SURL Interview: The Indie Band Talk Through Their Successful Year, Collaborations and More

Of all the indie bands battling to break out of the competitive, packed domestic scene, SURL feel most equipped to do so. Offering a refreshing take on the genre’s typical style, floating between slightly dirty, roughened vintage-tinged melodies and lyrics depicting a true-to-life stories on life, they’re undeniably interesting as a unit. From the catchy, singalong “Dry Flower,” which bursts with an understated sonic vibrancy, right to the recent “Don’t Say No,” a blockbuster collaboration with Jay Park which seamlessly combines rock and hip-hop to create a genre-bending, melodic look at hidden feelings, the band have a clear knack for hit-making, and an obvious talent in their atmospheric, mature approach to music.

More recently, the foursome has released “Shine,” a cheering song for a person going through hardships. Syringed with a sense of urgency, the track bounces along with a twanging guitar melody before a wispy, crunching chorus adds a more subtle, vocally enriching layer to proceedings. From there, it’s the sense of melody which stands out most prominently, with the undercurrents of bass supplementing vocalist Seol Hoseung’s vocal performance seamlessly until the frenetic, atmospheric final chorus cements the release’s fervent charm. It’s a definite success, even in its deviation from SURL’s usual formula, and highlights the rising band’s ability to offer something completely new and unique, without compromising what makes them so appealing in a clustered indie scene.

In the midst of SURL’s success and growth, we were fortunate enough to be able to interview the band about 2020, their recent releases, and ambitions.

Nathan Sartain: First of all, after an eventful year for the band it feels right to ask: how are you all feeling?

Seol Ho seung: I’m happy that we formed a band and see people love the music we’ve released so far. I’m also grateful that we are achieving what we have planned.

Lee Han bin: I’m so grateful that I can be part of the music industry with SURL. I feel bad about 2020, because many concerts and festivals have been cancelled. I’ve felt the importance of live performances, so I hope there could be more in 2021.

Oh Myung seok: It was all good before COVID-19. But after it appeared, I think I'm a little overwhelmed. I want to perform in a good environment as soon as possible.

Kim Do yeon: It feels weird after I took a break which was not on purpose. I had to rest before I got exhausted. This long break exhausted me more than the busy life.

From an appearance on Yu Huiyeol's Sketchbook, to a blockbuster collaboration with Jay Park, the last 12 months has brought with it a lot of fortune for you despite some challenges. How has that felt, especially with the appearance on “Sketchbook”, which must be an honour?

Seol Ho seung: We haven't actually done many of the things we planned this year, but we were able to do some important things. Among them, we went to Thailand early this year and we had our second live concert in Korea. I thought these two events would be impossible, but it's still amazing that we did it. Like you said, a lot of fortune happened such as the collaboration with Jay Park and an appearance on Yu Huiyeol's Sketchbook. I think we're lucky that we can continue to do something in the pandemic. I don't think I can pick the most glorious one. We've been very lucky with every single thing we did this year.

Lee Han bin: Everyone says we're lucky, but I think we've been able to do this thanks to a lot of people around us. The most glorious moment was when Yu Huiyeol, who I respected since I was young, made us appear on TV, performed, and talked to us.

Oh Myung Seok: I can't get over the collaboration with Jay Park, because it was so good.

Kim Do yeon: The biggest honor is that there are more people listening to our songs than I thought. The good fortune may have come from the people who listen to our music.

You’ve mentioned in other interviews that the band was formed initially just to practice, is it rewarding now to look back and see how far you’ve come?

Seol Ho seung: We were teenagers when we got together for practice, but if we hadn't met then, I don't think SURL would exist now. If we hadn't made SURL, I think all of us would be in the music industry, but our music wouldn't have been created now. I think it is rewarding.

Lee Han bin: I think it was a divine move.

Oh Myung Seok: Now that I think about it, I think we did too much practice.

Kim Do yeon: It was a time when all of us stumbled, but now I think it's rewarding to all of us.

Going back to the Jay Park collaboration, that in itself is a mini-milestone with how regarded he is in his own scene. How did that partnership come about, and do you think it’s opened the door for you to participate in more cross-genre collaborations, given you’ve also collaborated with Hash Swan?

Seol Ho seung: The collaboration with Jay Park was a collaboration that I didn't know would be possible. We sent a demo to Jay Park, thought it (the song) would be great with him, and fortunately he decided to join. The demo we sent was 'Don't Say No'. We first met Jay Park first at the music video studio, and he said he loved band music since he was young. It's amazing that we could work with Hash Swan too. The director who filmed the music video for the song "Cilla" is an friend of Hash Swan, so Hash Swan got to know us and made music together. The best thing about working with these different musicians is that we can have a new experience and let new artists and fans know our names. And it's fun.

Lee Han bin: There have been many collaborations between hip-hop and rock since a long time ago. And I'm really thankful that fans of the hip-hop scene are interested in our music and listen to it a lot.

Oh Myung Seok: We love the band scene, but we also want to take a peek at other neighborhoods and go on a trip. I think these things were possible because everyone was passionate and wanted to do a lot of things.

