The Korea Music Label Industry Association (음레협) operates the 'Kindi Lounge,' which recommends four new albums that capture the emotions of August. These new releases, each with different genres and messages, deliver a deeper resonance at the end of summer.
On the 4th, singer-songwriter Hanloro released his third EP 'Grapefruit Apricot Club.' A graduate of the Korean Literature Department at Konkuk University, Hanloro is attracting attention by publishing a short story with the same title as this album, delicately highlighting the tragedy of children who should be in the most innocent and beautiful period of life being pushed to the brink. This complex creation, where text and sound interweave organically, proposes layers of deep contemplation that transcend music, expanding Hanloro's unique artistic world.
On the 7th, Rockin Korea unveiled Studio EST's sixth album 'Studio EST Vol.6.' Centered around emotional soundtrack, Studio EST has implemented the landscapes of various media such as games, webtoons, and dramas into music, and continues its unique emotionality in this album. The title track 'Here I Am' offers warm comfort to those who are struggling and weary, while four tracks are included: 'Beyond the Swamp,' set in a swampy background from a game; 'Toad Song,' inspired by traditional nursery rhymes; and 'Floating Landscape,' expressing a sensation of floating on water. This soundtrack, meticulously constructed by three members ESTEL, Jink, and Seabell, presents a new way of musical comfort that shares emotions and narratives simultaneously.
On the same day, the band 87dance, belonging to Stonehip, released a new song titled 'It'll Be Okay.' 'It'll Be Okay' deals with the heavy themes of life and death, loneliness and comfort with 87dance's characteristic delicate emotions. Through this song, 87dance quietly gazes at a person's final moments, revisiting the emotions and meanings of existence that we often overlook in daily life. This single, released ahead of the EP album, raises anticipation for the musical narrative 87dance is set to unfold in the future.
On the 11th, the band Venez returns with the electronic hard rock single 'Fallen Angel.' Since debuting in 2012, Venez, which is part of No Mercy Company, has continuously been active, refining its hybrid rock sound with the goal of globalizing K-Rock. 'Fallen Angel' is reinterpreted not as a literal fall but as the image of a guardian angel who descends to protect the marginalized. This single depicts the challenges and solidarity of those who steadfastly advance through pain and trials during the hot summer with grand sounds, encapsulating the musical depth and vision that Venez has built up.
Meanwhile, the Korea Music Label Industry Association (음레협), which operates the Kindi Lounge, announced the main poster and first lineup of the small-scale popular music performance support project 'Lalalalaon' on the 1st. The '2025 Lalalalaon,' featuring a total of 53 performance venues and 157 artists, will take place from August 16 to November 14 for approximately three months, with reservations available through Melon Ticket. This year features a special program that merges music and literature, with three upcoming book concerts featuring writers and musicians.
[Photo] Korea Music Label Industry Association
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