Music is a universal language that brings people together across borders and cultures. Through powerful soundwaves and irresistible melodies, it has the power to captivate hearts and connect us all.
This year, we had the privilege of hosting the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) in Australia, giving local audiences a chance to discover fresh talent and experience different bold and unique Korean music through the event Korea Spotlight.
Kicking off the night with a bang, were the 4-piece psychedelic rock band from Seoul, Wah Wah Wah (와와와) consisting of Kim Soohyun, Choi Woonghee, Joonseop and Seo Wonseok. Their electrifying presence was raw, passionate and undeniably magnetic. With thunderous sounds and vibrant visuals lighting up the stage, they pulled the crowd into a whirlwind set that was impossible to look away from. Most notable moment of their set was their explosive performance of ‘Chihuahua’. Chaotic, bold and highly addictive.
Switching up the vibe were Busan locals Choi Sumi, Kim Byungkyu, Lim Sungwan and Kim Jaeyoung, collectively known as Say Sue Me (세이수미). Trading in the bold rock riffs for softer indie shoegazer sounds, the band created a dreamlike atmosphere that felt like a breath of fresh air. Their set carried a nostalgic melody which transported us back to the gentle seaside breeze and the ocean waves. With sounds that are soothing and calm, plus lyrics which explore themes of love, loss and nostalgia, listening to them felt like an emotional, sweet dream.
Eternal and alluring, Cho Yousun better known as CIFIKA (씨피카) brought her genre-blending soundscapes to life with hypnotic precision. She seamlessly fused ambient sounds with electronic beats, and with her dreamlike vocals, she was able to transport the audience into a world entirely her own, turning every moment into a sonic journey of exploration and awe. Heightening up her allure, her band assisted to enhance her already captivating stage presence.
Wrapping up the Korean segment of Korea Spotlight was Sion (시온). No stranger to electronica music, Sion rewired the energy from dreamlike to energetic. With introspective lyrics and themes rooted in identity and personal experiences, Sion effortlessly connected with the Melbourne audience. Quirky and charmingly shy, he treated the Melbourne crowd to three unreleased tracks while donning his appropriately themed and self-made “Good Eye Might” t-shirt which featured some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife.
Special guests, Australia’s very own Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, took the stage for one final, fiery set to conclude the night. Hailing from Canberra, Australia, high school friends Anna Ryan, Scarlett McKahey, Neve van Boxel and Jaida Stephenson brought down the house, playing their signature sounds which resonated with the shift in audience to their adoring fans.
Each act brought their own unique personality to the stage which perfectly matched their sound, a true a reminder of how effortlessly music transcends language and borders.
From moody lighting that amplified raw emotion to visual backdrops pulsing in sync with every beat per song, the evening radiated pure energy. It was truly a night of good company and good vibes. The experience, however, could’ve been elevated with better coordination for photographers. Especially for those near the front of the stage, it was a battle with so many vying for the perfect shot, and unfortunately as such, visibility of the artists became obstructed and a real challenge for the Melbourne crowd. And when you’re not blessed with height, trying to see past either the photographers or their many cameras wasn’t a vibe.
With sticker sheets and pamphlets giving every attendee a snapshot of KOCCA and each featured act, Korea spotlight made one thing clear. Music is universal and Korea’s soundscape goes far beyond just K-Pop. It was a bold and exciting showcase of the country’s rich and diverse creative talents.
Korea Spotlight delivered a night of unity through the rich diversity of sound, showcasing just how far music can go in bringing people together. Presented by KOCCA and Live Nation Australia, the event lit up 170 Russell in Melbourne with an unforgettable celebration of rhythm, culture and connection.
For more information, visit:
https://www.livenation.com.au/korea-spotlight-tickets-fdp1574539
https://www.kocca.kr/en/main.do
https://www.instagram.com/w.a.h.w.a.h.w.a.h
https://www.instagram.com/saysueme
https://www.instagram.com/cifika_
https://www.instagram.com/sionjung
https://www.instagram.com/teenjesusandthejeanteasers
Photography by Grant Alexander.