Kim Do yeon: Yes, there are many bands that are only good at rock music, but not many bands are good at various things. Maybe we're doing pretty well so far.

Similarly, how was it working with someone with the experience of Jay Park? What did you learn from that?

Seol Ho seung: As mentioned above, working with other artists gives me new feeling and inspires me. So it's fun. Jay Park was so professional at work, he did everything he could, and seemed to have a positive mindset. We were able to see that during the music video shoot, and we wanted to learn through more experiences.

Lee Han bin: I've known Jay Park since I was young, but I didn't know him well because I wasn't interested in the hip-hop scenes. While working on this project, I looked up Jay Park on YouTube, especially "Chosen1," and other video contents, and I thought he is really cool outside of music. Especially when I met Jay Park, I thought he was really professional at taking good care of himself, (so) I started exercising.

Oh Myung seok: I think it can either be easy or difficult in a way. With Jay Park, we barely saw each other's faces and exchanged music and feedback from afar, but given that such good result came out, even if it is a difficult time, the results were good.

Kim Do yeon: There are many kinds of work flows. I think it is wise to understand others’ work flow and fit into it, because there is no certain answer about it.

For those who haven’t heard the single yet, could you talk people through “Don’t Say No,” and its B-side, “Silence”?

Seol Ho Seung: "Don't Say No" is about feeling when I'm distressed by someone who has something to say but can't say and asks them to hold my hand. "Silence" is someone who has an uncomfortable or bad influence on me, and assuming that I don't think I can correct them even if I tell them, and thinking I'll keep suffering alone, so I keep silent and ignore them.

Moving on to your latest release, “Shine,” which is part of a promotion with SK Telecom, what was that like to record?

Kim Do yeon: The whole process was so quick!

Seol Ho seung: Meanwhile, when I made 'Shine', I fixed a lot and had some difficulties. But everything went well and good results were made. When I wrote the lyrics, I wanted to hear from the person who sent me the story, so I called her and wrote the lyrics while listening to more details.

Lee Han bin: When we were producing "Shine," we listened to the person who sent us story and communicated with her. I learned a little bit about her life. we worked on an exciting and energetic song to cheer her up.

Oh Myung seok: Most of the work went so well. Ho seung struggled a bit, he usually doesn’t write bright songs.

Furthermore, can you talk us through the song in a bit more detail, and what your intentions were with the unique track?

Seol Ho seong: Our intention was to create a special cheerful song for the person who sent us her story. Of course, other people can listen to this song and relate to it, but since the story has an owner, I think it's the intention of this song to give her a special experience and support.

In terms of songwriting, your music is definitely mature, and sometimes bittersweet lyrically. How do you approach your lyric writing, and how much do your own experiences impact it?

Seol Ho seung: When we write lyrics, we definitely deal with our own experiences and stories. And it's not just for us to express, it's also for other people, so they can relate (the songs) to their experiences and life. I think I make a song about how I feel in a situation, what I wanted to tell someone, what I wanted to hear, and so on.

Continuing, one thing instantly noticeable about a SURL song is its strong sense of melody, and its pleasant, vintage sound. Is it important to have that distinctness sonically, and a quality to your music in which people can say when listening to your song “Ah, that’s SURL”?

Seol Ho seung: It's really important. I think it's the most important thing not only for SURL but also for all artists. I believe If I make something outside of music, I have to make my own color that is different from others. We're still working hard to make our own vivid color.

Lee Han bin: The most important thing is to make people can recognize SURL's music. It's not something really special, but I think there is something recognizable in SURL's sound.

Oh Myung Seok: From the start of our career, I always wanted us to create new genre of SURL. With a slightly dirty and vintage sound, Ho-seung's lyrical and emotional vocals combine to create a genre called 'SURL'.

Kim Do yeon: It is important, but now I think we did not intend to make a such sound. We always tried to produce variety of sounds, but didn't try to make 'SURL's sound.

Now that you are getting more experience and have seemingly found your feet in the industry, what/who inspires you now?

Seol Ho seung: Personally, I think I still have to try much harder. The musician who inspires me is Sogumm. She has a lot of work with other artists and I think it's cool because each and every music she makes is well expressed in her own colors. And when I see those things, I think she is growing fast and I think SURL should keep up.

Lee Han bin: The quiett. He releases many cool records, and helps many musicians to let them succeed. I respect him for his success in music and business.

Oh Myung seok: The drummer Vinnie Colaiuta is my role model.

Kim Do yeon: Andy Shauf .

It’s worth mentioning that at the start of your professional activities, you won several accolades as the “best rookie” band. Did that bring with it any pressure, or effect how you approached your music?

Seol Ho seung: I've never felt burdened. When we won the competition, I thought, 'We'll be a team that can do everything well.' It gave me confidence and made me think positively. We didn't just win, but we've been practicing a lot, so I think we've been able to achieve it, so I thought we should continue to work hard.

Lee Han bin: The most difficult thing about music is to let people know our names. Through the competitions, we were recognized by many people, and it was an opportunity to let more people know our names. I still have pride in winning the contest.

Oh Myung seok: I think it gave us confidence. It also means that our music has been recognized.

