K-EXCLUSIVE: Festivities from SXSW’s Kpop Night Out

Alona

March 28, 2016

With performances from groups like ByeBye Badman, Love x Stereo, Victim Mentality, Mamamoo and solo artists like Haihm, Dean, and Zion. T, SXSW Kpop Night Out 2016 was an event to remember. The showcase took place at The Belmount in Austin Texas and within minutes of the doors opening any spot where you could view the stage was filled including the venues upstairs balcony.

Kicking off the night was indie band ByeBye Badman who’s soft yet entrancing sound was a perfect way to set the mood. Followed by glam rock inspired Victim Mentality who got the crowd jumping. Their impressive vocals from their lead singer left many in the crowd intrigued with Victim Mentality and Korea’s rock and heavy metal scene. Next to take the stage was Love x Stereo who’s lead singer Annie is a vocal force to be reckoned with. They showed the audience their versatile sound and their warm hearts with a touching tribute to founder of Love Rock Company, Myoung Shin Ki who recently passed away.

As the teasers for the next group played on the screen you could sense the shift in energy, the crowd seeming to swell as even those who were there for other groups had their curiosity peaked. As the girls from Mamamoo took the stage the crowd erupted in excitement and pushed forward to get closer to Moonbyul, Solar, Wheein, and Hwasa who kicked off their performance with their debut track ‘Mr. Ambiguous.’ The group performed all of their hit singles and ended their showcase with ‘Taller than You,‘ a hip hop influenced track. The girls of Mamamoo left many wanting more but that need would soon fulfilled by multitalented up and coming RnB artist, Dean. But before we get skip too far ahead, one artist that truly stood out for the night was EDM artist Haihm who’s energetic and mesmerizing set seemed to catch everyone by surprise. Being the first solo artist of the night Haihm was a nice change of pace with a energy filled EDM performance and a perfect way to transition from the high energy pop sound of Mamamoo to the laid back sounds of Dean and Zion. T.

For many in the audience rookie artist Dean and his music style came as a pleasant surprise. His American sound mixed with smooth vocals and melodic beats left those unfamiliar with his music highly intrigued. He performed singles such as ‘Pour Up‘ and ‘I Love It‘ and also debuted his new single ‘bonnie & clyde.’ At only 23, Dean showcased a sound and musicality well beyond his years leaving many us at Officially Kmusic excited to see what he has planned next. Be sure to stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Dean.

The finale of the show was none other than Zion.T, an artist known for his soft voice and smooth sound. The artist, who recently signed with YG entertainment, gave off a relaxed vibe to sway to as a live band accompanied him. Zion. T performed his hit songs like ‘BaBay‘, ‘Doop‘, and ‘Yanghwa Bridge‘ and was the perfect way to close out the night. For many who had never been to SXSW’s Kpop Night were pleased by the the diversity in performances.

This year’s Kpop Night Out showcased a variety of different sounds having a bit of something for everyone. We are excited to see what’s in store for next years Kpop Night Out.

Article by: Lexi Collins

Photography by: Lexi Collins

Edited by: Alona Sass

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