South Club rock out in Thailand.
Mainstream music labels help pop stars to reach a wider audience. But it can limit the kind of music they make. When singer-songwriter Nam Tae-hyun was in the popular boy band Winner, he wrote songs that suited the commercial sound of YG Entertainment. But when he left the group and formed his new band South Club, the music was quite different, featuring elements of rock and blues.
On November 11, Thai fans got a special treat when South Club came to the kingdom for South Club (Nam Tae-hyun) Music Fan Meeting in Bangkok. At MCC Hall, The Mall Bangkapi, the guys rocked the audience with 24 songs. As well as the tracks from their debut EP 90, they covered classics from legendary rock bands The Doors, Oasis, Radiohead and The Beatles.
For the encore, the guys let fans make requests for songs. Tae-hyun sang impressive versions of “I’m Young” and “No” before the guys finished the show with the beautiful ballad, “Hug Me.” Everybody went home satisfied after a fantastic evening.
The day before the show, the guys from South Club - leader and vocalist Nam Tae-hyun, guitarist Kang Kunku, bassist Solomon Kim and drummer Jang Won-young - met Thai press and some lucky fans at Grand Four Wings Hotel for a press conference. Here are some highlights.
How did South Club come about?
Solomon: I had never been to church, but I wanted to say a prayer to meet friends. Luckily, I met Tae-hyun there.
Tae-hyun: I was looking for band mates. At church, somebody told me that Solomon also had an interest in music.
Tae-hyun, how is it different being the bandleader rather than just another band member?
Tae-hyun: In the past, I followed the directions of others. Now that it’s my band, I can do the music I really want to do. It’s more exhausting, but much more satisfying.
What was it like to see all your fans at the airport?
Tae-hyun: I haven’t seen so many fans waiting for me for such a long time. I almost cried.
How do you feel to be in Thailand?
Tae-hyun: Thailand is a special place. The fans never forget me. They keep sending me messages on social media and ask how I am. Some Thai fans come to see us in Korea to show their support. I’m delighted to be here.
