New Music Picks: February 2021

After two months off – the New Music corner is back! This is a corner where lesser known artists (to me anyway) are spotlighted through their releases from the past month. So many fantastic musicians release music every single month, and I don’t always get an opportunity to write about them in my weekly round-ups, so this is the place where I can hand them their well deserved flowers.

In the quieter months, a lot of undiscovered indie artists tend to come to my attention – unfortunately I had the gruelling task of narrowing down the list to some of the most poignant releases here. Although some of those shortlisted songs couldn’t make it onto this list, there were some impeccable competitors, so don’t forget to check out some of the other singles from the month (linked in each of my weekly update posts).

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J.UNA (제이유나) – Foolish

My joint top pick for the month – J.UNA is an indie artist who debuted in April 2020 with EP ‘Inspiration’. His follow up album ‘Discovery’ is led by funk-filled guitar-driven track ‘Foolish’, sung entirely in English. Although a lot of artists are building funk and groove into their sounds, ‘Foolish’ brings grit and attitude with it, making it an addictive sound. The album, too, is a DELIGHT – strongly recommend.

EunChong Wi (위은총) – 네가 없는 밤 (night)

My joint top pick for the month – The moment I heard ‘night’, with its stunningly crafted guitar riffs, bluesy soundscape and soothing vocals, I immediately took off on a search to find out more about EunChong Wi. Since debuting in 2018, he has had a decent number of releases, and I found myself getting lost in his impeccable discography. ‘night’ is so dreamlike that I’m sure you will be hypnotised too.

SE SO NEON (세소년) – Jayu (자유)

Actually this indie band are not new to me, but I have never written about them on this blog (shockingly), so I’m grabbing the opportunity. The group have been around since 2017, but have been receiving rising attention lately – bringing their satisfying nostalgic rock sound to wider markets. The mid-tempo alternative stylings of ‘Jayu’ paint a reflective picture which you will certainly get lost in!

CheongMyeong (청명) – 헤어지지 말자 (Never Say Goodbye)

This is the debut single for 220 Entertainment’s rookie ballad singer, CheongMyeong. He was one of the YNB trainees lined up to be in the idol group KNK (explains why Seoham is in the MV), but after moving (with KNK) to 220 Entertainment, he debuted as a soloist instead. This is all to our benefit as we get to hear his clear, emotional vocals ring through on this moving song. I need more of his voice in my life.

MOVNING (모브닝) – Magellan

MOVNING are a band who debuted in 2016, and although I have seen their name on my YouTube explorations, I have never checked them out – that is, until ‘Magellan’. This mid-tempo track builds huge dramatic atmosphere as the song progresses through its instrumentation, weaving poignant moments in for vocalist Harim’s incredible tone to shine through. If this song is anything to go by, I have an exciting new group to get stuck into.

Hong Ju Hyun (홍주현) – Temperature (온도(溫度))

As far as I can tell, Hong Ju Hyun is also another debuting ballad artist, bringing us this gripping and heartbreaking debut single ‘Temperature’. The rich instrumentation, along with Hong Ju Hyun’s stunningly clear vocal texture add the most beautiful melodies to this sorrowful song. The music, and Ju Hyun’s voice, grow and swell as the song progresses, creating a full, poignant sound. Truly beautiful.

(If you can understand Korean, I challenge you not to cry at the end of the MV – AHHHH)

E:Rn (이른) – Pretend To Know (아는 척)

I cannot find a single crumb of information related to this soulful singer, except for the fact that ‘Pretend To Know’ is his debut release. E:Rn’s smooth R&B tone matches the low-tempo, lo-fi style track, adding appealing vocal flourishes and layers to the slow and steady instrumental of this relaxing serenade. This is totally my style of vocal, so I look forward to seeing E:Rn more on the horizon!

sogak sogak (소각소각) – 사랑을 알려준 너에게 (To you, dear)

sogak sogak is a vocalist that has been on the music scene for quite some time, debuting in 2015, but has flown under my radar all this time. ‘To you, dear’ caught my attention, as sogak sogak brings her clear, charming tone to this wonderful ballad song. The instrumental, whilst completely understated with its guitar plucking, highlights the beauty in her comforting tone – I am ready to delve into the discography!

Lee Mingyu (이민규) – Mystery Suspense

This song gripped me from the first instance – something about Lee Mingyu’s indie vocal tone holds this dated feel to it that I find extremely appealing. Coupled with the funky instrumental, with groovy guitar and bass riffs, brass injections and tinkering synths, this song ends up being an unexpectedly vibrant single with a commitment to delivering a total retro sound (plus it has a really catchy chorus).

Ants & It’s – window

It actually took me a really long time to figure out that this wasn’t a group called ‘Ants, It’s’ and are actually two individual artists – it would appear that Ants (the male vocalist) has been on the music scene since 2016, but this may be a debut single for It’s. This delightfully gentle single implements subtle funky bass riffs and synths, lifting the song from our beloved coffee shop music into this soothing low-tempo song with a gentle jazz groove.

MUSUNG (무성) – SEOUL

What is it about this song that gets me? I can’t quite explain. It is a typical ballad song with a full backdrop, but something about the honesty, passion and dedication with which MUSUNG sings about Seoul really moves me. As he belts out those power notes through the chorus and bridge, you can hear him providing raw, unfiltered emotion and it’s those moments that make me feel really connected with the song at each listen.

A.M (Limitless) – I still love you (미련없어)

Hopefully nobody has forgotten the idol group Limitless (? low key thought they disbanded but…) – leader and main rapper A.M has released stripped-back R&B single ‘I still love you’ as his solo debut. This gives A.M an opportunity to show people his varied skills as both a vocalist and a rapper, whilst reminding us of the Limitless name. This song isn’t the most creative in composition or arrangement – but it’s just really nice to listen to.

A.S.H. – California

Something about the lo-fi mood of ‘California’ – a song which is sung entirely in English – has somehow hypnotised me. The chilled R&B sound is the perfect backdrop for A.S.H.’s higher, aspirated vocal tone, crafting sultry melodies that move effortlessly from phrase to phrase, as if we’re swimming through the song. This track just has lots of really pleasant elements to it – it just feels good (as A.S.H. says in the song).