[Exclusive Interview] sEODo Band: Telling Human Stories Through Modernized Tradition

Photo Cr. JPX GROOVE

sEODo Band consisting of sEODo (vocals), Kim Seonghyun (keyboard), Yeon Taehee (guitar), Kim Taeju (bass), Lee Hwan (drums), Park Jinbyeong (percussion), is known as the pioneer of “Joseon-pop” which blends traditional Korean music with genres like jazz, rock, and funk and more to create a unique, genre-defying sound. Known for their dynamic performances and innovative fusion of past and present, they have garnered attention both locally and internationally. The group is fronted by the talented singer and composer sEODo, who incorporates the essence of pansori (a traditional Korean narrative singing style) into their music, setting them apart from other contemporary Korean bands.

sEODo's bold, eye-catching fashion and infectious, high-energy stage presence bring an extra dimension of excitement to the band's performances. The unique style, often incorporating traditional Korean elements with modern, avant-garde designs, not only enhances the visual aspect of their shows but also complements the innovative fusion of genres in their music. Combined with its vibrant charisma and engaging energy, sEODo creates an atmosphere that captivates the audience, making each performance an unforgettable and immersive experience.

On October 1, 2024, sEODo Band released their latest EP album, “Breakthrough,” which showcases their continued exploration of sound and culture. Although very active with performances and broadcasts, it is the band’s first album since 2021 and was created with great care and consideration. Overall, the album’s theme is the relatable human emotion of anxiety and making a breakthrough to the light with music that makes enduring the darkness bearable.

The album combines deep, traditional rhythms with modern instruments and production techniques, highlighting the band's commitment to pushing musical boundaries. “Breakthrough” features a variety of tracks that range from upbeat, energetic compositions to more introspective and soulful songs, reflecting the group's versatility and freedom. The album includes 5 tracks 'A-heya' the title track 'NillRiRi,' 'FED UP,' and '새야, (saeya)' 'BUK!' Each track seems to weave stories rooted in Korean culture while addressing contemporary themes, making the album both timeless and timely.

NillRiRi Music Video

KpopWise spoke with sEODo Band to lean more about the new album.

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"Break Through" is a powerful title. What does the title symbolize for you as a band?

For three years, we struggled without releasing an album. It was a continuous stretch of uncertain days in both our personal lives and as a band. Everyone had a desire to resolve that anxiety.

This album serves as a breakthrough to alleviate our anxieties. Just like the many situations we've experienced; we expressed the various manifestations of anxiety that people face through our music.

3년 동안 저희는 앨범을 내지 못하고 방황했습니다. 각자의 삶에 있어서, 밴드의 삶에 있어서도 불안한 날들의 연속이었기 때문이죠. 모두가 그 불안을 해소하고 싶다는 욕망을 가진채 말이죠.

이번 앨범은 저희의 불안을 해소하기 위해 돌파구가되는 앨범입니다. 그간 겪었던 많은 상황들처럼 사람들에게 나타나는 다양한 불안의 모습을 음악으로 표현했습니다.

If you could summarize the entire "Break Through" EP in one word, what would it be and why?

Indeed, it's all about "anxiety." That period affects everyone and can be incredibly painful, but if we can move on to the next chapter through our own breakthroughs, we will emerge stronger. And as we face future anxieties, we will become less fearful of them.

역시나 ‘불안’ 입니다. 모두에게 부여되는 그 시기는 너무나 괴롭지만 각자의 돌파구를 통해 다음 장면으로 넘어간다면 우리는 더욱 단단해져있겠죠. 그리고 앞으로 다가올 불안도 우리는 점점 두려워 하지 않게 되겠죠.

How did the ideas for the songs come together?

The main emotion of the album, anxiety, came from all the members. Our vocalist, sEODo, wrote the songs, and we completed them during our jam sessions. Since we worked on all the tracks during our most anxious times, our emotions unified. We also wanted to finish the album quickly.

앨범의 주된 감정인 불안은 멤버 모두에게서 나왔습니다. 보컬 서도가 곡을 썼고, 합주를 하며 곡을 완성했습니다. 가장 불안했던 시기에 모든 곡을 작업했기에, 감정이 하나로 모아졌습니다. 그리고 앨범을 빨리 끝마치고 싶어했죠.

Is there a particular song on the EP that holds the most personal meaning for any of you?

sEODo: "Fed Up" was a song that came together very naturally. I created it while sitting alone in my room, feeling exhausted and powerless. Because of that, the lyrics are raw and different from anything I've written before. Additionally, the guide vocals I recorded at that time were used directly in the final track. Even now, I can still feel what I felt back then when I listen to it.

