Blowing Minds: Interview with …Whatever That Means
What do you make of the resurgence of vinyl (and even cassettes)? Do you feel the desire for vinyl is as strong in Korea as it has become in the US in recent years?
Jeff: Vinyl has always been a big part of the punk scene in the US. I wish I would’ve bought more when I was younger. Seeing it grow in popularity lately is great. There’s something about holding a vinyl record in your hands that just feels better than a CD or downloading a bunch of music. There’s something more fun about looking through a shelf full of records for something to listen to than scrolling through iTunes. Vinyl definitely isn’t as popular in Korea, but you’re seeing more and more places that carry it. There’s even a pressing plant that opened here a couple years ago. From what I’ve heard, they’re not quite up to standard yet, but hopefully they will be soon. That’d be a game changer.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about the music industry in Korea?
Jeff: Well, that depends on what you consider the “music industry.” I guess the answer people expect is that Korea is more than just K-pop. That’s definitely true. Korea has some of the best underground bands I’ve ever seen. But the truth is, bands like us are almost completely separated from the actual music industry here in Korea. That’s part of why Korea has so many great underground bands though. There are no big labels trying to swoop in and steal them away so they keep playing in the local scene, and the whole thing just keeps getting better and better.
Biggest pet peeves?
Trash: Bands who show up just before their set and leave immediately after.
Do you have any favorite performance memories you’d be willing to share with us?
Jeff: Like I mentioned earlier, our show in Tacoma was one of the best we’ve had. We knew it was a house show, but when we pulled up to the address they gave us, it was in a really nice neighborhood, and we thought maybe we were at the wrong place. Nope. A bunch of punks had rented a house there and turned the basement into a venue. They crammed way more people into that basement than they should have and everyone went nuts. Then after the show, it turned into a big party and we all just hung out in the house all night. One of our other biggest highlights came on that same tour. We got to play at 924 Gilman Street in Berkeley, California. I great up listening to bands like Green Day, Rancid, and Operation Ivy who got their start playing at Gilman. It was amazing to get to play on that same stage as well.
Any final words for the YAM readers?
Trash: Just thanks for taking the time to check out a local band from Seoul. Hope you all enjoy the new album, and if you’re able to, come out to a show while we’re on tour.
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You can listen to & buy all of …Whatever That Means’ music on Bandcamp.
Follow their escapades on tour on Facebook
And for our followers on the West Coast in the US, be sure to check out one of their tour dates. They start on July 23rd in Las Vegas. Full dates are on the poster below:
