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The Rise of Punjabi Music in Canada: A Cultural Renaissance

April 5, 2024

In the heart of Canada's diverse music scene, Punjabi music is making significant strides, marking a new chapter in the country's cultural tapestry. This shift is not just a testament to the...

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Portugal. The Man: Through Songwriting Triumphs and Trials

April 5, 2024

At the heart of Portugal. The Man is a songwriting process deeply influenced by their experiences, emotions, and the landscapes of their Alaskan upbringing. John Gourley, the band's frontman...

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Stephanie Poetri: Navigating the Stars and Soundscapes

April 3, 2024

Indonesian-born artist Stephanie Poetri is not just a musician; she's a sonic storyteller whose narratives unfold against the backdrop of a world obsessed with digital connectivity and astrological...

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Universal Music Group and HYBE Forge Strategic 10-Year Distribution and Collaboration Agreement

April 1, 2024

In a significant move that underscores the evolving dynamics of the global music industry, Universal Music Group (UMG) and HYBE, a prominent South Korean entertainment company, have announced...

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The National: A Journey Through Melancholy and the Art of Songwriting

March 31, 2024

Since its inception in 1999, the National has meticulously crafted a sound that resonates with the subtle complexities of human emotion, blurring the lines between melancholy and a peculiar sense....

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NIKI: A Profile on Self-Discovery and International Acclaim

March 29, 2024

Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as NIKI, has carved a unique space for herself in the contemporary music scene, transforming from a self-made YouTube artist into a history-making star...

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Jhené Aiko Embarks on the Magic Hour Tour: A Celebration of Resilience and Artistic Collaboration

March 27, 2024

In the dynamic world of contemporary R&B, few artists possess the ethereal quality and lyrical depth of Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo. Known for her soulful voice and introspective songwriting, Aiko...

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SZA's "Saturn": Chart-Topping Success and Insight into Her Songwriting Process

March 22, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of R&B music SZA stands as a beacon of innovation. Her latest single, "Saturn," marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Debuted during the 2024 Grammy...

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The Rap Challenge of Drill Beats: Why Cardi B Didn't Release Ice Spice 'Munch' Remix

March 20, 2024

Drill beats, with their gritty textures and relentless rhythms, represent one of these challenging frontiers. Cardi B's recent experience with recording a verse for a remix of Ice Spice's "Munch"...

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Ariana Grande's Lyrical Odyssey: Love and Loss in 'Eternal Sunshine'

Ariana Grande has once again captured the spotlight with her latest album, "Eternal Echoes." This time, Grande embarks on a deeply personal journey, weaving her narrative through the thematic...

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Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar Triumph: Crafting Oppenheimer's “Unplayable” Score

March 14, 2024

In the grand auditorium of dreams, Ludwig Göransson clutched the Oscar statuette for Best Score, a testament to his monumental contribution to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. This win adds another...

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The TikTok-UMG Standoff: A Battle Over Music Rights and Its Ripple Effects

March 10, 2024

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company, has withdrawn its catalog from TikTok, the leading platform for music promotion...

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Korean Indie/Pop Rock Bands You Need To Know: Day6, The Rose, & HYUKOH

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Hey!Hallyu

With K-pop bands like BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and SEVENTEEN, Korean music has been on the rise over the past ten years. But Korea’s music culture doesn’t stop there.

Genres like indie and pop rock have recently been thriving and gaining the spotlight it deserves. Here are three Korean indie/pop rock bands you might want to check out: Day6, The Rose, and HYUKOH.

Founded by JYP Entertainment, Day6 is a four-member group that debuted in 2015. With a focus on sentimental lyrics about love and relationships, their music is a fusion of pop, rock, and electronic elements. Strong vocal harmonies, catchy hooks and upbeat guitar riffs define their sound.

Day6 consists of members Wonpil, Young K, Sungjin, Dowoon and with past members Jae and Junhyeok. They are well-known for their songs “Congratulations,” “You Were Beautiful,” and “Shoot Me.” Their energetic live performances highlight their instrumental mastery and stage presence.

With their distinct rock sound separating them from other groups, Day6’s music is the kind of music you want to jam out to and for anyone looking for something different in K-pop culture.

The Rose

Another great band is The Rose, a four-member band under J&Star Company that debuted in 2017. Their intense and strong songwriting features a significant amount of ballads that highlights their vocal range and emotional depth.

Before making their official debut with J&Star, the band has long been a well-liked indie band. Members consist of Kim Woo-sung (vocals, guitar), Park Do-joon (keyboard), Lee Ha-joon (drums), and Lee Jae-hyeong (bass).

Their music combines rock and pop elements together with instrumentals that are complemented by guitar and upbeat choruses. Some of their well known songs include “Sorry,” “Baby,” and “Red.” They’re also known for their intimate live performances, many of which include simple sets that accentuate their singing abilities.

Hero Magazine

Lastly, HYUKOH is an indie band that formed in 2014 and gained popularity abroad after making an appearance on the Korean variety show “Infinite Challenge”. HYUKOH’S musical style is a unique mix of rock, folk, and indie pop.

Members of the group named The Beatles and The Whitest Boy Alive as key influences on their musical style. Hyukoh is truly a unique band that brings in a different mood in the Korean music industry with their raw and energetic live performances.

Notably, their songs “Wi Ing Wi Ing,” “LOVE YA!,” and “Comes and Goes” are a must-listen. The song's openings of soft guitar riffs slowly build up to a hypnotic chorus with layers of vocals and harmonies.

Check out HYUKOH’s track “Wi Ing Wi Ing”, below.