서도: Fed up 은 정말 자연스럽게 만들어진 곡이에요. 지쳐쓰러지듯 방안에 홀로 앉아 힘없이 만들었던 곡이었어요. 그래서 제가 지금까지 만들었던 가사들과는 다르게 정말 날것 그대로의 가사가 특징이에요. 또 그때 방안에서 가이드로 불렀던 노래가 그대로 음원에 사용되었습니다. 지금 들어도 그때의 제가 느껴져요.

What message or emotions were you hoping to convey to listeners through this album?

Just as we’ve shown how we alleviate anxiety through our music, we hope that you will also reflect on your own anxieties and find ways to resolve them in your own manner.

우리가 음악으로 불안을 해소하는 것을 보여드린것 처럼 여러분들의 불안도 각자의 방법으로 들여다보며 해소되길 바라는 마음으로 만들었습니다.

How does "Break Through" differ from your previous works?

While our previous works conveyed messages from a macro perspective, this album begins with the voices from within. As a result, there are more personal and honest expressions. I think it's truly wonderful to bring forth the emotions we felt at that time into our art.

전작들은 거시적인 관점에서 사람들에게 메세지를 전달했다면, 이번 앨범에서는 내안의 소리로 부터 이야기가 시작됩니다. 그래서 좀 더 개인적이고 솔직한 표현들이 많아요. 그때의 우리의 마음속에 있었던 감정들을 작품으로 꺼내어 놓는 일은 정말 멋진것같아요.

How do you balance between maintaining your unique sound while also experimenting with styles?

That's a really great question. We always ponder this aspect. However, it seems like there isn't a definitive answer. With six members, we have a variety of opinions. So, during our jam sessions, we try out everyone's ideas, and that often leads us to a solution. After all, we all share the same passion for creating wonderful music.

정말 좋은 질문이에요, 저희는 항상 이부분에 대해 고민한답니다. 하지만 정답은 없는것 같아요. 멤버가 6명이다 보니 각자 다른 의견들이 많습니다. 그래서 합주를 하면서 모든 의견들을 연주해봅니다. 그럼 거의 답이 나오더라구요. 모두가 멋진 음악을 만들겠다는 마음은 같으니까요.

What growth or changes have you noticed in your music or your band’s dynamic?

I feel a sense of courage. Instead of sticking to the same style, we've explored various ones, and many people have embraced it. This gives us the confidence to pursue what we truly want to try.

용기가 생기는 것 같아요. 계속해서 같은 스타일을 고집하는 것이 아니라 다양한 스타일을 도전해보았고, 많은 분들께서 좋아해주셨어요. 그만큼 저희가 해보고 싶은것들을 해봐도 좋다는 용기가 생겨요.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had as a band?

When I came to university, I created a song for our first jam called "The Sea." We entered a competition with it in 2018 and received an honorable mention. Then, in 2022, we won an audition program called "Sing Again" on JTBC with that same song. It was also Seodo's birthday at that time. I still really love that song.

대학교에 와서 처음 합주를 위해 만들었던 곡이 있었어요. ‘바다'라는 곡인데, 이곡으로 2018년 서도밴드로 처음 대회를 나갔어요. 그때는 장려상을 받았는데, 2022년 JTBC에서 방영된 ‘풍류대장'이라는 오디션 프로그램에선 이 곡으로 저희가 우승을 했습니다. 그때가 서도의 생일이기도 했어요. 아직도 그 곡은 참 좋아요.

What message would you like to give to your fans who love your music?

For us, music is like a direct message where we can share love with you. Through our music, we hope you feel that love and connect with us. Let's live together through this shared experience!

저희에게 음악은 여러분과 사랑을 나눌 수 있는 DM같은 거에요. 우리의 음악을 통해 사랑을 느끼고 소통하며 그렇게 함께 살아갑시다!

The band has been praised for their ability to connect the past with the present, offering a fresh take on Korean music for global audiences. With “Breakthrough,” sEODo Band cements their reputation as pioneers of cultural fusion in the Korean music scene. Their unique style, paired with their creative risk-taking, has earned them a dedicated following, and this album is another milestone in their musical career. As sEODo Band continues to evolve, they are likely to further inspire appreciation for Korea’s musical traditions while shaping the future of modern music.

Listen to "Breakthrough"