Wave to Earth

Wave to Earth was formed when Kim Daniel and Shin Dongkyu were in middle school.^[4] They said they formed a band with the ambition of "showing music that makes a new wave."^[2] They debuted with the single "Wave" on August 23, 2019, with a new member Cha Soonjong.^[5] While the three of them are the official members, the session members also include Jo Jung-geun (keyboard), Jeon-min (saxophone), and Hong Seung-gi, an artwork member. The band's unique sound, blending soft indie rock with jazz influences, has garnered an international fanbase, particularly through streaming platforms, marking them as a standout in South Korea's indie scene. They released two EPs in January 2020: Wave 0.01 and Summer Flows 0.02.^[6] They signed with Wavy, the label where Colde is the owner, in 2021.^[7] They had a live performance with La Poem on Naver Onstage.^[8] In 2023, they released their first studio album, 0.1 Flaws and All.^[2][9] Following the release of 0.1 flaws and all, the band released a documentary on the process of creating their new album on their youtube channel. The band did a studio lock-in and completely lived with each other while creating the album, having fun during the day and working through the night. Daniel describes the memories as fun, fulfilling and challenging. Daniel Kim described the album’s A-side as centered on love and happiness, not romantic love, but affection for his bandmates, friends, and family, and an appreciation of the time spent with them. The B side takes a darker twist on love, taking on themes of heartbreak and desire.^[10] They were included in the lineup of South Korean rock festivals, including the Seoul Jazz Festival and Pentaport Rock Festival, and The Other Festival in Indonesia.^[11][12] Wave to Earth recently completed a sold-out North American tour in September 2023.^[13] On September 6, 2024, they released their latest studio album entitled Play with Earth! 0.03.^[3][14]

• Kim Daniel – lead vocals, guitars (2019–present)
• Cha Soon-jong – bass guitar (2019–present)
• Shin Dong-gyu – drums, percussion (2019–present)

The band's musical identity is rooted in the artists who first inspired its members to pursue music. Lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Kim credits musicians like Radiohead, Oasis, Jeff Buckley, Ryan Beatty, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Oscar Jerome, Ellegarden, and King Krule as the artists who sparked his passion for creating music and influences. Drummer Dong Q points to Oasis, along with Sunset Rollercoaster, and bassist John Cha cited artists such as Tame Impala, Boy Pablo, Vacations, Prince, Bon Iver, and Benny Sings.^[15]