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Galaxy Express Prove They Are Not "Walking On Empty"
Fans of the Korean rock scene will know of Galaxy Express for their high octane, runaway bullet train escapades. A scintillating tour de force trio, Park Jonghyun, Lee Juhyun and Kim Heekwon wildly whiplash audiences with a centrifugal forging of raw, sweaty, psychedelic rock’n’roll. Their new album “Walking on Empty” was released on 6 August and pays homage to their past as well as paving a new future of strength with their growth into new adventures.
The band had toured the UK back in 2013 – just as the hype for the Korean indie scene began to make a stir, and with a mix of explosive performances accompanied by their garage rock, punk, and psychedelic sounds, the trio have wowed audiences all over the world by holding gigs in Canada, the US, Taiwan, France, China, Japan and Russia. MTV Iggy wrote about the band, describing how, “With their amped energy and stage exhibitionism, they’re the best live act to come out of Korea since… well, maybe ever.” The group’s unique sound, which is pretty far from mainstream, means they stand out from the crowd, and for all the right reasons.
On 1 April 2010, the members announced that they planned to write, record and release an album within just 30 days: this was rightly titled “Wild Days”. True to their word, a month later the album was released and went on to win the band “Musician of the Year” at the 2011 Korean Music Awards. The trio went on to perform at a multitude of stages at some big events, such as South by Southwest (SXSW), Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival and they were even the opening act for Linkin Park when they toured South Korea.
Skipping forward to 2014, their new album “Walking On Empty” was recorded over a year, with the music being recorded in May 2014 and the vocals recorded in April 2015. Recorded and mixed by Adrian Hall, known for his work with Black Eyed Peas, Depeche Mode and Ray Davies, it was mastered at the famed Abbey Road Studios by Miles Showell, who has worked with legends such as Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend and Underworld.
Of the new album, guitarist and vocalist Park Jonghyun says, “We took a lot more time making this album than we have with our past albums. I think having no set deadline to meet gave us more time to think about what exactly we wanted to do and allowed us to create an album that is a lot calmer and more detail-oriented than our previous offerings. With ‘Walking on Empty’ all ten of the tracks have their own unique feel and character. We’re really happy with how the album turned out and we think it’s really good… but then we think all of our albums are really good.”
When asked about why he chose to work with Adrian Hall and Miles Showell, Jonghyun happily replies, “We wanted to try something different that we’d never done before. We’ve made some rough recordings in the past but this time we thought it would be cool to try and make a more polished, professional-sounding album. And we have wanted the chance to work with renowned engineers for several years now, so it seemed like a good time to finally do it with this album. When we started Galaxy Express, we never imagined that we’d one day have an album that was associated with Abbey Road in any way!”
If you are in Korea between 2-4 October, the Zandari Festa will be taking place and is a chance to see Galaxy Express as well as a whole plethora of acts from around the world performing along the streets and inside the famous indie clubs of Hongdae.
Galaxy Express are also interested in returning to Europe. Says Jonghyun, “We are hoping to play abroad again soon. It’s always a blast getting to travel and share our music with different people around the world. Hopefully we can visit some more new places and get back to some of the great countries we’ve played already again in the future.” So keep your eyes peeled.
Be sure to keep checking back to MCM Buzz for more coverage of the band, as well as other great music from all areas of the Korean music industry. If you have the chance, be sure to check out Galaxy Express on iTunes and show your support for the band’s latest album “Walking on Empty”. In the meantime prepare to tap your feet and nod along to their latest music video release “Time Keeps Rollin’ By”.
Galaxy Express Prove They Are Not “Walking On Empty”
Fans of the Korean rock scene will know of Galaxy Express for their high octane, runaway bullet train escapades. A scintillating tour de force trio, Park Jonghyun, Lee Juhyun and Kim Heekwon wildly whiplash audiences with a centrifugal forging of raw, sweaty, psychedelic rock’n’roll. Their new album “Walking on Empty” was released on 6 August and pays homage to their past as well as paving a new future of strength with their growth into new adventures.
