Singer Jung Joon-young, known for his rise to widespread fame through the audition program “Superstar K” and his more recent work as an MC and actor, is returning to the stage as the frontman for the new quartet Jung Joon-young Band.
“When I first signed with my company, it was agreed that I would eventually work with a band,” Jung said at a media showcase held at the MUV Hall in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Wednesday. “Since I started music with a band, it was actually hard for me to bring out my true style when working by myself. I thought I needed to go back to what I knew. This seemed like the right time.”
Jung Joon-young Band’s first eight-track EP “Escape to Hangover” touches base with the singer’s rocker roots, spanning alternative rock, hard rock and garage rock tracks.
The Jung Joon-young Band poses for the media at MUV Hall Wednesday. From left: Drummer Drok.Q, bassist Sukwon, singer Jung Joon-young, guitarist DammIt (CJ E&M)
The feature track “OMG” ― produced by Bon Jovi producer Brian Howes ― begins with a catchy guitar riff set to steady, pounding drums. The swaggering verses build up to a crashing chorus where the two guitars, drums and bass are all in full force.
The sound is impressive, and the band members provide equally impressive showmanship to fill out the performance. The three members who join Jung onstage are no strangers to the live rock scene ― guitarist DammIt is a former member of the acclaimed band Vanilla Unity, while bassist Sukwon and drummer Drok.Q are former members of the band Munk.
“When I first heard about the offer to play with Joon-young, I wasn’t sure about his musical style,” DammIt said. “I mostly knew him through variety programs, and I thought it would be a one-time thing. But working together, we fit really well, and now we’re determined to keep this going.”
Jung and DammIt worked together on all of the tracks on the album, but all of the members helped to arrange the songs to allow their talents to shine.
“I created the big frameworks for the songs, and each member tweaked their part to their liking,” Jung said. “I love garage rock, so we listened to garage rock songs and worked on the music together. It turned out really well.”
Jung also spoke of his excitement about getting back on the stage.
“I didn’t really get to perform live recently, but now we’ve got performances lined up one after another,” he said. “I think we’ll have a really good time.”
Jung Joon-young Band’s first EP “Escape to Hangover” was released Wednesday.
By Won Ho-jung (hjwon@heraldcorp.com)