Kim Do yeon: I don't think it's either. However, it has made it easier for many people to access our music.

Another thing that is noticeable is the fact that you write, compose and arrange all of your tracks. What does that complete creative control give you?

Seol Ho seung: Well...I think we can express what we have freely. I think it keeps me from being trapped in one thing.

Lee Han bin: I think it gives freedom musically. It's more difficult because we make the music we want to do, but it's more fun and rewarding.

Oh Myung seok: I think I'm starting to get a sense of the depth of music when composing and whether people will like it or not.

Kim Do yeon: I don't think I've learnt something yet; I have to work harder.

Adding on to the last question, does this methodology bring with it some drawbacks, and in what way do you deal with the challenges faced by self-production and self-composition?

Seol Ho seung: I don't think so, so far. After we make something, we listen to the feedback from our friends and staff. We refer to those comments, So we don't have any difficulties yet. If someone's recording, everyone goes to their studio, gives feedback, and records.

Lee Han bin: Sometimes when we're producing by ourselves, we're not sure whether it's good or not. So I share my stuff with musicians whom I respect, and friends, and get a lot of feedback. I'd like to produce another musician's album someday.

Oh Myung seok: Not so far.

Kim Do yeon: There are times when it is frustrating due to a lack of objective gaze. I feel I need the opinion of an artist I can trust.

Of course, another takeaway is the fact you’ve managed to find success amidst a pandemic. How does it feel that you’ve managed to continue to develop as a band during these difficult times?

Seol Ho seung: I feel grateful about it. It was a difficult year to move forward, but thanks to such good things, I think I should work harder next year, and I believe I can find a breakthrough. Of course, it would be better if the Covid19 is over.

Lee Han bin: It is such a grateful thing. It was possible, because many people helped us. I want to make better progress by working harder.

Oh Myung Seok: We had our plans in our minds, and we just did it. Thank you for your compliments.

Kim Do yeon: I feel good but still awkward sometimes.

Sadly though, with a lack of festivals this year, your live performances have often had to be delayed or cancelled. How has it been adapting to that, and facing those hardships?

Seol Ho seung: I actually don't want to adapt to that situation even now. If the performance that we were supposed to do is cancelled, I still hate it, and I'm annoyed. Of course, there are online performances, but there is something that can't be solved by them. First, we kept practicing thinking that we'd get another performance. At that time, we all got together and worked on a lot of course. I'm sure that someday Covid-19 will end.

Lee Han bin: I don't think I've found the right answer yet. I was so stressed out and worried a lot when the performances were cancelled continuously, but now I'm slowly finding answers by communicating online and holding online performances.

Oh Myung seok: I've tried to communicate with fans on online platforms.

Kim Do yeon: I know all the members are different, but I'm trying to write more songs. I want to write a song that we can release when the Covid-19 is over.

With potential for more free time during this pandemic, in what way have you found yourselves unwinding amidst trying to stay focused, happy and motivated? And similarly, has this period caused you to self-reflect more?

Seol Ho seung: There's no special way, but since the concert was cancelled and other schedules were cancelled, I had nothing else to do but work on the songs. So I thought, "Okay, let's write a lot of songs at this time." So I wrote songs with new styles. And, I could meet some of my friends whom I wanted to meet but couldn't, and I could talk to them and spend time with my family. And come to think of it, I got my driver's license this year.

Lee Han bin: I started to exercise regularly, and take care of myself. After that, I got mentally focused and became thankful that I could play music. There is a good thing about the pandemic, which is I could work more on demos.

Oh Myung seok: Because of the Covid-19, I spent much time at home and my practice room. It helped me to practice more. I miss the time before the pandemic when we used to perform and hang around a lot.

Kim Do yeon: I was able to concentrate positively on music early in the pandemic. I took a break and thought deeply about the music I really wanted to do.

Before we wrap up, what are your immediate ambitions as you head towards the future, and then what would be your ultimate goal as a band?

Seol Ho seung: I'm sure most of the other artists want it, but we really want a lot of people to listen to our music and like it. So far, many people have listened to our music and liked it, but I want to communicate with more people through music. Even if a lot of time passes, I hope people at that time will remember our names or songs. I hope they will like it.

Lee Han bin: I want our music to be in the chart, such as "Top 100", and I want to make music that can be long time classic.

Oh Myung Seok: I want many people could remember us.

Kim Do yeon: I want SURL to be a band that shows new stuffs everytime.

And finally, is there anything else you’d like to say?

Seol Ho seung: Everyone is living in a really tough time right now, and I hope this period ends soon. After Covid-19, we want to have fun with you through many performances. And like I said before, we're working on our music, so please look forward to it. Always be healthy and see you later. Thank you all.

Lee Han bin: It's a series of hard times because of the pandemic, but I hope you don't get frustrated and cheer up together and look for more good things to do. We are working hard on our new music. I can't wait to meet you guys with the album. Thank you so much.

Oh Myung seok: Thank you! We will show you good performances and give you good music in the future.

Kim Do yeon: See you all when these rough days end.

SURL’s latest single, “Shine,” is out now through Happy Robots Records.