Leenalchi

Leenalchi (이날치)
Leenalchi at WOMAD in 2023
Leenalchi at WOMAD in 2023
Background information
OriginSeoul, South Korea
Genrespansori, Alternative rock, gugak
Years active2019–present
LabelsHIKE
Members
  • Kwon Song-hee
  • An Yi-ho
  • Jang Young-gyu
  • Jeon Hyo-jeong
  • Noddy Woo
  • Lee Yong-jin
Past members
  • Lee Chul-hee
  • Lee Narae
  • Shin Yu-jin
  • Jeong Jung-yeop
  • Park Soo-beom
  • Park Jun-cheol

Leenalchi (Korean: 이날치) is a South Korean pansori pop band formed in 2019.

Members

The band has a unique lineup, with two female and one male traditional Korean singers, two bassists and a drummer. The traditional singers are graduates of Seoul National University's traditional music department.[1] Bassist Jang Young-gyu scored the films "The Wailing" (2016) and "Train to Busan" (2016) and played bass for SsingSsing. Fellow bassist Jeong Jung-yeop previously played bass for Kiha and the Faces. Drummer Lee Chul-hee was also drummer for SsingSsing. The band is named after Lee Nal-chi, a pansori master and jultagi performer of the 1880s. All members participate in coming up with a song in a rhythmic way, "like a Wikipedia article written by many contributors".[2] The band members met during a 2018 performance of "Dragon King" at the Asia Culture Center in Gwangju.[3]

Work

Their first album was influenced by the pansori play Sugungga.[4] The band released its track "Tiger is Coming" as a non-fungible token.[5] Leenalchi were featured in the 2022 Netflix documentary mini-series Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream., performing in an episode about Seoul's nightlife.[6]

Reception

The band has achieved considerable success, appearing in the Korea Tourism Organization "Feel the Rhythm of Korea" video series[7] promoting the cities of Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, Mokpo, Andong, Gangneung, and Incheon[8] and winning three prizes at the Korean Music Awards in 2021 for Musician of the Year, Best Modern Rock Song, and Best Jazz & Crossover Album.[9] Judges called it the "sexiest album of 2020".[10] The band frequently collaborates with Ambiguous Dance Company.[11]

Members

References

  1. ^ Shin, Yu-jin. "Excitement explodes in Seoul national university". Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  2. ^ Park, Ji-won (7 July 2020). "Leenalchi blends alternative pop, traditional pansori". The Korea Times. Retrieved 9 August 2021.
  3. ^ Kim, Ho-jeong (30 July 2020). "Breathing new life, and rhythm, into traditional Korean music". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  4. ^ Kang, Haeryung (13 July 2020). "Korean Pop, Away From The Hit Factories". NPR. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  5. ^ Yoon, Soyeon (25 June 2021). "Leenalchi to release 'Tiger is Coming' as an NFT". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  6. ^ Lee, Si-jin (2022-02-06). "Netflix's 'Midnight Asia' director brings Asian nightlife to light with personal stories". koreaherald.com. The Korea Herald. Retrieved 2024-08-05. traditional Korean music-inspired band Leenalchi star in "Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream."
  7. ^ "Tourism promotion videos featuring Leenalchi back with more Korean cities". Korea JoongAng Daily. Yonhap. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  8. ^ "Sequel to Feel the Rhythm of Korea Revealed!". Korea Tourism Organization. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  9. ^ Lee, Minji (18 February 2021). "BTS, Leenalchi, Jeongmilla sweep prizes at Korean Music Awards". Yonhap. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  10. ^ Kim, Hoo-ran (26 February 2021). "Swift as a flying fish, Leenalchi breaks new ground". Korea Herald. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  11. ^ Byun, Hye-jin (26 May 2021). "Leenalchi, Ambiguous Dance Company return to LG Arts Center". Korea Herald. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  12. ^ "K-MUSIC 2023: LEENALCHI + JAMBINAI ⁠". KCCUK. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  13. ^ "안녕하세요. 이날치입니다. ⁠". Instagram. Retrieved November 8, 2023.