Sunday, September 11, 2011

This Just In - Broken Valentine - Poker Face (Cover)

I've been missing and silent for quite awhile, but I'm hoping to change that more recently.

And as a gift, here is the video that's inspired my return and also a few happy squeals in me.

A video from this weekends Top Band showing Broken Valentine covering Lady Gaga's Poker Face. It's a great energetic cover with just enough Broken Valentine flavor. Enjoy!


Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Yellow Monsters

As a special treat to get everyone psyched for the new Yellow Monsters album Riot coming out soon, I drudged up this video for people to check out. It's a great spot the guys did for Arirang TVwith a mini band talk, and two acoustic tracks. Check it out!





For more Yellow Monsters, check out my buddy, Helikoppter's interview with Jae-Hyuck over on IndiefulROK. 

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Asian UnderDog Radio Week 4 - Rock/Indie Show :)

Hi everyone! Thanks for your patience. I had a lot of stuff going on this week and every time I settled in to record I got sidetracked by something or someone. This week is a fun mix of rock and indie groups that was refreshing for me to put together. I hope you enjoy it. :) As always, comments are love!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Asian UnderDog Radio - Week 3 ~Urban Soul~

Hello folks! Sorry it's a few days late, but here is this weeks Urban Soul show! I tried to do my best to get a blend of artists from all the countries this week. When I first made the playlist it was very Korean heavy. I have to admit, that ultimately, I do have a bias for Korean music. But I really love music from all over the place, so I want to be able to share it all. I hope you enjoy this show. It's a great blend of R&B, Hip-Hop and underground Rap. :)

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Asian UnderDog Radio - Week 2

Hey everyone! I'm back for week 2. This week is another mixed genre week, but next week is going to be the first Urban Soul themed week, so get ready to get your swag on!


Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Song of the Day: Guyz - Good Night

I found a new live recording of a Guyz performance! :D This punk/alternative band is really one of my absolute favorites. Hope this means they're coming up with some new material!


Asian UnderDog Radio

Hey there, everyone. *taps mic* Not sure if anyone is still following after such a long extended absence. But, I'm back! And I'm sorry for the lack of updates. I've had a busy month, I went on vacation to Florida to visit family and relax for over a week. After that, I've been dealing with an illness in the family, and haven't had much energy for the blog, to be honest.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

K-RoK Interview: Apollo 18 - SXSW Follow-Up

If you read my blog with any kind of regularity you'll know of my love of Apollo 18. And I was lucky enough to get a follow-up interview on top of my original one!!! I think the guys were a little exhausted during their first US tour, but sounds like they had a great time and made lots of memories! 



Tuesday, April 5, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: No Brain - Radio Radio

No Brain is BACK!!!!! And with a new video. The new album released yesterday, I have yet to get my hands on a copy of it, but what I have managed to hear streaming online it sounds awesome. Here's the newest video from them: Radio Radio





No Brain "Radio Radio" from Kimhwan on Vimeo.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: Norazo - Superman

Comedy-rock-pop duo Norazo came out with Superman awhile ago, but this video just popped up of them doing a super LED street performance version of this song and I had to post it because it's just so fun!

Enjoy!



If you need help with the lyrics you can watch the video below for subtitles to the song:




I like to call them the "Weird Al" of Korea, because they're known for their clever and humorous lyrics as well as their outstanding vocals and stage presence.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: Glen Check - Disco Elevator

New band Glen Check just released their first EP - Disco Elevator. It's a short, 5 (or 6 depending on where you get it from) song EP, but it's enough to get a taste of what the band is about.



Apollo 18 in Japan

The guys of Apollo 18 have re-confirmed their two concerts in Japan. They weren't sure if things were going to go on as scheduled after the earthquake, but details were worked out and they are still on. So, if you're in Tokyo, or know someone who is, go head out to see them!

April 1st - Kinoto in Shibuya
April 4th - Basement Bar in Shimokitazawa

And after that these three are heading home to Korea for some much deserved rest before they start work on their next album. It's going to be a busy year for Apollo 18! I'm hoping that on their return tour of the US they make it here to Minneapolis. :)

Thursday, March 24, 2011

New Video: Walrus - Live Footage

Some new footage of Walrus surfaced on the net from their current tour:




I hope they put out more music soon, because I really like their sound.

