151

Profile/Giveaway #2: YI SUNG YOL

First, I’d like to say that I know having lots of ads can be distracting on blogs. I’ve deliberated a lot on which ad blocks to use or not, and I’m never perfectly satisfied. But the ads are also why I’m able to give away free stuff like this, so there’s that silver lining.

Since the last free CD giveaway (and artist profile) went over pretty well — hey, what free stuff doesn’t, right? — I thought I’d continue with another great but overlooked artist, singer-songwriter Yi Sung Yol. (Also spelled Lee Seung Yeol/이승열.)

The Rules: Like last time, leave a comment with your email address so I can contact winners. I’ll give away FOUR CDs — winner gets his/her choice of CD, either Yi’s first album “이날, 이때, 이즈음에…” or his second, “In Exchange.”

Giveaway closes: A week from today, noon PST on Friday, June 20 27. I’ll close entries then and post winners later that day.

SONG OF THE DAY

Yi Sung Yol – “우리는” (Us) from the soundtrack of Que Sera Sera (reposted from an earlier post).
[ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 

 

THE MUSIC & DISCOGRAPHY

Yi Sung Yol is a singer and songwriter currently enjoying a successful career as a solo artist as well as being a frequent contributor to drama and film soundtracks; his (mainstream) profile took off in earnest after he collaborated with groove-electronic group Clazziquai in singing the theme song “Be My Love” (posted below) for 2005’s My Name Is Kim Samsoon.

His modern rock sound has drawn comparisons to U2, although I think that’s perhaps more because of the timbre of his voice (comparing it to Bono) than the music itself. Although his solo career got its start in 2003 with his first album, Yi’s roots in the Korean modern rock scene go back much farther — he debuted in 1994 as half of rock duo U&ME BLUE with his college buddy Bang Joon-seok. At the time, Seo Taiji & the Boys was enjoying popularity in the kpop mainstream for introducing a new dance-pop-rap sound, while the Western world was in the throes of the alt-rock and grunge movements — Brit-rock had Oasis, Blur and Pulp; the States had Pearl Jam and Nirvana.

U&ME BLUE’s style differed from existing kpop genres, neither a part of Seo Taiji’s dance-pop (which itself changed significantly in subsequent years) nor the underground club scene. The duo was part of a “new Korean rock” sound, and put out two albums, disbanding in 1997. The two friends went their separate ways professionally (they remain good friends personally), and Bang Joon-seok went on to a successful film soundtrack career.

Albums:

U&ME BLUE Vol. 1 “Nothing’s Good Enough” (1994)
U&ME BLUE Vol. 2 “Cry Our Wannabe Nation” (1996)
Yi Sung Yol Vol. 1: “이날, 이때, 이즈음에…” (This day, this time, this moment…) (2003)
Yi Sung Yol Vol. 2: “In Exchange” (2007)

Soundtrack contributions:

Wonderful Days (2003)
…ing (2003)
Duelist (2005)
My Name Is Kim Samsoon (2005)
One Fine Day (2006)
Que Sera Sera (2007)
Spotlight (2008)

Official website: http://www.syblue.co.kr/

 
Yi Sung Yol & Clazziquai – “Be My Love” from the OST of My Name Is Kim Samsoon [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Yi Sung Yol – “비상” (emergency) from the OST of Wonderful Days. [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 

THE EARLY YEARS: U&ME BLUE

Born in 1970, Yi Sung Yol spent much of his life abroad in the U.S., attending New York’s Binghamton University, which is where he met Bang Joon-seok in their freshman year. The two were roommates and got along well; both enjoyed music and played guitar, which made dreams of forming a band a natural progression.

One of their early musical moments was an event sponsored an Asian organization at which both performed — Yi Sung Yol sang an Lee Seung Chul song, while Bang Joon-seok, who spent his adolescence in Chile, sang a Chilean song. They began writing together, accumulating a catalog of songs over the next several years, recording their songs as four-track analog recordings.

After graduating, Yi returned to Korea, and Bang to China. Both wanted to continue with music (despite parental opposition), so Bang traveled to Korea under the excuse of going on vacation, but in reality to reunite with Yi and pursue music. They knew a writer at a broadcast station and sent their demo tapes everywhere. Eventually, two places contacted them.

