An instrumentalist is often treated as the mere backdrop of a singer. It is hard for this person to expose themselves in front of people. In Korean pop music industry, singing is regarded as more important part than playing instruments. Even in a famous idol band, only the vocalist will be spotlighted. I think it needs a balanced approach.
Poor Conditions to Band Performers
Band-culture plays a key role in enhancing the creative spirit and help to develop Korean music industry. Unfortunately, Korean pop music culture is extremely focused on idol groups nowadays. The foundation of culture in Korea is shaky. Futhermore, many young people tend to follow general trends like hip-hop and idol music. Minority band-music groups are likely to have difficulty in doing that in current circumstances. The problem is that they lost the creative spirit. In addition, there are not many places to perform.
Media for the Public
A musician should have a diversity of music in their personal album. However, entertainment companies pursue commercial viability, not diversity. So there, is no choice for the public but to watch what media covered.
These days, <C'es si Bon> makes '8090 wave' and <I Am Singer>, MBC program, sheds a new light on singers who have remarkable singing talent. These attempts of broadcasting enthuse people to watch various kinds of music, away from idols.
Is Indi-band Singing "True"?
Cramming education system is much to blame for its failure to encourage creative thinking. We do not have chances to express our thoughts and expressions freely. Under these situations, Indi-band seems to produce more creative music works unlike others. But this does not necessary mean that they
Hand Rock is Rather Unusual to Korean
Koreans enjoy eating, drinking, singing, dancing and they love them. So, it is no wonder that singer-oriented music (which is easy to sing) is progressed. Koreans are often said to have much resentment. Lyrics may well be popular for that reason. You can feel resistant-featured spirit of rock even in acoustic guitar. Just the way of expression is not exposed wildly. Due to the culture of Confucianism, it is hard to enjoy rock music which has aggressive band melody. All participants regardless of ages jump and make friends in concert in foreign countries. But in Korea elderly Koreans do not go to rock concert. This is why hard rock music cannot grow in Korea.
Musician's Income
In Korea, there are not many places to play music. Additionally, there is a big difference between Korean and abroad in revenue system. In Korea, only nightclub pays for band's performance. Audiences do not have to pay for band's performance. This is why band's income is reducing. It is common abroad that listeners pay for a cover charge to the band. When band comes to club, the audience have to pay more entrance fee for band's performance. It is called as cover charge. Also, there is a problem in low income band, too. Musicians must improve their abilities highter. If a live hall is owned by government, it must not try to make profits except for the cost of maintaining and repairing. Profits are made by high venue rental fees. A band needs to force the audience through their excellent performance.
Government Should Consider All the People Who Engage in Music Industry.
There is no problem in policy direction. But the trouble is made when policy is carried out. When government practices policy, she should listen to many people's opinions. Making a fast decision by depending on Korean's 'hurry-up culture' is not good. Politicians are not exceptions because they are not attentive. In the case of Olympic Hall politicians only accept singer's opinions, giving no ear to other musicians. Muse Hall has recently remodeled this time. However, it is not a good place for performance. If politicians collected all voices containing a singer and a music instrumentalist both, this problem did not occur.
Singer Coexist with Performer on the stage
Korean entertainment companies usually ignore players. That is, they largely depend on MR(Music Recorded). If Mariah Carey sing with only accompaniment tape, she will get angry. But the fact is that finding performing artist in Korean singers team is very hard. This time, our band played real instruments in 2NE1's music video. YG entertainment said that performing with real sound is really good and he want to have band in next music video or concert too. With real players, entertainments can make a big differnece. When entertainment and player are combined, synergy efforts will naturally come out.
My Story
Although I usually make a CCM, I want to release my own album. The theme of my first album would be 'rest'. I want to make relaxing music. When a player makes an album, he or she often cares to show off techniques too much. This time, I will show techniques in control and make music that strikes the chord with the audience.
Ending
To people who play instruments
Above all, to enjoy the process itself is needed. Enjoy playing to the full is a big pleasure. Have fun with music when you are not a professional musician. All I want to say is "Just enjoy playing!!"
yukixiah@cnu.ac.kr
By Moon Hye-lin CP Cub-reporter
cloea7@cnu.ac.kr