Monday, March 14, 2011

News Tip: Apollo 18

For once, I'm happy with Allkpop - they actually gave coverage to a K-Rock band. Today they posted a video greeting with the band, an interview and have an official SXSW Apollo 18 goodie set up for grabs. Check it all out here on AKP

Also, Dae-Inn made a twitter post from Wendy's today that made me giggle:

(I don't think he liked it very much. xD) 

A18 Fighting! :)

Sunday, March 13, 2011

News Tip: YB

Last week, I mentioned that Yoon Do-Hyun was being featured on Survival: I Am A Singer.  And I managed to find a YT link of just their performance for everyone.  If you watch the entire episode, you'll notice that YB gets the best reaction of all the singers. I love that even the ahjumma's stand up and clap happily along:


K-Rok Rocks!!! Exclusive Interview: Apollo 18

 The guys of band Apollo 18 are setting out on what we all hope to be the first of many US tours. I was lucky enough to be able to interview them as they set out on their new journey. They just left the Incheon airport earlier today:
A18 Fighting! :) 

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Arashi - Fight Song (Special Japan Support Song)

Actually, when I think of a fight song from Japan - this is the first one I REALLY think of, but I couldn't find it until I did some further digging. Either way they're both good, up-beat "Let's go!" songs.



Arashi - Fight Song by carolgatinha

Song of the Day: Special Edition: Wavin' Flag - K'Naan feat. A.I

I haven't written the last couple of days because I've been overwhelmed with the events of Japan. My love for all things Asian is because of Japan and I feel like a little piece of my heart breaks every time I read another bad news story coming from Japan. All day Friday I pumped Japanese tunes, I've been staying on top of the situation and I plan to donate what I can to the relief efforts. I hope we as an international community all do our part to help this great country in it's time of need. So, for today, I give the first song that comes to mind when I think of a "fight song" for Japan. The official World Cup song by K'Naan from last summer- but the Japanese version featuring amazing Japanese hip-hop singer A.I.

K'naan (feat. A.I.) - Wavin' Flag






~!
Ganbare Nippon! Aishteru~!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: Broken Valentine - The Sea in My Worn Drawer



Broken Valentine is one of my go-to bands when I need something hard, yet up beat. I had a bad day the other day and threw their mini on to get me through the rest of the day at work.

Wonder-Girl Wednesdays: Island City

I finally picked someone that didn't start with an "S" that was an odd trend I noticed! And actually, next weeks band is an "S" too, but I had to break the chain!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

News Tip: YB

YB were on Sunday, March 6th's episode of Survival!  I Am a Singer. A new variety/reality tv show on MBC that pits 7 well established singers against one another, being judged by real, ordinary people. It stars Yoon Do-Hyun, Baek Ji-Young, Kim Bum-Soo, Jung Yeop, Kim Gun-Mo, Park Jung-Hyun, and Lee So-Ra
You can check it out here on DramaAir - hurry before it disappears! :)

K-RoK 101: Yoon Do-Hyun Band


Friday, March 4, 2011

Apollo 18 Official US Tour Dates



Apollo 18 is coming to the United States for the first time, and it's quite an extensive tour for an international band's first time here. They're mainly touring Texas and a couple other states in the south, but are hoping to return later this year to expand their reach to the north and possibly hit Canada.



Wednesday, March 2, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: TeTe - Romantico

TeTe (Yim Tae-Hyuck) of Telepathy steps out on his own with his first solo venture Romantico. A quieter more organic sounding album than Telepathy's electronic rock, I enjoy the the simplicity of it.
And yes, I may or may not have a crush on him. :P


Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Wonder-Girl Wednesdays: Schizo

There are few women who can keep up with a band as hardcore as Schizo. But Yi Hye-Rim does more than that, she rocks out just as hard as the boys. 

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Indie Spotlight: Friendz.net

A friend of mine recently turned me on to a group of friends who make videos in their own little studio. They make cover videos and some original songs too. The music is very folksy and simple, but they all have clear voices that please my tired ears after too much K-Pop. And as I was getting ready to write this, one of the members released a single and a music video . There isn't a whole lot of information about them in general, but I like their music videos a lot.


Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Wonder-Girl Wednesdays: Story Seller

If you read this blog with any consistency, you will know of my love for Story Seller, an all female rock band that rocks as hard as the guys do.


