It is a rare feat in any culture for an underground/alternative music band to successfully crossover into the aural mainstream, but it’s especially hard to accomplish within the general Korean music scene. The remarkable acid jazz/modern rock group Roller Coaster achieved it.
There are stellar bands whose make up derives from the talents of highly respected former star session musicians. The Roller Coaster trio hails from such a background. Jinu (bass and programing), before helping to create the band, worked closely with such luminaries as Lee Seung Hwan and Yu Hui Yeol, not to mention, his own recognized solo work. Jo Won Sun (lead vocals and keyboards) worked on records for such notables as Yoon Jang Sun, Lee Hyun Woo and Yang Hyun Seok. Lee Sang Soon (guitar), whose accomplishments are somewhat overlooked now because of his current relationship with Lee Hyori, is considered one of the field’s most eminent song writers/skilled musicians and he was once part of the noted Baby Blue group.
There are stellar bands whose make up derives from the talents of highly respected former star session musicians. The Roller Coaster trio hails from such a background. Jinu (bass and programing), before helping to create the band, worked closely with such luminaries as Lee Seung Hwan and Yu Hui Yeol, not to mention, his own recognized solo work. Jo Won Sun (lead vocals and keyboards) worked on records for such notables as Yoon Jang Sun, Lee Hyun Woo and Yang Hyun Seok. Lee Sang Soon (guitar), whose accomplishments are somewhat overlooked now because of his current relationship with Lee Hyori, is considered one of the field’s most eminent song writers/skilled musicians and he was once part of the noted Baby Blue group.
On Roller Coaster’s beginnings, songstress Jo commented, “It was natural, in a way, for all of us to come together. We were familiar with each other through encounters at numerous recording sessions and gigs. Jinu and I had always wanted to form a group, but the timing was never quite right or the other needed individual to complete it wasn’t right. Then, one day, with Lee, it all came together.” Lee recalls, “I have always loved jazz (he studied jazz at the prestigious Conservatory of Amsterdam)…the chemistry was just there with Jo and Jinu.”
Roller Coaster was the first band to perform and create acid jazz (music that incorporates elements of jazz, funk and hip hop with a particularly looped beat) in Korea. These pioneers slowly amassed an ever growing following that went from underground to finally mainstream with the release of their debut album Come To Me (1999). The band’s groovetronica expression is a melodically intricate, mellow and diverse sound with an ever present jazz motif and, at times, offering poignant lyrics. Jo’s distinctive delivery and voice has some reviewers dubbing her as “Korea’s Sade.”
Rollercoaster-Come To Me
Considering the type of music issuing forth from Roller Coaster, it seems ironic that they have such a name. Jinu pointed out with a grin, “We chose the name because our overall music is always exploring and experimenting with new twists and turns in sound and feeling. It’s always exciting.”
Roller Coaster’s last studio album was the innovatively impacting Triangle (2006). However, it’s the exquisite live double CD album Ride On Live that speaks volumes of the band’s power and influence. At the time when it was released, the music scene was flooded with over produced pop, imitative rap and basically less creativity and experimentation with the genre. The threesome boldly proclaimed pop can have depth and intricacy.
The individuals of the band have continued to influence the scene via their solo activities. Jinu or “DJ Jinu” is a creative force on the Korean techno/electro/house club circuit. He released an impressive E.P. Global Warning (2008) and numerous singles like Pump Up. Jinu continues to work with other artists such as Brown Eye Girls. When the members of Brown Eyed Girls were looking to change their image and style, they brought in Jinu. He co-composed (with Lee Min Su) their stunning hit Abracadabra.
Jo Won Sun has released a delightful solo album Swallow (2009) with half the songs being written with fellow band mate Lee. The album and its promotion visually and aurally show Jo’s evolution from perky singer into a true sultry jazz chanteuse. Also, her impressive yet effortless sounding voice can be heard on several sound tracks, such as the one for Spring Bears Love/Do You like Spring Bear?
Lee Sang Soon has worked on several OST himself and, with the venerable Kim Dong Ryul, created the album Verandah Project – Day Off (2010), which is mainly balladesque tunes concerning romance, friendship and travel. Speaking of romance and friendship, last year, Sang Soon met Lee Hyori during a fund raising album project and produced her charity single Remember.
Roller Coaster was the first band to perform and create acid jazz (music that incorporates elements of jazz, funk and hip hop with a particularly looped beat) in Korea. These pioneers slowly amassed an ever growing following that went from underground to finally mainstream with the release of their debut album Come To Me (1999). The band’s groovetronica expression is a melodically intricate, mellow and diverse sound with an ever present jazz motif and, at times, offering poignant lyrics. Jo’s distinctive delivery and voice has some reviewers dubbing her as “Korea’s Sade.”
Considering the type of music issuing forth from Roller Coaster, it seems ironic that they have such a name. Jinu pointed out with a grin, “We chose the name because our overall music is always exploring and experimenting with new twists and turns in sound and feeling. It’s always exciting.”
Roller Coaster’s last studio album was the innovatively impacting Triangle (2006). However, it’s the exquisite live double CD album Ride On Live that speaks volumes of the band’s power and influence. At the time when it was released, the music scene was flooded with over produced pop, imitative rap and basically less creativity and experimentation with the genre. The threesome boldly proclaimed pop can have depth and intricacy.
The individuals of the band have continued to influence the scene via their solo activities. Jinu or “DJ Jinu” is a creative force on the Korean techno/electro/house club circuit. He released an impressive E.P. Global Warning (2008) and numerous singles like Pump Up. Jinu continues to work with other artists such as Brown Eye Girls. When the members of Brown Eyed Girls were looking to change their image and style, they brought in Jinu. He co-composed (with Lee Min Su) their stunning hit Abracadabra.
Jo Won Sun has released a delightful solo album Swallow (2009) with half the songs being written with fellow band mate Lee. The album and its promotion visually and aurally show Jo’s evolution from perky singer into a true sultry jazz chanteuse. Also, her impressive yet effortless sounding voice can be heard on several sound tracks, such as the one for Spring Bears Love/Do You like Spring Bear?
Lee Sang Soon has worked on several OST himself and, with the venerable Kim Dong Ryul, created the album Verandah Project – Day Off (2010), which is mainly balladesque tunes concerning romance, friendship and travel. Speaking of romance and friendship, last year, Sang Soon met Lee Hyori during a fund raising album project and produced her charity single Remember.
Will Lee Sang Soon have an influence on the once plagiarism embroiled Lee Hyori’s new album? Lee, “She knows quite well what she wants and what her fans want. We have different musical styles, but I might be asked for some advice concerning the recording process.’
With all these outside projects, some wonder, has Roller Coaster disbanded? Jo replies, “No. We are sort resting right now as, at the moment, we’re virtually done. Roller Coaster still exists.”
While waiting their return, roll with Roller Coaster via their many offered musical rides.
Photo credit: Online community, Lee Hyori′s Twitter
With all these outside projects, some wonder, has Roller Coaster disbanded? Jo replies, “No. We are sort resting right now as, at the moment, we’re virtually done. Roller Coaster still exists.”
While waiting their return, roll with Roller Coaster via their many offered musical rides.
Photo credit: Online community, Lee Hyori′s Twitter