One of those was Song Studios, a sort of hub for musicians and songwriters in the ’90s, run by Song Hong-sub, whom the artists called Captain Song. He had two categories for music: interesting or not. He found U&ME Blue’s tape interesting. They liked Song Studios. It was 1993.

 

 
TAKING A BREAK

U&ME BLUE put out two albums and remained relatively underground in the rock scene — in fact, most of their popularity came belatedly after both partners went on to more (commercially) successful solo careers. (These days, their out-of-print albums sell for upwards of $100 each.) Perhaps they were just before their time. At that point, however, Yi began doubting whether he could make a career of music. It seems that during this period, Yi had not only a professional slump but a musical one as well — after U&ME broke up in 1997, Yi returned to ordinary life, dissatisfied with his odd jobs but needing to make a living. He used his English skills to take a job as a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam instructor, and interviewed with an insurance company. At one point, he even re-enrolled in school to study mass communication.

In 1999, Yi started working with friend and began writing songs again, doing his own programming and guitar-playing. After working on his music for a year, he was struck with a growing desire to put together an album, but had nowhere to release it. Without any traditional outlets for distribution, he even considered uploading a “single album” online to an mp3 site.

It’s at that point that he happened to run into Song Hong-sub (of Song Studios) while living back in the States. Song told Yi that if he was really interested in putting out a solo album, he wanted to work together. Soon after, Yi received a call from Song, telling him, “The situation looks good now, so let’s draw up a contract.” This was 2000.

By the time Yi returned to Korea, his former partner Bang had established himself as a successful film composer, serving as music director for hits like Park Chan-wook‘s Joint Security Area. Yi continued working on his demos until, in 2002, the main engineer working at Song Studios, Kim Byung-chan, moved to the label Fluxus Music.

 
Yi Sung Yol – “푸른 너를 본다” (Looking at a blue you). [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Yi Sung Yol – “다행-믿어지니” (Do you believe it?). [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 
GOING SOLO

Yi released his solo debut album in 2003 with Fluxus, “이날, 이때, 이즈음에…” (This day, this time, this moment…), with the track “Secret” as the album’s single. His music had evolved from his earlier days into a more grown-up sound — more contemplative and abstract. But he kept traces of his musical roots; U&ME BLUE incorporated elements of blues and jazz into their rock, which can be heard in Yi’s first solo album as well. The songs were more lyrical, and Yi explains that he now enjoys writing lyrics much more than he had back in his U&ME days; he’s more attentive to nuance these days. In answer to the question of why he uses English lyrics in many of his songs, he answers that he often writes them in English first, although there are also songs that he likes to keep entirely Korean-language as well.

It was four years before he released his (fantastic) follow-up album, “In Exchange,” but Yi explains that the process of composing and songwriting was ongoing in the interim. About a year after completing the first album, he started the second, which he worked on for the following two years. He recorded demos of the songs on his own, at home, then reworked them in the studio.

This album showed a more focused musical point of view, and more personal lyrics. Yi explains that it was the things in his life from which he drew inspiration — his parents, his wife, even the sight of wrinkles on the elderly. He’d also settled into the stability of a seven-year-long marriage. The result is an album with simple yet contemplative lyrics and a mature musical aesthetic.

 

 
THE CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS…

Yi acknowledges that the personal stability in his life has changed his sound. He recalls first arriving in Korea after living abroad for ten years, and being shocked at the amount of change that had occurred. In experienced a similar feeling despite a shorter time away when he returned to Korea in 2000, startled to find that Korea had changed yet again in a few short years. Now, his personal and professional life has found a level of stability, a sense that works its way into his songs.

His music isn’t just a tune or a song, Yi explains, but has a narrative and a story, a dramatic element: “I think of music as something within me.” He’s a musician who doesn’t like hearing or seeing himself on television — it makes him feel embarrassed, awkward. That’s a part of show biz, but he doesn’t consider himself a part of the entertainment machine that churns out singers based on hit singles and image. That’s not an aspect of his job that he’s comfortable with.