The band had toured the UK back in 2013 – just as the hype for the Korean indie scene began to make a stir, and with a mix of explosive performances accompanied by their garage rock, punk, and psychedelic sounds, the trio have wowed audiences all over the world by holding gigs in Canada, the US, Taiwan, France, China, Japan and Russia. MTV Iggy wrote about the band, describing how, “With their amped energy and stage exhibitionism, they’re the best live act to come out of Korea since… well, maybe ever.” The group’s unique sound, which is pretty far from mainstream, means they stand out from the crowd, and for all the right reasons.
On 1 April 2010, the members announced that they planned to write, record and release an album within just 30 days: this was rightly titled “Wild Days”. True to their word, a month later the album was released and went on to win the band “Musician of the Year” at the 2011 Korean Music Awards. The trio went on to perform at a multitude of stages at some big events, such as South by Southwest (SXSW), Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival and they were even the opening act for Linkin Park when they toured South Korea.
Skipping forward to 2014, their new album “Walking On Empty” was recorded over a year, with the music being recorded in May 2014 and the vocals recorded in April 2015. Recorded and mixed by Adrian Hall, known for his work with Black Eyed Peas, Depeche Mode and Ray Davies, it was mastered at the famed Abbey Road Studios by Miles Showell, who has worked with legends such as Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend and Underworld.
Of the new album, guitarist and vocalist Park Jonghyun says, “We took a lot more time making this album than we have with our past albums. I think having no set deadline to meet gave us more time to think about what exactly we wanted to do and allowed us to create an album that is a lot calmer and more detail-oriented than our previous offerings. With ‘Walking on Empty’ all ten of the tracks have their own unique feel and character. We’re really happy with how the album turned out and we think it’s really good… but then we think all of our albums are really good.”
When asked about why he chose to work with Adrian Hall and Miles Showell, Jonghyun happily replies, “We wanted to try something different that we’d never done before. We’ve made some rough recordings in the past but this time we thought it would be cool to try and make a more polished, professional-sounding album. And we have wanted the chance to work with renowned engineers for several years now, so it seemed like a good time to finally do it with this album. When we started Galaxy Express, we never imagined that we’d one day have an album that was associated with Abbey Road in any way!”
If you are in Korea between 2-4 October, the Zandari Festa will be taking place and is a chance to see Galaxy Express as well as a whole plethora of acts from around the world performing along the streets and inside the famous indie clubs of Hongdae.
Galaxy Express are also interested in returning to Europe. Says Jonghyun, “We are hoping to play abroad again soon. It’s always a blast getting to travel and share our music with different people around the world. Hopefully we can visit some more new places and get back to some of the great countries we’ve played already again in the future.” So keep your eyes peeled.
Be sure to keep checking back to MCM Buzz for more coverage of the band, as well as other great music from all areas of the Korean music industry. If you have the chance, be sure to check out Galaxy Express on iTunes and show your support for the band’s latest album “Walking on Empty”. In the meantime prepare to tap your feet and nod along to their latest music video release “Time Keeps Rollin’ By”.
People go "Kimchi Crazy" for F(x) at the London Korean Festival
On August 9th 2015 London held its first ever free to attend London Korean Festival within the iconic Trafalgar Square, boasting the talents of K-pop girl group F(x), K-rock band Guckkasten and an array of cultural experiences throughout the event. The entrances to the event opened at 12 noon, but from around 8am fans were already seen queuing to get a prime spot at the front of the main stage. They were accompanied by the many Korean food stalls based around the perimeter preparing their stock ready to be devoured by the masses.
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There was a lot to offer in terms of small tents around the festival perimeter, from Korean snacks at the H-Mart stand, travel information by the KTO (Korean Tourism Organisation) and an assortment of cultural stands which allowed visitors to try traditional Hanbok clothing, Hangul writing lessons, as well as an introduction to the many Korean games and products for you to own at home. Not being able to resist the smells of the famous Korean fermented pickled cabbage known globally as “Kimchi”, I decided to have a try at the many different types that were available – which to my delight was extremely scrumptious, especially when accompanied with some Bulgogi and rice from the stall next door.
