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| ▲ Korean band KAVE pose for photos at the media showcase for their new album "Flight of Ideas" held in Seoul on July 23, 2024. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- "This time, we decided to showcase something raw rather than a mainstream image. Moving forward with a bold approach will be our unique distinction." (Gaho)
Amid the hot wave of band music this summer, a new band armed with fresh sound and concept has made its debut in the music industry.
KAVE, a five-member band led by singer-songwriter Gaho (vocals), consisting of Jisung (guitar), Hyun (keyboard), Owner (keyboard/DJ), and Kekinu (drums), released their first mini-album 'Flight of Ideas' on the 24th and began their activities.
At the showcase held in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 23rd, KAVE expressed their aspirations, stating, "We want to be described as 'growing selves.' Initially, we were overtaken by an entity called 'Venom,' fought against it, and will eventually reclaim our identities."
KAVE, which stands for 'Kings Always have Veiled Egos,' aims to create a new wave in domestic alternative rock with Gaho's familiar and powerful voice from OSTs like 'Start' from the drama 'Itaewon Class.' All members, being producers, bring substantial musical expertise.
Their music leans more towards EDM and pop rather than traditional rock. Unlike typical bands, KAVE includes Owner, who doubles as a keyboardist and DJ instead of a bassist. KAVE’s rough and dark music significantly contrasts with Gaho’s previously solo, emotionally charged songs.
Hyun explained, "Our concept revolves around duality and the fragmentation of self, so we used a lot of distortion effects rather than conventional instrument sounds to produce unique and unusual sounds."
He added, "To align with our unique image, we filled the bass range with DJ sets and keyboards."
Gaho mentioned, "While the company might disapprove, I thought it would take around five years to convince the public. I never expected to win them over with just one or two albums. I’ve been frequently asked why we don’t make more mainstream music."
He continued, "I believe there is no competitive edge in making mainstream music. We wanted to take on new challenges."
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| ▲ Korean band KAVE pose for photos at the media showcase for their new album "Flight of Ideas" held in Seoul on July 23, 2024. (Yonhap) |
KAVE’s sound and texture are distinct from typical band music. In the pre-released 'Venom' video, Gaho even dances with dancers, a rare sight for a band performance.
Gaho said, "Adding choreography itself is something not commonly seen in bands. We made it to feel ambiguous, whether it's a solo act or a band. We've been practicing for years to show this unique performance."
He added, "We aim to present performances that combine band music and choreography. If we have a solo concert, we plan to collaborate with dancers."
The first mini-album includes the title track 'Legend,' an experimental song combining band sound with Latin rhythms and Afrobeat 'Venom,' a chase scene described by impulsive selves in 'Hurricane,' the intense sound of 'Dangerous,' and 'Die For U,' which blends deep house with R&B, among other tracks.
The title track 'Legend' is a hybrid rock genre song based on shuffle rhythm with added electronic sound.
Kekinu commented, "Each member has different tastes. There’s no overlap in the music we like. So, instead of focusing on music, we matched our 'spirit,' bringing together and organizing the rock spirit each member likes."
Gaho concluded, "KAVE will continue with this concept, and I will pursue my existing character. I aim to separate Gaho and KAVE like 'black' and 'white' and actively promote both."
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