 2016 as it gave them the opportunity to perform since 2014.
Please introduce your band.
Junhong Yoon: Hi, SumGyeoJin Gem! We’re 57, a two-piece rock band that features me on guitar and Seol Kim on drums. It’s nice to meet you guys.
Why are you thrilled to be playing at Zandari Festa 2016?
Junhong Yoon: We’re always excited to play at Zandari Festa. Preparing for our past showcases has really helped us to grow up as a band. And every year there’s lots of fun to be had at the festival too.
What can fest-goers expect from your showcase at Zandari Festa 2016?
Seol Kim: We’re going to play with lots of energy and emotion. It’s going to be hot and fiery like lava.
Why is Zandari Festa good for Korea’s indie scene?
Junhong Yoon: Zandari gives lots of indie bands the chance to play a really cool festival. And it’s a great place to hang out, meet lots of new people, and make some new fans.
Which bands would you recommend that people check out at Zandari Festa 2016?
Seol Kim: Have you heard of 57? I think they are so good. You should definitely check them out!
The Monotones
(Source: refnara)
‘Into the Night’ is the first song that I heard from The Monotones. I got hook onto this song because of the combination of different layers, calm and powerful, knitted together into harmonious and nostalgic tunes. The meaningful lyrics can be sing along easily. They recently launched their single ‘The End of Summer‘. Beautiful and memorable that conveys the unforgettable summer. The Monotones will be performing at the Zandari Festa for the first time. It’s definitely going to be wonderful night to remember when you check these guys out. Here’s what vocalist and guitarist Hun Joe has to say about the Zandari Festa 2016.
Please introduce your band.
Hi, we’re The Monotones from South Korea. Not to brag, but our 2015 debut album won the Korean Music Award for “Best Rock Album of the Year.” So in that sense, we’re the band that rocked the most in 2015 and we’re still rocking this year too.
Why are you thrilled to be playing at Zandari Festa 2016?
This will be our first appearance at Zandari Festival, so that’s exciting. Also, the fact that it’s taking place in Hongdae, the heart of the Korean indie music scene, is thrilling.
What can people expect from your showcase at Zandari Festa 2016?
You should expect some sweet, kickass rock ‘n’ roll music with some tasty psychedelic-ness on the side. We’re going to have a new single out soon and will most likely play the song at our showcase.
Why is Zandari Festa good for Korea’s indie scene?
It’s not like we can tour 50 different cities here in Korea. The market is small and the love for rock ‘n’ roll isn’t so much like it was in the ‘60s. In that sense, it’s great to see a festival that keeps growing and evolving without the aid of large corporations, but with the hands of those who truly cherish this indie scene and the music within it.
Which bands would you recommend that people check out at Zandari Festa 2016?
That choice is up to them. There’s a wide variety of bands playing at the festival so it should be easy to find lots of things you’ll like. So beer up and enjoy yourself like there’s no tomorrow.
Kingston Rudieska
(Source: 빅토르 [ Victor.L ])
Enjoy a mix of reggae and Korean style rhythms and melodies by watching Kingston Rudieska‘s live performance at the Zandari Festa. For 12 years, they have been continuing presenting the essence of ska with their own unique style. They continue to share the love for ska in many years to come. Listening to their double CD release ‘Everyday People’ is a wonderful treat. It has a diverse range of songs with warmth and soul. The moment you listen to their songs, you will start to dance the night away while having a drink in your hand.
Please introduce your band.
Sukyuel: Kingston Rudieska is a 12-year-old ska band that respects Jamaican music. We play our own Korean style of melodies and rhythms while keeping the roots of ska. And we put on powerful live shows that always keep audiences dancing.
Why are you thrilled to be playing at Zandari Festa 2016?
Chulwook: Zandari Festa is held in Hongdae, which is considered the indie music mecca in Korea, for four days with so many bands. Just thinking about it makes me very excited. Since it’s a showcase festival, it’ll be a great opportunity for the participating acts to promote their music to not only local music fans but also people in the international music industry. And there will be so many amazing bands, so it’ll also be a great opportunity for music fans to see the groups they like along with lots of cool performers they’ve never seen before. I’ll wander around the venues, see many gigs, and just enjoy the festival myself too. Zandari Festa is like a national holiday in Hongdae where many musicians and people in the music industry not only get together to hang out and have fun, but also build their networks and further their music careers.
What can fest-goers expect from your showcase at Zandari Festa 2016?
Jaeha: They can expect to enjoy wonderful ska music containing all sorts of emotions like joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.
Why is Zandari Festa good for Korea’s indie scene?
Hyoungsick: There are various genres of music at Zandari, so it’s a good opportunity for people to experience different kinds of music. People have the opportunity to discover lots of new music, which is great and can help our indie scene grow.
