Wave to Earth is focused on delivering a “new wave” in music, blending various genres and connecting with listeners worldwide.

Since their last chat with YSL News in August 2023, the Korean indie band has been incredibly active, following the triumph of their sold-out tour last autumn.

“After our tour last year, we immediately went to Europe and Asia to create our new album,” shares bassist John Cha backstage at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland. “Everything has moved so quickly; it feels like just yesterday.”

The band’s Spotify following has almost doubled, now boasting over 8.4 million monthly listeners. They also performed at the Austin City Limits festival. Together with an upcoming album release and another sold-out US tour, Wave to Earth is both busy and driven.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to travel the world,” states John. “It still seems miraculous, but we’ve always envisioned this moment.”

Looking Back on Wave to Earth’s Journey

On the afternoon of Oct. 21, the area around the venue is packed, with a line extending around the block.

Inside The Fillmore, drummer Dong Kyu Shin shares that the past year has felt surreal. Currently, the band is about halfway through their North American tour, which began in Vancouver, Canada, on Sept. 16. As with last year, every show has sold out.

“It’s wonderful to see more fans and visit more cities compared to last year,” John remarks.

“We had no idea where all these fans came from,” laughs Dong Kyu.

“Each performance surprises me, making it a memorable experience for each year of my life,” says guitarist/songwriter Daniel Kim.

John explains that the rapid success of Wave to Earth hasn’t been overwhelming due to the band’s strong camaraderie.

“I try to focus on the journey and growth, even though fame is appealing,” he reflects. “My priority remains our relationship.”

Exploring Wave to Earth’s Performances

The 29-stop North American tour coincides with the release of their latest album, “play with earth! 0.03,” which came out on Sept. 6.

“I’m truly grateful that people connect with our music,” claims Dong Kyu.

The lead single “Annie” stands out this tour, with Daniel noting, “It’s a fun part of the concert when the audience sings along.”

Alongside their revamped setlist, Wave to Earth has added keyboardist Jo Jung-geun and saxophonist Jeon-min to their tour. “Having two additional members makes it even more enjoyable,” says John.

Each live show provides insights that feed into the band’s creative process.

“On tour, we often improvise during rehearsals or while performing,” Dong Kyu explains. “Sometimes those spontaneous moments make it into our albums.”

Wave to Earth’s Creative Journey and Aspirations

Daniel expresses his desire to create music that resonates with people, which he feels most acutely during live performances. “In those moments, I feel truly alive,” he shares.

Each member finds inspiration from different sources, according to John. Dong Kyu shares that he gains insights through discussions with his fellow bandmates.

“For me, inspiration often comes from personal experiences — sort of like journaling,” John reveals.

“I search for keywords,” says Daniel. He aims to delve deeper into themes that arise and build upon them.

This collective passion ultimately drives their goals.

“Our aim is just to keep making music forever,” states John.