Asked if he’d ever reteam with U&ME partner Bang Joon-seok, Yi answers that Bang is someone he respects, whom he considers a friend more than a colleague. He’d like to work with him again, although for the time being both find it difficult to manage in light of their busy careers.

 
Yi Sung Yol – “새벽, 아침의 문” (Dawn, the door to morning) (repost) [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Yi Sung Yol – “스물 그리고 서른” (20 versus 30) (repost). This is a song I was particularly struck with when I first heard the lyrics. It’s characteristic of him — simple, thoughtful. The sentiment is not particularly profound, but rather intimate and insightful. I’m drawn to the way Yi strings his lyrics along, not necessarily ending a sentence at the end of a line, but connecting line to line. Read below. [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.


      Twenty years old, all aflutter, the world was beautiful.
As though love were easy, and promises too.

Like coffee and cigarettes, strong and bitter
When those young nights passed,
tears flowed, reason unknown.

Even when facing the world, feeling stripped naked,
I couldn’t feel fear
in those days of freedom and time of love.
That’s the me I miss.

Thirty years old, I await another start.
It’s like keeping promises, and love.
Wearied hearts hold their ground.
And when it’s hard to endure,
and tears flow, reason unknown,

I face the world once again,
having to pray for myself,
for these meaningless worries of the world
to now be left behind.

스무 살 땐 설레임, 세상이 예뻤다.
사랑이 쉬웠듯이 약속도 그랬다.

커피와 담배처럼 진하고 또, 독한
젊은 밤이 지날 땐
나도 몰래 눈물이 흘렀다.

벌거벗은 채로 세상을 맞서도
두려움 느낄 수 없었던
자유롭던 날들 사랑했던 시간
그리운 내 모습이여

서른 살 은 기다림 또 다른 시작을.
약속을 지키듯이 사랑도 그렇다.
녹스는 가슴으로 버텨내는 시간
견디기 힘들어서
나도 몰래 눈물이 흐를 때

다시 한 번 여기 세상을 맞서는
날 위해 기도를 해야 해
아무것도 아닌 세상의 고민들
이제는 버릴 수 있게

 
If you don’t want to wait for the giveaway, you can buy the albums: Volume 1 “이날, 이때, 이즈음에…” or Volume 2 “In Exchange.”

 
RELATED POSTS

Tags: , , ,

151

Required fields are marked *

left my email :)
tis wonderful... these giveaways. esp when the artist is 이승열 :D

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

too bad I already own them, he's an excellent songwriter and musician

기다림 is the saddest song I know

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I really liked the que sera sera OST as well as the Kim Sam Soon's didn't just pay to much attention to the artist though. Its good that you continue to feature overlooked artists even with out the giveaways tie-in.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thank you for the great write-up of U&Me Blue! It's really hard to track down material on them in English. Or their songs.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Leaving my email and name!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Wow, I really liked his voice!!!

Realy strong, so beautiful...

Leaving my email too!!!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh wow, this is interesting O_O
I'm always up to trying the music overlooked artists! =D

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The Bono comparisons are apt, and his vibrato can be knee buckling. Mm hmm! If you look around Youtube, you can find his live cover of U2's One.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I like how you introduce us to many people in the music scene besides those screen hoggers like Wonder girls etc. Their music is mediocre, but you introduce truly exceptional singers. THANKS!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ooh, I really like his music. I definitely wouldn't mind a CD of his... 스물 그리고 서른 in particular, has a really relaxing, soothing feeling. Very pretty. ^_^

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'll enter! I love his voice! Thanks javabeans!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hi there, I check in and read your blog at least once of day! Free CDs, that's so cool...Love this guy's voice. Hope to hear from you soon. :o]

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

interesting.. I'm in! *crosses fingers*

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

so easy !
i dont know this singer at all... i hope i'll win to discover him !

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

yay....im in too. your blogs keep me updated. thanks for this!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

love him. pants off.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

...ing was one of the first K-movies I ever watched, and Im SooJung leaning out the window, listening to "Bird" on her headphones (and thinking how cool and lonely and young she was) is a vivid cinematic memory. The music (esp the songs by U&ME BLUE) was one of the many things I loved (and I mean LOVE) about ...ing, and like a hundred K-movies later, it's still my mostest favoritest OST (and "기다림" still breaks my heart - man that is the saddest saddest song).

