Members of the rock band YB, led by Yoon Do-hyun on vocals, are dipping their toes into a unique collaboration project with one of the nation’s leading R&B and ballad front men, Bobby Kim.

In an effort to end the year on a high note, the musicians of YB and Kim have decided to host a special series of collaborative concerts at the end of the month to give fans a taste of music that they would otherwise not be able to hear from either of the artists.

“We decided to come together because we wanted to incorporate Bobby Kim’s soul and blues vibe with our rock sound,” said Yoon during a press showcase held at V Hall in Hongdae on Monday. “This time around, Bobby Kim will show that he knows how to pull off rock ’n’ roll, while we will be showing people that YB can add different colors to our music.”

“I have been a guest performer at a number of YB concerts in the past, as well as just attending some of their shows,” said Kim. “When I saw them performing on ‘I Am a Singer,’ I was blown away by their talent, so from then on I wanted to find an opportunity for us to be able to make music together.”

During the showcase, Kim and the band gave a sneak preview of some of the live mash-up singles that will be featured in their upcoming concert, including mash-ups of Kim’s “One More Drink” and YB’s “Tarzan,” as well as the ballad singer’s “Let Me Say Goodbye” and the rocker’s “Dreamer” single.

The “Dreamer” collaboration showed off the two acts’ soft and soulful side, while the “One More Drink” remix showcased quite the opposite, with the mash-up single coming off as an Elvis-inspired blues-rock track that had Kim belting his soprano reaches and Yoon shredding the harmonica.

“I think we will be the kings of rock ’n’ roll this winter,” said YB guitarist Scott Hellowel. “You just wait.”

Both Kim and Yoon also noted that they realized their fan bases seem to be on opposite ends of the spectrum, and that they are hoping their stab at mixing R&B and rock can create a musical synergy that appeals to a wider audience.

“I think (because) of the hard nature of YB’s music we tend to have a lot (more) … male fans than we do females,” the YB leader explained. “On the other hand, Bobby tends to have a lot more female fans … maybe with our collaboration this can start to change.”

“I like girls ― I’m fine with the way things are,” Kim quipped.

YB and Kim will start their nationwide tour in Daegu and Busan before returning to Seoul for three joint concerts on Dec. 27 and 28 at Kyung Hee University’s Peace Amphitheater. Ticket prices range from 77,000 won to 132,000 won and can be purchased online at Yes24 or at Interpark.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)