(They actually manage to make Doc Martens seem kinda cool)

Saturday, February 12, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: Kang San-Eh - Pollack

Some days I pick artists that I could go on and on about - but that breaks my brief profile rule I'll try to keep this one as short as possible:




Friday, February 11, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: Walrus - To Be

Walrus released their first music video, so I though I should share it with everyone. I know a lot of hard core rock fans are dismissing them because they're fronted by a pretty boy actor, but I really like their sound and I hope to hear more and even better things from them.



Thursday, February 10, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: Yellow Monsters - Benjamin (Acoustic)

The guys of Yellow Monsters are back again, this time with a digital single of their song Benjamin. Including the original album version and a lovely new acoustic version, it's a nice, softer side of the Yellow Monsters.


Wednesday, February 9, 2011

News Tip: YB

In my excitement, I may have forgotten to tell the good people here on K-RoK Rocks!!! that I confirmed with the band, that YB will be coming to the U.S. for another round with the Vans Warped Tour. The tour itself is still announcing artists, and YB has yet to be among them, but I have it on good authority that they are coming. Probably in early August to only the California shows, maaabye a show in Washington. (Since we all sadly know, that to Korea, The United States=The West Coast) I'm crossing my fingers and planning my first trip to California to see them. If only they would tell me when and where, I could start booking flights and the such. Anyone out in California want a visitor for a couple days? haha.

Also, starting March 20th through April 10th Yoon Do-Hyun will be starring in the musical Gwanghwamun Scandal. 

Wonder-Girl Wednesdays: Spicy Soda

I'm starting a new thing, Wednesdays I'm going to start exclusively posting songs from bands that feature awesome women.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Music Tip: Soribada

A new (legal) download site has opened up to fans outside of Korea looking to actually help support the artists. They have more than just K-Pop too.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: Diablo - Dust (feat. Yoon Do-Hyun)

I know many of my followers tend not to like thrash metal, but I enjoy it on occasion. But, I hope to encourage people to find many kinds of Korean rock, that's the whole point of this blog.

Diablo formed in 1993. They worked in the underground scene for quite awhile, not even putting out their first studio album Desirous until 2000.  Their second studio album, Undefined was released last year.  The single Dust featuring Yoon Do-Hyun (of YB) was what caught my attention to the band. I hope they come out with more music because I enjoyed the album. Of course, it was fun to see the crazy thrash side of Do-Hyun as well. And no, I have no idea what's up w/ the chick in the band.  :/
Baek Jong-Hwan - Vocals
Chu Myeong-Gyo - Drums
Kim Su-Han - Guitar
Kim Hyeong-Joong - Bass




Friday, January 28, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: Boni - Come On Over (Cover)

I'm obsessed with this artist lately, and no, she's not K-Rock, but she defininetly doesn't get enough love from the general K-Pop public. She's R&B and I adore her. She debuted last year with two mini albums - 1990, and the Korean Music Award nominated album Nu One. I hope that she wins in all three categories she's nominated because man, does she deserve it. Check the jump for the video!


Thursday, January 27, 2011

Korean Music Awards Best Dance & Electronic Song Nominees

I guess this is probably the most popular category as it contains f(x) and 2NE1, however there is a good mix of people in here. As much as I love 2NE1 and f(x) I hope the others have a chance because I think the idols win enough awards as it is. It would be nice for the others in this group to get some attention.

Videos after the jump:


Korean Music Awards Best "Pop" Song Nominees

To be honest I don't think "pop" describes these artists best, but it is what the category translates to so I guess that's what I'll stick with. Sorry I didn't get the rest of the categories up last night - I started with the idea late and had to head to bed. Here goes:

CLICK for videos


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Korean Music Awards Best Hip-Hop Song Nominees

Wheee.


Korean Music Awards Best Modern Rock Song Nominees

Another nice category. I think I would call it "Indie" versus "Modern Rock" but whatever.


Korean Music Awards Best Rock Song Nominees

Of course, you didn't actually think I would leave out the rock category did you?



Korean Music Awards Best R&B Song Nominees

No, not just Taeyang is up for this award. (And no, it's NOT K-Rock, but hey, I love it all and I think this is an awesome category.)



