Seoul Music: The Rise of Korean R&B
The Short Documentary Features R&B Singers Gallant and Lee Hi
Breakout artist Gallant has teamed with longtime partner Red Bull Sound Select to create ‘Seoul Music: The Rise of Korean R&B,’ a short doc chronicling his exploration of the country’s emerging KR&B scene with South Korean soul R&B singer Lee Hi. On the road to headline Jisan Valley Rock Festival, Gallant sits with rapper Tablo, DJ Soulscape and Korean artist Jinbo the SuperFreak to discuss South Korea’s musical history and influences. ‘Seoul Music’ culminates in Gallant’s performance of “Skipping Stones” with rising star Lee Hi during his headlining slot at Jisan Valley Rock Festival in South Korea, the last show of his Grammy-nominated Ology tour.
“The amount of love that I have for Seoul is never ending,” states Gallant. “I was a fan of K-Pop back in high school and later on in college it kind of took over as the leading Eastern musical genre.Over time Korean artists started writing their own songs and creating their own movements, which was the thread that pulled me into learning more about the history and delving into exactly what this emerging KR&B scene was really like.”
Gallant links with rapper Tablo in ‘Seoul Music,’ a relationship born from their wildly popular collaboration on “Cave Me In” with Eric Nam earlier this year. With his performance at the MNET Awards last December, Gallant has seen his popularity on the continent explode over the past year, including a sold out headlining show in Seoul and his recent festival performance.
Watch ‘Seoul Music’ now: win.gs/seoulmusic
More About Gallant:
Gallant arrived on the scene and was quickly labeled the “breakthrough artist of 2015” with “the voice that will redefine R&B” by Billboard and NME respectively before even releasing his debut LP, the GRAMMY nominated Ology in 2016. With Ology came performances at the White House, a tour with John Legend, shows with Elton John and Seal, a “30 Under 30 of 2017” from Forbes, and Billboard’s #1 moment of Coachella. Gallant released “Skipping Stones feat. Jhene Aiko” (prod. by Adrian Younge, co-prod. by Stint) via Red Bull Sound Select in early 2016, with the track later being released on Gallant’s critically acclaimed debut LP. The LA locals filmed the video for “Skipping Stones” with director duo American Millennial (Sia, M83, School of Seven Bells). While the video is shot from the viewpoint of one camera, it captures the unique experience and perspective of both of the song’s voices.
More About Lee Hi:
Lee Hi (born on September 23, 1996), is a well-known South Korean singer. She first appeared on national television as a contestant for a famous Korean competition program called KPOP Star Season 1. She received second place, and soon after debuted on November 4th, 2012 as a solo artist. As a musician, Lee Hi is widely acclaimed for being able to express her genuine and innermost emotions through her unique voice. Since her debut, she released several albums and received the Golden Disc Award Song Division in 2017 and the Golden Disc Award for New Rising Star Award in Digital Music in 2013.
About Red Bull Sound Select:
Red Bull Sound Select is an accelerator for music artists. We support them by collaborating on ambitious projects and ideas; using the strength of our global network together witha collective of artists, creatives and events to accelerate their growth. The network consists of 20 city residencies, 200+ events each year, 250+ artists, 50 partners and a growing list of our own festivals like 30 Days and 3 Days.
Red Bull Sound Select has released several two-song digital singles from its top hand-picked artists, including:
Jazz Cartier’s “Nobody’s Watching / Make A Mess,” featuring Ro Ransom, produced by Mike WiLL Made-It
Montell2099’s “Hunnid on the Drop” featuring 21 Savage
Sampa the Great’s HERoes Act 2 EP featuring Estelle, produced by Rahki
Xavier Omär’s “Afraid” featuring GoldLink, Hit-Boy and Bizness Boi
Pell’s “Patience” / “Late At Night” featuring MNEK, produced by London On Da Track
Tennyson’s “Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday” featuring BJ the Chicago Kid with Mr. Carmack
Mick Jenkins’ “Drowning” featuring BADBADNOTGOOD
River Tiber’s “Illusions” featuring Pusha T, produced by River Tiber, KAYTRANADA & Doc McKinney
Gallant’s “Skipping Stones” featuring Jhené Aiko
G Herbo’s “Lord Knows” featuring Joey Bada$$
Featured Photo Credit : Minkyu Rha / Red Bull Content Pool