Spotlight Indie

Those with their ears close to the ground will undoubtedly be aware of the abundance of good independent music here in Korea. Both Koreans and expats alike are producing tunes that are on a par with any other music scene on the planet. Indeed, there is a mini indie revolution taking place in Korea and the world’s DJ’s are beginning to take notice.

One such DJ, David Candler, has been showcasing Korean based indie talent on his ‘Korean Homesick Blues’ podcast. In his weekly show David plays some of his favorite acts that he has discovered since arriving in this fair old land. Upon first listen one is struck by the varied nature of Korean Homesick Blues. The listener is introduced to many different styles of music in the same show. This makes it interesting and unique. Indeed, it is very reminiscent of the late great, John Peel. One minute you’ll be listening to a hard and fast punk rock act, the next you’ll be feeling relaxed as you are surrounded by melodic indie rock. It’s a formula that works well as the unpredictable nature of the playlist creates a sense of anticipation.

Fundamentally, Korean Homesick Blues is a music lover’s show. It’s a show produced and presented by a music lover designed to cater for those who have music in their heart. True music lovers recognize that good music is good music and is not necessarily genre specific.

Korean Homesick Blues' varied, ‘Peelesque’ nature, warrants global appeal. This is because there are few out there who do not feel obliged to stick to industry convention. It could be argued that the modern DJ waits for music to come to them, rather than getting their hands dirty, so to speak, by listening to the mass of indie talent out there. David Candler is one man who is not afraid to get ‘out there’. In that regard he does not follow convention.

I met him by chance one evening when attending a gig in Seoul. The gig itself showcased a wide variety of indie talent. David, a tall figure of man, was quietly observing at the back, no doubt taking notes for his indie podcast. It’s a form of dedication which is admirable and to be encouraged for any up and coming DJ.

It may seem as if this is a Dave Candler appreciation story but it shouldn’t be taken that way. The point of the story is this: if you are an indie band in Korea there are people here who will take notice. Dave isn’t leading the revolution, we all are. Keep doing what you are doing. Make good music. Tune into the Korean Homesick Blues Podcast and send your music there. You never know who might be listening.

http://koreanhomesickblues.podbean.com/


Oliver Philpott