big phony, dave lee, jinny kim, mitch dane, ed cash, john mayer, derek webb, andrew peterson, third eye blind, billy joel, the beatles, shane barnard, justin mcroberts, jars of clay, jason mraz, jack johnson, coldplay, U2, dave matthews band, switchfoot
At only 28, Koo Chung's rather long list of achievements is growing by the year. Without selling out, or even selling colossal, the singer-songwriter-producer from New York City has already been highlighted as one of Christianity Today's "Ten Independent Artists You Should Know." Koo started his career as the frontman for a worship band and has since toured and performed as a solo artist, successfully started and managed a record label (Broken For Good Records), produced albums for several BFG artists, and churned out two independent records of his own. Some big leaps for an artist who began performing vocally in 1998.
To those who know Koo, this comes as no surprise. He is easily one of the most determined and hard-working people in the business, not to mention full of big ideas, which he seems to have no problem seeing through to fulfillment. During his seven years as a professional in the music industry, Koo has opened for the likes of former Caedmon's Call frontman Derek Webb, southern crooner Bebo Norman, and the dynamic acoustic duo Shane and Shane, along with many others. His first full-length solo album, Commas Come First, was littered with talent, featuring appearances by Matt Slocum of Sixpence None the Richer, Andrew Peterson and Gabe Scott, and several members of Jars of Clay. Topping it off was producer Mitch Dane (Randall Goodgame, Billy Cerveny).
Koo's talents have taken him on tour all over the U.S., along with label-mates Jinny Kim, Neah Lee, and Minnow Park, whose albums he also produced. Additionally, Koo spent time touring in his family's native country, Korea, and he even took the stage at Shea Stadium, home of the New York Mets, as part of "Asian Week" (September 2004).
Those unfamiliar with Koo's music will find it to be straight up acoustic rock, with some smatterings of blues and pop mixed in. His lyrics are heartfelt and poetic, and resonate with the emotion of a twenty-something struggling to find love, life, and faith amid the clutter of the everyday. Although he will admit that he draws a lot of Asian American fans, as he himself is Korean American, anyone can relate to Koo's perceptive and genuine lyrics and the easy, listenable style of his music. Check http://www.brokenforgood.com or http://www.koochung.com for more info on the latest happenings with Koo Chung (if you can keep up!).
Happy New Year koo ! Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it truly entered into our hearts yet, what marvelous works God has in store for 2009. May we all be poured out as a drink offering to Him this year, for His glory & His kingdom! Grace & Peace from Sandy
hello mr. koo. i recently found out that you are friends with Young Ho Hwang from NY? He is currently my church pastor at Handong. small world, huh? :)
Hey Koo, just wanted you to know that... you're still awesome :] Cant wait to hear some new stuff, until then... I'll have to be satisfied with your other stuff... hahaha
hello koochung i just want to ask if u can look at my myspace and read my heroes section and also read my bulletin called god is with you all the way! please comment
Hey Koo, I was at the Tree Farm for a youth retreat and saw your name in the guestbook. I can't believe the fire was a year ago. CRAZY! And you may not have known this, but the Martins who own the Tree Farm are the same Martins who are good friends of Mitch Dane. hope you're well! Aaron