Which bands would you recommend that people check out at Zandari Festa 2016?
Chaeseon: We recommend Bluestream. We saw them play a few years ago in a small club called Badabie and instantly became their fans.
A’Z Bus
(Source: RaniK1101)
A’Z Bus made their debut through taking part in major rookie awards and competition programs like Pentaport Super Rookies, Hello Rookie of the Year and Top Band. They play wild but delicate tunes along with husky vocals. Get ready to be amazed and get your heart shaken by A’Z Bus. Vocalist and guitarist Wooju says that they are looking forward to performing and enjoying great music at the Zandari Festa.
Please introduce your band.
We’re a Korean rock band named A’Z Bus. We’ve got rough vocals, strong appeal and a great sound.
Why are you thrilled to be playing at Zandari Festa 2016?
We’re very excited about the festival. Zandari has lots of people, lots of great music from all over the world, and lots of beer!
What can fest-goers expect from your showcase at Zandari Festa 2016?
They can expect us to play with lots of energy and passion.
Why is Zandari Festa good for Korea’s indie scene?
There are delegates from music companies and festivals from around the world. So Zandari is a good opportunity for bands to get more exposure and to communicate with music industry people and music fans.
Which bands would you recommend that people check out at Zandari Festa 2016?
A’Z Bus! Oh and The Barberettes too. They have a cool ‘60s retro style.
Skasucks
(Source: owho1004)
I was amazingly shocked when I watched Skasucks live performance at last year’s Hae Bang Chon Festival. Known for their ska punk music, it is loud. It is wild and it is crazy. In every performance, they will bring something up from their sleeves which are unexpectedly good. They know how to make the crowd go mad. Their latest album Out of Control truly represents Skasucks and ska punk music as a whole. A mix of upbeat and mellow anthem-like songs that say it all through the album. You will be in an insane moshpit jumping and dancing around, grabbing hold to the vocalist’s mic to sing and screaming your heart out. Vocalist Jinsuk Ryu says to have fun and go crazy.
Please introduce your band.
We’re Skasucks. We play ska punk music. We are the host band of the New Generation of Ska Festival in South Korea and I run a DIY punk club called Club Sharp in Seoul. We love DIY!
Why are you thrilled to be playing at Zandari Festa 2016?
It’s the only time of the year that so many bands in Korea bomb the Hongdae area. This makes me very excited. I hate to see all the live venues and bands in the area being squeezed out while dance clubs are booming. Zandari is a beautiful time for the Korean indie scene.
What can fest-goers expect from your showcase at Zandari Festa 2016?
It’ll be crazy. As for what to expect? Just come and enjoy yourself. I’m sure you’ll be happy you did.
Why is Zandari Festa good for Korea’s indie scene?
Like I said before, it’s the only season when the Hongdae area is exploded by live music. There are not many people in Korea who organize such a meaningful music conference to make our music scene better. We make an indie ska festival in Korea so we truly understand how hard and lonely it is. We fully respect Zandari’s efforts. And we respect all the bands taking part in the festival and the people who are ready to enjoy it.
Which bands would you recommend that people check out at Zandari Festa 2016?
All the bands playing at Zandari are very talented. Which ones you like best will depend on your own tastes and feelings.
DTSQ
(Source: 솔 솔)
DTSQ‘s music is a mix of punk rock, alternative, psychedelic, techno and house. Their sounds have the rough edge along with raw vocals. Their debut album Dig Out from a Box in a Basement puts them to a great start in transcending within the Korean indie scene with their dynamic sounds. Verse after verse, the overall atmosphere of songs and performances become more insane. During the songs’ climaxes, vocalist and guitarist Suhyun Kim moves around on and off the stage instead of just standing still. They recently won first place at the House of Vans. Suhyun Kim points out that DTSQ wants to share the energy with the audiences.
Please introduce your band.
We’re DTSQ! We formed in 2013 in Seoul. We’ve played at least 120 gigs now and have appeared at festivals such as Zandari Festa, France’s Nuits Sonores, England’s Liverpool Sound City, and Spain’s Primavera Sound. DTSQ is about the rough and raw flavour of punk rock, combined with influences from various music genres such as alternative, psychedelic, techno and house.
Why are you thrilled to be playing at Zandari Festa 2016?
I think Zandari Festa is a great opportunity for every independent band. So many international bands, delegates, and people in the music business are coming to town. It’s a big opportunity to let them see your show.
What can fest-goers expect from your showcase at Zandari Festa 2016?
When we’re on the stage, we avoid staying still at all costs! We want to be energetic and we want to share our energy with the audience. Giving off the right vibe and making sure people go a little mad is our top priority.