It's cool to know that 이승열 also worked on a couple of my other favorite soundtracks like Wonderful Days, Duelist, MNIKSS and QSS.

The lyrics to "20 vs. 30" are lovely (and gave me goosebumps).

It's a delight listening to his wonderful music and reading your words. Thank you so much for doing features like this (and the giveaways sure doesn't hurt, heh ^_^).

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I would love to sample his music. . . thanks.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

oooh!! thats the guy in the Samsoon OST song wif Clazziquai!!~ haha thx 2 Alex~ i'm so into lounge music now~~ Mm gona go look into yi sung yol now XP thx!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm really unlucky with giveaways, but I'll try this one out :)

Thanks for the opportunity, and for the awesome blog.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hmm...let's see how much my luck has improved since last time ^^;;
The only thing better than CDs are free CDs ;)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Wow, I had no idea he sang the "Be My Love" song w/ Alex! Thanks for all these songs, Dramabeans!!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

leaving my email... thanks for sharing his music :)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I loveee his voice!!! (leaving email)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for introducing us to talents who are lesser known in popular media. The lyrics to 20 vs 30 have even more significance for those of us "slightly" over 30.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oooh count me in! I loved the song from QSS especially and “스물 그리고 서른” (20 versus 30) is simply wonderful. Thank you for letting us sample more of his great songs! ^_^

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

please choose me! i love listening to new music!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

wow, i love this kind of unknown artist,
always willing to try new stuff!(:
thanks so much for introducing him,
haha now i know who sang that song from Kim Sam Soon.

thanks again!(:

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

thanx for introducing me to such cool and interesting music that i may never have known existed.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

So do you choose the winners by dumb luck or is there something else ? lol

Anyway, never hurt to give it a try.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

thanks for having another CD giveaway and giving away 4 CDs!! thanks a lot for contributing to kdramas and to us, youre audience. I really like his music and crossing my fingers for a win! thanks again! ^_^

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

thanks for the intro to another great artist, your taste is always spot on. your like the Alexandra Patsavas of korean music.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

You're awesome for doing this :D featuring talented artists and giving away CDs.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

he has quite a down to earth perspective to life and i like how he expresses this thru music

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for the introduction to another artist.

The way you write him, he seems a very grounded person: no airs about him or pretensions about his artistry. It's very refreshing.

Thanks again for sharing.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I hope I win!!!!

I love his voice!

He sang that song in "One Fine Day" too, right?

pick me pick me!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

wow. I love Be My Love and Kim Sam Soon. Be My Love is actually my cell phone ring tone. =)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ahh!!! I love Yi Sung Yol!!!! ^-^

I hope I win!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think that he has a very unique voice. It is really distinct to the point that you will always know he is the one singing...not many artist are able to do that. It sounds soulful and beautiful is so many ways.

He might be underrated but even so he is amazing:)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thank you! I really love his style!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

He's great! Thanks for introducing his music to me.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Love his voice. Thanks for the great music!

@25 Helena - ditto! :D

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love this artist! What an amazing voice =]

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hmm, I love the tone & quality of his voice, nice and smooth ... He does seem pretty diverse, but maybe you just do a really good job narrating his career. I also love that he collaborates and contributes to soundracks, etc. I'm all about the soundtracks.

Thanks for doing this, you're the best.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

"Ooh, ooh!" *raises hand in air* "Pick me, pick me!"

Thanks for another chance at another great cd!!!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for this =D

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

yay!! this is so fun. im in!!woot..

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Horray for giveaways! It's great that overlooked artists and underdogs like Yi Sung get to be featured in this post.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

MNIKSS OST is the best. So is Que Sera Sera OST, which i remember was given an award before. The info sounds really attractive too. FLUXUS artists are all talents, My Aunt Mary, Loveholic, Clazziquai, and of course including Yi Seung Yeol ... Although he's not my most favourite singer other than Loveholic, i like his songs.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I want to win!! =) Luv his voice :D

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *