KINGSTON RUDIESKA (SOUTH KOREA. Seoul)
"We are I and I"
The members of Kingston Rudieska met in 2003 and formed the group in 2004. They had their first concert in the spring of that year and are performing at Hongik University area, Apgujeong, and Itaewon actively now.
You could call them Korea's only orthodox brass ska band.
Many avid pop music fans of Korea with extensive knowledge of American and British pop music think ska music refers to ska punk or American two- tone bands. However, Kingston Rudieska's music is definitely different from that. They mainly play Jamaican rooted music such as authentic ska, rock steady and reggae, and their music reflects a strong influence of authentic ska which perhaps the Skatalites are best known for. Now we can find authenic ska bands, albeit a few, in Europe and South America, and surprisingly Japan is the biggest market for the music.
Kingston Rudieska's music is ska in form, but their own songs have a mood that appeals to Koreans. Their music spreads a virus of happiness like reggae in Jamaica does, so we can call it a kind music, can't we? Their heart-warming melodies, which seem a bit rustic, easily absorb listeners.
The way they perform in concert is very pure. They might not perform complex or cool dance routines, but can make the audience lift their shoulders and feel their hearts expand. We have moments when we recall happy memories, but at the same time get melancholy, and the music of Kingston Rudieska provides a similar experience. In short, we become pure and happy.
Their music is best when we listen without any preconception.
In 2006, they recorded an EP containing the popular Oscar Wilde, Purple Dog, and two versions of Shooting Star. In the summer of 2007 recording began on their first full length album amidst a much more active concert schedule than ever before.
If you cannot help yourself at their concert, be free to move your body. You can even hold hands with persons near you and dance. The important thing is to reach out first. Don't hesitate alone. Rastafarians, say 'I and I' instead of 'we'. It means I and you are we, and we are I and I.
Listening to music equals sharing. We can experience the same feeling while we listen to the same music. When we give happiness to someone, we can be given happiness, too.
