A-FUZZ – the Power of Music and Kindness

This Korean Indie-Band made me realize what that means

After 31 months of covid-related cancellations, we finally made it to Korea. We are enjoying deep cultural and culinary immersion, of which an important part is experiencing this special Korean Kindness – “Jeong” (정).

I went to a concert of my favourite Korean Indie band, A-FUZZ. The venue was SoundDog, a cool intimate jazz club in a back alley near Seoul Station. After attending a 2020 concert I have followed A-FUZZ and got to know the drummer, Sun Mi. It’s difficult for foreigners to book performance tickets in Korea, so Sun Mi reserved one for me.

Fan or Friend – or both?

In 2020 I had a memorable conversation with a local musician in Hongdae, that fan and friend are two very different things: Especially the better-known musicians simply can’t be everyone’s friend, so my aspirations to move from fan to friend were inappropriate. But then this:

When I stood in front of SoundDog, wondering if this was the right venue, Sun Mi and her fellow musicians emerged from a small alley, greeting me by name. After a joint photo-op, she guided me to my specially reserved seat, the best of all in terms of vision and acoustics. As a good old (sigh) German, I came really early and could witness the rest of the audience gradually moving in. They were all half my age at the most. I felt good that the club owner was closer to my years.

Korean Kindness (정) is special!

Then A-FUZZ let her rip:

The band has a captivating mix of groove and virtuosity. I’d call the genre jazz-funk. What I like so much about them as individuals is that they are modest and authentic, and yet ray a cool stage presence. They do it like they mean it!

During the break, I got a text from Sun Mi, inviting me to sample the dumplings she brought. I happily complied. I asked them how they survived covid – as musicians and as a band. After a deep sigh they stated that they had to cancel all their concerts. Fortunately they are free-lance music teachers, which kept them afloat financially.

What I like about Korean Audiences

They are so enthusiastic and respectful – be it at SoundDog, at a traditional Korean music performance (National Gugak Center), or a chamber concert of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (Arah Shin’s violin was out of this world). My neighbour in the audience was a very nice young lady, who also could not avoid moving to the rhythm. I learned that she works on policy related to ESG (holistic sustainability).

After the concert, the band offered a photo-op with a few eager fans. It was all so personal and kind. Sun Mi asked me how I would get back to our place in Hongdae – making sure I would be safe. The Seoul Metro is the world’s best – clean, safe, fast, covering all of this city of 25 million. I texted her my safe arrival. After I was on my way to the subway, I discovered that I had forgotten my mask at SoundDog. I rushed back, only to be greeted by the owner “are you looking for your mask?” He gave me a brand new one. It is this kindness that attracts me to Korean people.

The Pandemic is over – YOLO!

Many young and older Koreans these days have “You Only Live Once” on their minds. I’m dreaming of having A-FUZZ come to Canada and perform at the Yukon Arts Centre. And I consider Sun Mi to be my friend! Here is A-FUZZ on YouTube.