Seoul Evergreen Music Festival

By Mike Durkee

I’ve been to a few concerts here in Korea. It’s mainly been big-name western venues. I enjoy going to concerts where I actually know who’s playing. The Evergreen Music Festival was totally different. There were only Korean acts. There were only Korean people. There was only Korean food. (Actually, I think I remember seeing a Dos Tacos booth at one point) Anyhow, this was something that I wasn’t completely used to or ready for. As far as music goes here, I know of K-Pop and that annoying classic-rock kind of music that taxi drivers always seem to be listening to. You know the kind. It sounds like a cheap knock-off Wayne Newton crossed with Ricky Martin. The singers always do that shaky voice thing. If you’re not following me, you’ll know it when you hear it.

The event was held at Nanji Park on the Han River. Right away, this is a plus. Two reasons- There’s always a pyeonijum, convenience store, at arm’s reach. They’ve got any cheap drink or snack you need. I hate going to venues here and paying out the nose for a paper cup full of Hite. The other reason is that any park on the Han River is a refreshing place to be. It’s like taking a tiny step outside of the city. The buildings look down on you from behind as you stare across the water. The city skyline on the other side acts as the other side of a valley. It’s peaceful.
I got off the train at Olympic Park Stadium and walked for about twenty minutes to the park. Half way there, my partner called and informed me that she was sick and that I would be on my own for the day. This was a total pain in the ass. I was meant to get in, interview a few artists and shoot video of the event. I wasn’t sure how these things worked or if they would even let me in now without my partner and her press pass. When I got to the main gate the security guard stopped me. He asked for my ticket but, of course, I didn’t have one. I told him that I was with the pressed and hoped this might work. It did. Koreans are so trusting. He let me right in and I made my way in to scope out the scene.
The first music I heard was similar to the genre I mentioned above. I couldn’t stand it and so I made my way to the nearest convenience store for a drink and a snack. I retreated to the river and planned out my day of shooting. An older crowd of Koreans dressed in hiking gear, and families got cover from the sun under the large white tent/pavilions looking over the Han. Couples and groups of teenagers were closer to the water. I chilled out here for a bit and made my way back into the concert.
When I walked in I immediately noticed a change in the music. I dreaded that the day would be filled with Wayne Newton and Ricky Martin. It wasn’t. Instead I discovered a folk-indie band called Sogyumo Acacia. This duo’s famous for their song “So Good Bye”. The track that caught my ear was “My Favorite Song”. You can find it on their Myspace page. (http://www.myspace.com/sogyumoacaciaband)
Another act that stood out to me was a young guy named Sungha Jung. You may know him from Youtube, where he gained a ton of fame as a guitar prodigy. I actually didn’t know who he was at first. After hearing him play it was obvious. The kid’s seriously amazing! Check out his music on Youtube. (http://www.youtube.com/jwcfree)
The most famous band (judging by all the screaming teenage girls) was this band of two make-up wearing pretty boys, Band Toxic. They were total flamers… and by that, of course, I mean they had pyrotechnics as part of their show. The music reminded me of the Metallica, but Korean and a bit less manly. Not to say they aren’t talented musicians… but it just kind of seemed like hard rock and K-pop mashed together and watered down.( www.bandtoxic.com )
The sun went down on the Han River and the venue seemed to really fill up. Everything loosened up. The music started to resemble a sort of jam-band sound and people started dancing. It kind of had a Phish show vibe… kind of. There were no doobies, hacky sacks or white guys with dreadlocks.
Looking back at the beginning of the event when I was a bit uneasy about the whole thing, I’ve got to say that it turned out well. It turned out great, as a matter of fact. I got to meet some of the artists. I heard a bunch of great new music. The weather was perfect all throughout the evening. I guess it’s safe to say that the language doesn’t matter. Neither does being the only foreigner at an all-Korean concert. It’s about the music and the vibe. When everyone around you is rocking out with a smile on their face, it’s hard not to do the same.