8 K-Indie Artists For Your Mellow Autumn Playlist

The chilly weather and colorful foliage all herald the arrival of fall and with it, the swing to a more mellow season. These days, there’s just something soothing and chill about soft, lilting melodies that make them the perfect fit to complement the transitional season. So it’s safe to say after dipping my toes into the K-indie scene and discovering some songs, these treasures have been on heavy repeat! In between diving into the full discography of the different K-indie acts, I’ve also gotten familiar with the style cues some of these artists display, which align with their musical influences.

And as they say, pictures speak a thousand words, so here are some talented K-indie artists and their styles! (And, cue the Spotify playlist!)

1. Bye Bye Badman

A gem of the K-indie scene, Bye Bye Badman gives some serious throwback to the rock bands of the ’90s. The four-member band fuses more traditional elements of rock with a chilled-out electro-disco sound that is addictive to jam to. Bye Bye Badman has ditched the more brooding facets of rock to favor a dreamier mood that is perfectly set off by their fashion choices.

The members are usually dressed in colorful and funky casuals that definitely brings the disco-pop vein of their music to life. They are also bold in experimenting with accessories such as sunnies and chokers to really play up the references to the ’90s era. Check out their song “Island Island” below!

2. Luli Lee

Perhaps it’s not really fair to feature the same person twice, but often a musician’s style evolves based on their musical artistry. A part of Bye Bye Badman, Luli Lee has carved out a solo path as of late, and it’s refreshing to hear her distinctive sound shining through the retro acoustic tunes she’s been sharing.

Compared to the style she modeled while active with her band, Luli Lee cuts a carefree figure in the sweet folksy midi dresses she wears while promoting solo. They gel with the chill vibes of her new releases and definitely with the music video so well. It’s stunning! Check out her music video for “Ashby Road” below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOH3nohw5GM&ab_channel=GENIEMUSIC

3. 10cm

Any list featuring K-indie artists would be incomplete without 10cm because the singer-songwriter is definitely a titan! His soulful voice just marries any acoustic song he releases perfectly to deliver a wistful feel.

The image he presents is also in tune with his music; the most distinctive look from 10cm would be his boyishly shaggy hair and round-framed glasses. Just those two things help to lend a sweet, innocent impression that is in keeping with the acoustic melodies he croons. Check out 10cm’s recent release in collaboration with VIXX’s Ravi below!

 4. Sunwoo JungA

If you are in the mood for something softer and moodier to suit the seasons, Sunwoo JungA is a must-have on your playlist! Her artistry comes from blending a velvety, jazzy tone with compelling and raw lyrics that never fail to tug at your heartstrings.

With the various musical styles she dabbles in, it perhaps comes as no surprise that her fashion style morphs continuously as well. But one thing stays the same – Sunwoo JungA is never afraid to experiment. Whether that’s in tying R&B influences into her tunes or playing with more dramatic make-up and clashing colors to enhance the mood she is trying to create. Check out her song “Upside Down” below:

5. Kafcamus

One of the newer discoveries I’ve made, Kafcamus’ synth-pop sounds are a good choice to relax to or to focus your attention with (it’s a strange combination but it’s true).

The style of the band is an interesting choice, as the artist is usually pictured in a state of comfort with a bunny head mask on. While it’s not clear if this aesthetic will be maintained, it did give vibes of a more mellow Daft Punk incarnate (and I mean this as the highest compliment!). The anonymity of the artist lends a somewhat mysterious feel that complements the chilled-out vibes.

6. Ku One Chan

Ku One Chan’s songs are the type to listen to on those rainy days when you just want to let your mind drift. He has a wonderfully sweet voice that marries well with the R&B melodies he does. The lyrics too are relatable as they delve into daily life and the experiences that everyone goes through.

The innocence and simplicity with which he crafts his music is also presented through his fashion choices. Ku One Chan favors classic combinations of T-shirts and hoodies with jeans that reflect the understated elegance of his musical style. Check out his music video for “Don’t Be Sad” below:

7. Kim Suyoung

Sometimes we get a hunch or make an assumption of how someone would sound based on their appearance. And sometimes, we are dead wrong in our guesses. Behind Kim Suyoung’s girlish appearance, one might expect a sweet and soft tone, so it was pleasantly surprising to hear the mature tone that she carries her tunes with. It lends a welcomed depth to her acoustic songs.

The lyrics too, sit easy and relatable and are in line with how Kim Suyoung dresses, classic and natural in a comfortable zone. Check out her music video for “Blank” below!

8. Ben Ha Yoonbin

Some might recognize Ben from his appearance on “YG Treasure Box,” but it’s great to see him back on the music scene releasing his own music. A talented rapper in his own right, Ben’s more mellow and relaxed style of rapping clearly shines through.

Whether it’s creating music with his team or out and about, Ben usually presents himself as casual but well put-together, much like his tunes that we are loving! Check out his music video for “Knight” below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yGsegXYnTg&ab_channel=%EB%A7%A8%EB%A6%AC%EB%B3%B4%EC%9D%B4Manlyboy

Hey Soompiers, which other K-indie artists are you tuning into this season? If you have any songs to recommend, please share them with us, we would love to uncover more new finds!

Aetcult is your friendly K-beauty enthusiast who loves her tea on and off her face (no lie). In between bouts of tinkering with new beauty products, she will probably be writing about her finds, revising her Korean language coursework and jamming to the latest K-pop song. Say hi to Am on Tumblr.