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The number of people that attended the event was on scale much larger than I thought. There was a feeling that there would be the usual K-pop loving crowd, but seeing as the event was free and open to the public, the amount of passing visitors made the festival a bigger success than anticipated. The organisers believe that a turn out of 35,000 people was achieved. The full impact of the attendees were felt about an hour before S.M. Entertainment’s girl group F(x) took to the stage; there was no floor space at all and the crowds were even building up outside of the perimeter. The stage area was busy throughout the day with traditional dance and music performances, as well as a Psy “Gangnam Style” flash mob performance which was greatly received by the audience.
 |
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The event was a success in entertaining and educating those who wouldn’t generally have known anything about South Korea. When talking to the general public they were surprised by the beauty of the traditional costumes, and by how healthy and beneficial Korean cuisine is for the body. A small family I had the pleasure of taking to had travelled from Scotland to be at the event as they wanted to introduce their children to the different types of culture from around the world. It turned out that the children really enjoyed all of the hands on events while the parents were really surprised at how friendly the K-pop fans had been with their family by giving them balloons, banners and hand fans.
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The London Korean Festival proved that there is a lot more to South Korea than just K-pop and Kimchi. Seeing as this was the first event of its kind in the UK (and going by number of people that turned up), I believe the market is there to possibly make this an annual event. If anything is to go by, the hosts final words mentioned the likes of Big Bang, 2NE1, Super Junior, BTS (Bangtan Boys), Girls Generation, 4Minute, VIXX and B1A4, meaning that there could already be cogs turning in the system to make the next festival bigger and better. It was really nice to see the UK open their arms to South Korea and help promote cultural diversity, something I wish to see more of in the near future.
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Be sure to pop onto the MyM Buzz Facebook page where you can look at some images from the day’s festivities. And make sure you come back to MyM Buzz to see our coverage of the Guckkasten and F(x) press conference.
People go “Kimchi Crazy” for F(x) at the London Korean Festival
On August 9th 2015 London held its first ever free to attend London Korean Festival within the iconic Trafalgar Square, boasting the talents of K-pop girl group F(x), K-rock band Guckkasten and an array of cultural experiences throughout the event. The entrances to the event opened at 12 noon, but from around 8am fans were already seen queuing to get a prime spot at the front of the main stage. They were accompanied by the many Korean food stalls based around the perimeter preparing their stock ready to be devoured by the masses.
|
|
There was a lot to offer in terms of small tents around the festival perimeter, from Korean snacks at the H-Mart stand, travel information by the KTO (Korean Tourism Organisation) and an assortment of cultural stands which allowed visitors to try traditional Hanbok clothing, Hangul writing lessons, as well as an introduction to the many Korean games and products for you to own at home. Not being able to resist the smells of the famous Korean fermented pickled cabbage known globally as “Kimchi”, I decided to have a try at the many different types that were available – which to my delight was extremely scrumptious, especially when accompanied with some Bulgogi and rice from the stall next door.
|
|
The number of people that attended the event was on scale much larger than I thought. There was a feeling that there would be the usual K-pop loving crowd, but seeing as the event was free and open to the public, the amount of passing visitors made the festival a bigger success than anticipated. The organisers believe that a turn out of 35,000 people was achieved. The full impact of the attendees were felt about an hour before S.M. Entertainment’s girl group F(x) took to the stage; there was no floor space at all and the crowds were even building up outside of the perimeter. The stage area was busy throughout the day with traditional dance and music performances, as well as a Psy “Gangnam Style” flash mob performance which was greatly received by the audience.
