Coreyah is a psychedelic Korean folk music group whose six members integrate traditional Korean instruments, vocals, guitar, and percussion. Since their 2010 debut, Coreyah has pioneered a new style of Korean music that blends genres of contemporary ethnic and popular sounds while still maintaining the distinctive characteristics of traditional Korean instruments. The group’s unique freewheeling, polystylistic vision combines a variety of influences, including Anglo-American rock, Balkan gypsy, and genres from South America and Africa.
Coreyah has captivated audiences worldwide, touring over 50 cities in 34 countries, while continuing to enchant listeners both domestically and internationally. Their latest milestone, the 4th album titled 'Clap & Applause,' commemorates their 10th anniversary with a dance-inducing, innovative approach to Korean world music.
This album harmoniously weaves Korean traditional rhythms with toe-tapping and hand-clapping dance beats, showcasing the soulful melodies of the daegeum flute, the electrifying tones of the geomungo zither, and the dynamic pulse of the janggu hourglass drum. It represents their ongoing dedication to infuse pop elements into traditional music, characterized by a bold, youthful style, heartfelt lyrics, and a captivatingly psychedelic sound.
The name Coreyah is a Sino-Korean homonym that embodies the concept of inheriting the past. In Korean, it also signifies 'whale,' serving as the group’s totem animal and a symbol of good luck.
Band Members: Kim Dongkun (daegeum, sogeum, tungso), Ham Boyoung (vocal), Jeong Jun Kyu (percussion, Chulhyungeum), Kyungyi (percussion), Kim Yerim (geomungo), and Choi Jong Min (guitar).
This event is supported by the Mid Atlantic Arts, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Performing Arts Global Exchange (PAGE) grant program.