K-RoK Song of the Day: Galaxy Express - Really Want You

From their Korean Music Award nominated album Wild Days is the song that got another nomination altogether Really Want You.  


Galaxy Express have been around since 2007, but they've been making waves and creating quite a name for themselves in the Korean rock scene. They have a Northern America tour starting in March of this year as well. Of course, they aren't coming anywhere near ME, but that's another story.

Lee Joo-Hyeon - Bass and vocals
Yoon Hong-Gu - Drums
Park Jong-Hyeon - Guitar and vocals

Korean Music Awards Nominations

I'm bumbling through the Korean website for the Korean Music Awards and trying to translate the nominations myself because the media here are only promoting the K-Pop nominees and I am excited by the other nominees on the list. EDIT: Whoops, missed a couple categories. Adding now! 






From what I can make out in the Best Rock Album category I see:
Galaxy Express - Wild Days
Art of Parties - Ophelia
Yellow Monsters - Yellow Monsters
Crash- The Paragon of Animals
엄인호,최이철,주찬권 - Super Session






Best Modern Rock Album:

Nine and The Numbers (9와 숫자들 )- Nine and The Numbers
Broccoli, You too - Graduation
The Koxx - Enter
Cosmos - Hanei Sky
TV Yellow - Strange Ears


Best Pop Album:


Kim Yoon-Ah - 315360
No Reply - Dream
Lucid Fall - Les Miserables
Epitone Project - A House (Lost & Storage)
Cho Kyu-Chan - Volume 9


Best Dance & Electronic Album:


2NE1 - To Anyone
Demicat - Tomorrow Sucks
Group Star (모임 별)- Pacific
Kafka - The Most Beautiful Thing
Casker - Tender
House Rulez - Magic Television


Best Hip-Hop Album:


Garion - Garion 2
The Quiett - Quiet Storm: A Night Record
Mild Beats & Chaboom - Still Ill
Jazzy Ivy - Illvibrative Motif
Pento - Microsuit


Best R&B/Soul Album:


Deez - Get Real
Boni - Nu One
Brown Eyed Soul - Brown Eyed Soul
Jinbo - Afterwork
Taeyang - Solar


Best Soundtrack:
Unfair Trade (Movie OST)
Bravo! Jazz Life (Movie OST)
I Saw The Devil (Movie OST)
Fair Love (Movie OST)
The Housemaid (Movie OST)


Best Jazz  (Alternative) Album:


Youn Sun-Nah - My Favorite Things
Malo - Camelia Lady
Winterplay - Touche Mon Amour
Yipangeun Project - A Rhapsody In Cold Age
Heoduk (허대욱)- Trigram


Best Jazz (Crossover) Album:
Kim Kwang-Seok - Playing Above the Clouds
Nubim - Between Silence & Light
La Ventana - Nostalgia & The Delicate Woman
Special Performance (바람곶)- Special Performance
Jung Min - Blur


Best Performance Album (?)
La Ventana - Nostalgia & The Delicate Woman
Special Performance (바람곶)- Special Performance
Seo Young-Do Electronic Ensemble - Random Line
Yipangeun Project - A Rhapsody In Cold Age
Heoduk (허대욱)- Trigram


Now into the Song category.


Best Rock Song:


Galaxy Express - Really Want You
Gateflower - Reserves
Super Session - Start Again
Yellow Monsters - Destruction (YAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!)
Crash - Crashday


Best Modern Rock Song:


Nine and The Numbers (9와 숫자들 ) - Tell Me
Hot Potato - Confession
Broccoli, You Too - Love Does Not Make Up Words Too (사랑한다는 말로도 위로가 되지 않는)
Broccoli, You Too - Graduation
Cosmos - Hanei Sky


Best Pop Song:


10CM - Tonight I'm Afraid of the Dark
No Reply - I Hope
Verandah Project - Bike Riding
Dalmoon - 하드코어 인생아
Earip - Our Streets Have No Name


Best Dance & Electronic Song:


2NE1 - Can't Nobody
Sultan Of The Disco - Sunday Night Fever
F(x) - Nu ABO
Kafka - Silence
miss A - Bad Girl Good Girl


Best Hip-Hop Song:


Garion - 영순위(feat. 넋업샨)
Swings - 500 Bombs
The Quiett - Be My Luv
San-E - 인터뷰(Interview)
Mild Beats & Chaboom - Anshan (feat. Sol)
Pinodyne - Nightingale Film (feat. Soulman)


Best R&B/Soul Song:


Deez - Sugar
Boni - I Send You
Brown Eyed Soul - Never Forget
Progress - U R
Taeyang - I Need A Girl (feat. G-Dragon)


Album of the Year:
9 And the Numbers - 9 And the Numbers

Garion - Garion 2
Youn Sun-Ah - Same Girl
Broccoli, You Too? - 졸업
Jinbo - Afterwork
Crash - The Paragon of Animals


Song of the Year:
9 And the Numbers - 말해주세요 (Tell Me)
Garion - 영순위 (feat. Nuck)
Hot Potato - Confession 
Broccoli, You Too? - Graduation
miss A - Good Girl, Bad Girl


Musician of the Year: 
Garion
Galaxy Express
Youn Sun-AH
Broccoli, You Too?
Choi Yi Chul, Ohm In Ho, Ju Chan Kweun (Super Session)
Crash


Rookie of the Year:
10Cm
Gateflowers
Boni
Dalmoon
The Koxx
TV Yellow


(thanks for the last couple categories helikoppter)
OMO. I hope people appreciate this. It took forever with my crappy Korean skills. :/

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: Walrus - Mosaic

Kim Jae-Wook, of Coffee Prince and Marry Me, Mary fame has a new title: rocker. They've been quietly doing the club scene since their college days in 2003 but the band Walrus finally just made their official debut with the self-titled mini-album Walrus. Three tracks are just enough to whet the appetite of this K-RoKer. I think I need more than just a few songs. I hope they make a strong debut and we get to hear more from them soon!
1: To Be
2: Mosaic
3: 서울마녀 (Seoul Witch)

Here's a short live clip of them:



And a nice full-length sample of the song I like best: Mosaic

W-M by K-RoKer

Sunday, January 16, 2011

New Video: Yellow Monsters - Destruction

The Yellow Monsters are back with another release off of their self-titled freshman album and this time it's a lovely live performance video that really shows the energy the guys bring to their shows. The audience eat's it up! I do think I spotted No Brain in the back-stage area at one point too! Please enjoy it and remember to buy the album! :) I love this song. It has great energy and it's also Choi Jae-Hyuck's favorite song off the album. :)


Saturday, January 15, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: YB - 그것만이 내 세상 (It's Only In My World)

Every time I listen to this song I get a huge chill run through me at about the 4 minute 11 second mark. This is taken from their 15 Years, Live Best! album that came out late last year. I adore it. It's got some of the tracks from previous live albums and some new ones from performances last year. If you're a new or old YB fan it's a great album because it either lets you re-live their glory or just get a good taste of what they can do and who they are as a band. Buy it here. Also - YesAsia just re-released all of YB's albums so you should get your hands on them while you can! Supporting Korean rock artists is even more important because they don't get all the endorsement deals and acting jobs like idols do. 


YB-그것만이 내 세상(live) by K-RoKer

Monday, January 10, 2011

K-RoK Song of the Day: Lee Jung Hyun - Eat Well Live Well

This weekend I was talking with friends about what got me into the Korean music scene and it's this girl, Lee Jung-Hyun.  She's not a rock artist, but she's worked in several genres and likes to mix things up. She debuted in 1999 with her album Let's Go To My Star. It was very experimental and heavy on the electronica sound. She hasn't lost her dance beats over the years, but has turned her music into a fusion of pop, rock, electronica, Spanish beats and a little bit of Indian flavor. This song, Eat Well, Live Well always struck a chord with me long before I got into the Korean rock scene. But, come to realize all these years later that this song is actually Lee Jung-Hyun featuring WHO? Dr. Core 911! YEAH~ Sometimes things in my life come full circle. This happens to be one of them. Don't ask what this picture is either. I was lucky enough to find this on youtube instead of using up my last few minutes on Sound Cloud. It's also of note that she is an actress as well. She has been acting in mostly historical dramas that I love.



Friday, January 7, 2011

BRB.

I should have posted this sooner, but last week my iPod died and I've been trying to recuperate my music collection. As soon as I've got it all back under control things on the site will return back to normal. Thanks for your patience!

Hwanhee thanks you for your patience!