Why is Zandari Festa good for Korea’s indie scene?
I think Zandari Festa is the sole indie music showcase in Korea. As I said above, so many international bands, delegates, and people in the music business are coming. So it’s a great way to network and share your music with people. But you’ve got to promote yourself well. That’s how independent bands work. Who knows what the future will bring?
Which bands would you recommend that people check out at Zandari Festa 2016?
Dead Buttons, National Pigeon Unity, Grey Watson with The Vision, Reverse N Rebirth
Ironic Hue
(Source: ONSTAGE 온스테이지)
Back in 2014, Ironic Hue re-introduce themselves through 2nd full-length album For Melting Steel after taking a long break from the music scene. Their songs and live performances, which I checked it out on YouTube, focus solely on instrumental rock in different styles, from folk to post-rock. The sounds are calm and refreshing. Since 2013, they have been performing at the Zandari Festa every year. They are back for this year’s Zandari Festa to bring amazing music on stage. Vocalist and guitarist Jihoon Kim believes that Zandari Festa helps in making Korean indie scene locally and globally.
Please introduce your band.
We’re a four-piece rock band that plays a myriad of musical styles including alternative, psychedelic, and post-rock. In the past, we’ve played at festivals in China and Canada. In 2014, we released our 2nd full-length album, For Melting Steel, and it was nominated for “Best Modern Rock Album” at the Korean Music Awards.
Why are you thrilled to be playing at Zandari Festa 2016?
I’m excited because Zandari Festa is one of the top events in Korea’s indie scene.
What can fest-goers expect from your showcase at Zandari Festa 2016?
They can expect to hear our wonderful music.
Why is Zandari Festa good for Korea’s indie scene?
We played at a showcase festival called NXNE in Toronto in 2008. We were very impressed by the festival and I thought to myself that it would be great to have a fun festival like this in Korea. Zandari has filled that role. I think it is helping Korea’s indie scene become more well-known.
Which bands would you recommend that people check out at Zandari Festa 2016?
Howaho, Julia Dream, Telefly
Laybricks
(Source: bar edenhall)
I found out about Laybricks through a few of my UK friends. They watched Laybrick’s live gigs many times while they were on their 1st UK tour for one and a half months. I could see why they are loved by the UK and oversea fans. As you listen to Laybricks’ Take a Rest EP including my favourite songs Let’s Dance and Make You Silly, it’s an addictive energy that keep you constantly on the move that you won’t feel tired at all. Also, the overall album conveys hope to listeners and letting them know not to feel down and don’t give up. Laybricks will definitely brighten up the stage at Zandari Festa and you should not miss them out this year. Drummer Hyejin Yu is excited to perform at this year’s Zandari Festa for the second time.
Please introduce your band.
We’re an alternative rock duo. In May, we did a UK tour and also played at Liverpool Sound City. And in August we played at the V-Rox festival in Russia. In November, we’ll be doing more dates in Europe. We’re really interested in overseas tours and festivals.
Why are you thrilled to be playing at Zandari Festa 2016?
Last year, we worked really hard to promote our Zandari showcase and as a result there were lots of people there. I really enjoyed it. And because last year was so good, we’re excited for this year’s festival.
What can fest-goers expect from your showcase at Zandari Festa 2016?
They can expect to have a lot of fun! We’re playing an intimate venue so we’ll all be close together, which should make things even more exciting.
Why is Zandari Festa good for Korea’s indie scene?
The festival provides indie artists with lots of good opportunities.
Which bands would you recommend that people check out at Zandari Festa 2016?
Laybricks! We play on October 2 at 5 pm at Club Steel Face. Come check us out!
(Source: Zandari Festa)
If you happen to be in Seoul during that time, come over to Hongdae, grab a drink or two, hang out with old and new friends and enjoy amazing music. It will be a great experience and opportunity to listen to wide variety of music. Who knows? You might add some new songs to your favourite music playlist right after you watch the live acts.
The Zandari Festa 2016 will be held from 30 September to 3 October. Ticket prices are Special Ticket (100,000 won), 1 Day Tickets (30,000 won), 2 Day Tickets (50,000 won). Purchase tickets at Interpark (Mobile | PC), Melon Ticket (Mobile | PC) and Naver (Mobile | PC)
Keep yourself updated and find more information from Zandari Festa Facebook page and official website. Full schedule of both Korean and international acts can be found here.
Tags : 57,A'Z Bus,Alternative,DTSQ,Ironic Hue,Kingston Rudieska,Laybricks,music,Post-Rock,Psychedelic,Punk Rock,Reggae,Rock,Ska,Ska Punk,Skasucks,Techno,The Monotones,Zandari Festa 2016
Comments are closed.