|
|
The event was a success in entertaining and educating those who wouldn’t generally have known anything about South Korea. When talking to the general public they were surprised by the beauty of the traditional costumes, and by how healthy and beneficial Korean cuisine is for the body. A small family I had the pleasure of taking to had travelled from Scotland to be at the event as they wanted to introduce their children to the different types of culture from around the world. It turned out that the children really enjoyed all of the hands on events while the parents were really surprised at how friendly the K-pop fans had been with their family by giving them balloons, banners and hand fans.
|
|
The London Korean Festival proved that there is a lot more to South Korea than just K-pop and Kimchi. Seeing as this was the first event of its kind in the UK (and going by number of people that turned up), I believe the market is there to possibly make this an annual event. If anything is to go by, the hosts final words mentioned the likes of Big Bang, 2NE1, Super Junior, BTS (Bangtan Boys), Girls Generation, 4Minute, VIXX and B1A4, meaning that there could already be cogs turning in the system to make the next festival bigger and better. It was really nice to see the UK open their arms to South Korea and help promote cultural diversity, something I wish to see more of in the near future.
|
|
Be sure to pop onto the MyM Buzz Facebook page where you can look at some images from the day’s festivities. And make sure you come back to MyM Buzz to see our coverage of the Guckkasten and F(x) press conference.
London Vs Seoul with a world champion dance battle at London Korean Festival
With the London Korean Festival being held in Trafalgar Square on Sunday August 9th, Korean culture fans have been celebrating the news of S.M. Entertainment’s girl group F(x) as well as the rock band Guckkasten performing at the free public event. It has also been announced that two world champion break dance crews from different corners of the globe are set to lay down their best dance moves in an epic dance battle.
London’s super group Soul Mavericks will go face to face against Seoul, Korea’s B-Boy world champions Jinjo Crew. Both crews are widely acclaimed and travel internationally to represent their country in hip-hop dance battles. South Korea has a relatively new and eternally expanding hip-hop fan base which is home to some of the top rated B-boy crews in the world. Where crews like the UK’s Diversity have won a major television talent show and become household names, Korea’s B-Boys are also very popular and have won MTV dance shows, talent shows and international battles. Both dance crews have faced each other once before at a championship in London, where Jinjo Crew triumphed, but the Soul Mavericks, who are marking their 10th anniversary as a group, are determined to win the battle this time around.
Soul Mavericks range in age from 12 to 40 years old and include both male and female members. Based in London, they have attracted dancers from all over the country, including one member from Wales. They also took part in the Beijing and London Olympic ceremonies as special guests. With Jinjo Crew based in Seoul they are flying to London especially for the dance battle and have been rehearsing a brand new routine that is set to entertain and surprise fans of the hip-hop B-boy movement. The crew include world champions B-Boy Hong10 and B-Boy Wing, winners of the Red Bull BC1 in 2006 in Brazil and 2008 in Paris, plus members Skim, Vero, FE, Octopus, Fleta, Giboon, Stony, Mold and Patrick Star.
Before the battle Jinjo Crew will be meeting young fans and teaching London school children some break dancing moves in a free dance lesson in south London on Friday 7th August. Both of the crews are part of a wide range of acts in the form of musicians, dancers and top chefs who are taking part at the FREE one day London Korean Festival. The event is organised by the Korean Cultural Centre UK, Korean Tourism Organisation, Korea Creative Content Agency and supported by the Mayor of London. Bringing together an exciting mix of modern and traditional Korean culture it will host a dynamic programme of dance from traditional to modern, delicious Korean food including live demonstrations by celebrity chef Judy Joo, plus e-sports games and live music.
For more information about the event be sure to check out our previous article covering everything you can see and do at the London Korean Festival in Trafalgar Square on Sunday August 9th. And be sure to check back to MCM Buzz for a full review and coverage of the event. Below is a video of Jinjo Crew Vs Soul Mavericks at the UK B-boy World Championships in 2011.
