South Korea’s all-female punkers! RUMKICKS 럼킥스 is without a doubt a band that kicks ass both in terms of music and their stage performance. This trio has released a 4-track EP in August 2020, entitled “Brutality” and then several singles. They have been active in live shows and are expected to release a full-length album soon. We at Viva La Punk ‘zine had the opportunity to chat with Yeawon Jeong about this truly energetic and great potential Korean punk band. Check these girls out now!!!
- Interview by Atandistorted [June 16, 2023]
1: Hello. First of all, I want to know what you feel/think about standing as an all-girl punk band from South Korea? Does your family (your parents especially) know about Rumkicks?
Haha! There is no particular feeling about being in a female band. I had many female friends since I was young, it is rather comfortable to be in a female band. And my parents hate it so much because of the visual of Rumkicks.
2: Well, since when and how did Rumkicks start, what is the purpose of this band existed and who is in the lineup?
Guitar/vocals - Yeawon, Drums - MJ, Bass - U. I met the first members after seeing the online band recruitment. At 2017. It was our goal to be the best punk band in the world.
3: Please explain how you define the music and sound of Rumkicks? Who and/or what has mostly influenced you?
It’s hard to define. Some say it’s too loud and some say it’s too weak to be punk rock. I wrote the melody that I like to listen to and the lyrics I want to do. People say we are pogo punk, but I don’t want to be limited to any genre or category, so I purposely avoid the word pogo and vaguely write punk. There will be hundreds of teams to list affected bands, but we were mainly influenced by the first generation punk bands in Korea (Lazy Bone, No Brain, Crying Nut).
4: What sort of topics and messages do you write in the lyrics?
It depends on the song. Sometimes he writes socially critical lyrics and sometimes we sings feminism. There are lyrics that I wrote because I was bored, and there are lyrics that I wrote because I was angry, but I usually write lyrics when I am angry.
5: What has Rumkicks recorded and released so far, and how have listeners / supporters responded to your music products?
It has released several singles and one EP album so far and has received a lot of love contrary to our expectations that no one will listen. Rumkicks’ first full-length album will be released on June 22nd this year, so please pay a lot of attention.
6: Have Rumkicks had the chance to play live at many shows, and have done any tour series? Tell us some of the best and great moments?
During the five-year period, I performed a lot of various performances. A particularly memorable performance was last year’s Rebellion Festival. It was the first British festival and there were many other stages on Saturday evening, so I thought no one would come to see us, but the audience was full. I was so touched that I cried on stage. I’ll never forget it.
7: To be honest, I’m not familiar with the punk scene in South Korea. What does it look like, especially in Seoul? Please recommend some bands that we should check out?
The Korean punk scene took place in front of Hongdae. I think it would be nice to listen to the first generation punk bands mentioned above, 13 Steps, Cockrasher, And 18 Fevers. Now the scene is a little smaller, but the cool bands are still making good music.
8: Thank you very much for responding to this interview. How do you see the future of Rumkicks? What do you hope for? Thanks again, add some last words please.
We are having a tour of 19 cities in 7 European countries in July and August this year. Since then, a tour in Japan has been planned in September. If you are planning to travel, please check your schedule. I hope you listen to the new album when you have time, hahahaha! No one knows the future of Rumkicks, but I always do my best. While preparing for this first full length album (DIY band has a ton of things to do), I haven’t slept well in 6 months. There were a lot of trials and errors, and there are many parts that I just ruined, but I hope you enjoy listening to it.