[Exclusive Interview] Granada: Redefining K-Traditional Fusion with Modern Flair
byCiera Reeves-
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Photo Cr. Mintbridge
Granada is a groundbreaking female band that seamlessly blends traditional Korean music with contemporary sounds, creating a unique genre where the past and present harmoniously coexist. Rooted in pop vocalization, Granada enhances its music with the rich, expressive tones of pansori and the dynamic textures of traditional Korean instruments, crafting a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in heritage.
Granada made their debut in April 2022 with the single Arrosa, instantly captivating listeners with their fresh approach to traditional fusion. The band consists of five talented musicians, each bringing their expertise to the ensemble: Jenny - Vocals, Dayoung – Haegeum (a two-stringed fiddle), Hyogyeong - Haegeum, Jaehee – Daegeum (a large bamboo flute), and Yoojung – Gayageum (a traditional zither). Together, they weave intricate melodies, combining the haunting resonance of Korean folk instruments with modern beats and soulful vocals.
On March 17, 2024, Granada returned with their fifth single, 'City Hunter'—a vibrant new jack swing track infused with traditional Korean elements and Afrobeats. The song tells the story of a confident, self-assured woman, blending sultry vocals with rhythmic daegeum and haegeum accents. Notably, vocalist Jenny took charge of writing and composing the lyrics, while Jaehee contributed to the traditional Korean arrangement and production, showcasing the group’s creative autonomy.
In this interview get to know Granada and follow Granada’s journey as they bridge cultures, eras, and sounds!
What’s the meaning behind your band name "Granada"?
‘Granada’ is the name of a city in Spain, where tradition and modernity coexist. It reflects our identity as a band that blends Korean traditional music with modern styles. Granada embodies our goal of honoring the past while living in the present and creating music that bridges the past and present for the future.
How did you meet each other?
All members of Granada majored in Korean traditional music. Vocalist Jenny majored in Pansori, Yoojung in Gayageum, Dayoung and Hyogyeong in Haegeum, and Jaehee in Daegeum. Each member was pursuing her own musical path when we naturally met on stage, which led to the formation of the band. We came together with the shared goal of connecting with the public through a modern interpretation of Korean traditional music. Our desire to share the beauty of Korean traditional music with a wider audience united us to create Granada.
Can you tell us about your song 'City Hunter'?
This song was written and composed by vocalist Jenny and arranged by Jaehee on Daegeum. They poured their passion into every aspect of the song, including the album production, which is full of Granada’s love. Based on the New jack swing rhythm popular in the 80s and 90s, the song features an addictive melody infused with Afrobeats and Pansori rap. The lyrics express a woman’s lead in love and creatively incorporate phrases from Korean traditional pansori, such as “Lee Doryeong” and “Seobangnim,” reinterpreted in a rap style. The choreography blends street dance with Korean traditional and contemporary dance, creating a unique fusion style that reflects Granada’s identity—like a “master’s bibimbap,” where various genres blend harmoniously.
'City Hunter' Music Video
Which Korean instruments do you use in your music, and how do you blend them with pop?
We focus on Korean traditional instruments such as Gayageum, Haegeum, and Daegeum, and aim to harmonize them with pop music through modern rhythms and arrangements while preserving their traditional charm. Our goal is to create a new genre called “Guk-pop” by blending the unique textures and tones of each Korean traditional instrument with contemporary music.
What is the creative process like when making songs?
Our work centers on how to harmoniously incorporate elements of Korean traditional music with modern sounds. We take advantage of the unique range and techniques of Korean traditional instruments while composing songs that consider Pansori singing and performance. Each member actively participates in the arrangement, lyric writing, composition, and performance planning, ensuring that the ‘color of Granada’ is reflected throughout.
Which parts of Korean culture do you want to share through your music?
Building on Korean traditional music known as gugak, we aim to introduce the emotions and sensibilities of Korea to the world. We hope to convey the cultural depth and beauty of Korea through our music, making gugak more accessible to a wider audience.
What’s your most memorable performance and why?
Performances where we’ve connected directly with overseas fans have been especially memorable. One that stands out is our performance in Seattle, USA. Although Korean traditional music was unfamiliar to many, the audience was deeply engaged, especially during the instrumental sections. After the show, a Korean-American fan came backstage with tears in her eyes, saying our music made her feel like she was home again. That moment reminded us of the responsibility and meaning behind sharing Korean traditional music with the world.
Which Granada song best captures your style?
Our song “City Hunter” best represents Granada’s musical identity. It combines the emotional depth of traditional Korean music, dynamic choreography, and catchy pop rhythms—perfectly embodying what we call “Guk-pop.”
How do you want to change the world’s view of Korean music beyond K-pop?
While K-pop has received global recognition, we aim to broaden that spotlight to include Korean traditional music. By making Gugak more approachable and modern, we want to show the world that it’s not just historical or serious but something that can be enjoyed comfortably and universally in everyday life.
What are your future plans?
We’ve created a performance brand called “Guk-pop Show,” showcasing “Guk- pop” across various stages and concerts. Currently, we are actively promoting 'City Hunter' and plan to expand our reach by exploring “Guk-pop” on larger stages. We will continue presenting the “Guk-pop Show” and releasing new albums. Through festivals, collaborations, and cultural content, we aim to keep experimenting and pushing boundaries to make Korean traditional music a natural part of everyday life—both in Korea and abroad.