F(X), Guckkasten and Jinjo Crew headline at The London Korean Festival
We previously reported that South Korea would be making an appearance in Trafalgar Square on August 9th 2015 with the announcement of The London Korean Festival, which is being held by the Korean Tourism Organisation. The FREE one day event brings together an exciting mix of modern and traditional Korean culture. It has recently been announced that the five piece female super group F(x) will be headlining at Trafalgar Square’s first K-pop concert.
F(x) are one of Korea’s leading K-pop groups, leading the Korean wave with their catchy electro-pop melodies and daring fashion. They are also an internet sensation on YouTube, with views in excess of 30 million for their eye catching videos and are part of the much loved SMEntertainment.
Korean rock fans will also be catered to as popular Korean psychedelic rockers Guckkasten are set to get you dancing with their performance as a live band. A firm favourite to many interested in the Korean music industry, it is going to be great to hear Guckkasten performing live!
World Champion B-boy group Jinjo Crew will be making an appearance, showing off their winning break dancing moves in a dance battle against the UK’s dance group Soul Mavericks.
If you are after something a little more traditional there will be a wonderful collection of hanboks, traditional South Korean dresses, on display as well as a Hanbok Fashion Show presenting the latest creations of the traditional, vibrantly coloured design. Whilst walking around be sure to pop into the The K-Fashion Pavilion, which will feature a selection of pop up stores with clothing lines and accessories from Korean designers featured in London Fashion Week.
Fans of traditional Korean performing arts will be treated to a range of instrumental music from the renowned National Gugak Centre, playing homage to thousands of years of tradition and history with their creative dances of peace, folk music, and introducing ganggangsullae, a 5,000 year old Korean dance that was first used to bring about a bountiful harvest.
Korean food is well loved in the capital, and is one of the tastiest, trendiest and healthiest cuisines in the world. Its growth in popularity with the help from food lovers allowed the Korean Tourism Organisation an area just for food. And boy are you in for a treat, with a live cooking demonstration from the Food Channel’s celebrity chef Judy Joo and her top cooking tips, there will also be a range of delicious meals and drinks on offer in the ‘Food Zone’ which will include stalls from the best of London’s Korean restaurants.
Korea is one of the leading countries in the gaming and technology world, and the Square’s ‘K-Contents Zone’ will host a selection of online games, including an E-Sports area where visitors can compete in a range of virtual activities. Younger children can enjoy the K-character pavilion with soft play, arts, toys and a sticker wall. There will also be webtoons (online comics) to read as well as new animation screenings to watch and enjoy. Before computers there was only traditional folk games, such as Yut-nori (a stick-throwing board game), Tuho (arrow throwing) and Jegi-chagi (tassel kicking), all of which will be available for attendees to try out. If you have ever wanted to write your name in Korean calligraphy, then you can also have a go at the artistic tradition of artistic writing in Hangul.
In the ‘Cultural Tourism Experience Zone’ attendees can get creative by making traditional crafts or trying on Korea’s traditional ‘Hanbok’ dress, as well as enjoying a series of family workshops. Anyone wanting to try playing a traditional musical instrument, like a Gayageum or Janggu (the most widely used drum) or a Buk will be taught how to use them during a free ‘hands on’ music workshop.
The ‘Brand Zone’ will include two ambassadors of the Korean manufacturing and technology world from Hyundai Motors and LG Electronics, both of whom who will be showcasing their latest products, innovations and great offers.
The event is organised by the Korean Cultural Centre UK, Korea Tourism Organisation, Korea Creative Content Agency and supported by the Mayor of London. Throughout the event there will be a PSY inspired ‘Gangnam Style’ flash mob that will be encouraging everyone to join in and have a go at the popular fun dance craze that captured the world. The same flash mob will also be hitting the streets of London on a special themed bus the week before the event, encouraging everyone to get dancing and show off their moves at the festival.
The London Korean Festival
Date: Sunday 9 August 2015
Time: 12pm-8pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square
Entry: FREE-ALL WELCOME
Information: www.kccuk.org.uk – www.gokorea.co.kr