Rolling Quartz is bringing a new style of Korean rock to the music scene
In an interview, the quintet discuss what it's like to be a female-led rock band
(Photo credit: Rolling_Quartz/Instagram)
Rolling Quartz might not seem like your typical girl group.
While they don’t perform choreographed dances, the five-piece Korean act instead shed guitars and drums as they literally rock out on the stage.
“We’re building our own style of “K-Rock” by combining a powerful, heavy hard rock and heavy metal sound with songs that have a variety of moods and styles,” says Arem, the bassist for Rolling Quartz, in an interview with bunni pop.
“We want to create music that isn’t just accessible to rock fans, but that K-pop fans can also easily enjoy.”
While Rolling Quartz are far from the first female rock acts in the Korean music industry, their presence in it is still quite rare when K-pop still dominates the scene. The band counts itself among a handful of rock acts from Korea that feature women, including ChRocktikal, SE SO NEON and Touched.
K-pop groups like Dreamcatcher (which features ChRocktikal vocalist Lee Si Yeon) also incorporate a heavier rock sound into its concept.
“I think our music has a very different starting point from K-pop because we want to honour the roots of Korean rock that have been passed down through generations and continue that legacy,” says lead guitarist Iree.
Rolling Quartz, composed of Iree (guitar), Arem (bass), Jayoung (vocals), YeongEun (drums) and Hyunjung (guitar), debuted in December 2020. They were originally two separate bands going by the names “Rolling Girlz” and “Rose Quartz”. But since merging into a single group, the band became Rolling Quartz. Over the past six years, the quintet have built a solid following their ‘90s, grungy sound and powerhouse performances. Their debut single “Blaze” garnered more than 3.3 million streams on Spotify.
The band has also become known for their rock covers of K-pop songs like BTS’s “Dynamite” and “APT” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars. Rolling Quartz have also been known for their covers, performing everything from BTS’s “Dynamite” to Måneskin’s “Zitti E Buoni.”
“Our unique colour as Rolling Quartz comes from combining the culture and sensibilities of K-pop with the raw, powerful sound of rock,” says Hyunjung.
Rolling Quartz recently played in Toronto as part of the band’s North American MY TURN Tour. I chatted with the group about their approach to making music, the lessons they’ve learned from each other, and the role fashion plays in their performances.
(Conversation edited for clarity and length)
Welcome back to Canada for the ‘MY TURN’ tour! What is the biggest highlight for you as you travel the world?
Iree: I think one of the best things is getting to meet fans from different parts of the world who I had only known through social media. It feels like meeting a friend again after knowing them for a long time. I also feel like meeting different people and traveling to different places has broadened my perspective on the world. I’m really grateful to have these opportunities.
Arem: The energy and the way fans react can be a little different from country to country, and getting to experience the unique energy and atmosphere of each place in person is one of the most exciting parts of touring.
YeongEun: I think the best part is getting to meet fans from all over the world that we’ve only been able to connect with online. It’s also such a great experience and I’m really happy that we get to visit different cities that I might never have had the chance to visit otherwise.
Hyunjung: I think the most amazing part is seeing people from different backgrounds, languages, and cultures come together through our music. Every moment we share the stage, connect with the audience, and exchange that energy with each other is really special and joyful to me!
Jayoung: Since our schedules are so busy, I don’t really get many opportunities to travel just for fun, so I think the people I meet while touring have an even bigger impact on me. It’s always so much fun meeting fans from different countries, and there’s also a great sense of pride in knowing, “We actually came here and performed.”
Toronto in particular is a city you have played numerous times. Any tricks up your sleeve for your performances this time around?
Iree: There will be solo performances from our two guitarists. We’ve prepared songs with a different vibe from last year. We’ll also be performing a cover we didn’t play during our most recent European tour, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Since it’s such a beloved song around the world, we hope you’ll enjoy the Rolling Quartz version!
Hyunjung: Since we’ve visited this city several times, we really focused on bringing Rolling Quartz’s signature high-energy atmosphere and live sound to the stage. We’ve prepared some of our signature songs, as well as songs that allow us to connect more closely with the audience, so we hope you’re looking forward to the show!
I also wanted to ask you about the crafting of your music, especially as you write and arrange much of your own music. What is that process like together?
YeongEun: When Jayoung brings in a draft, we work on the arrangement together as a group, and then our producer, who is also our CEO, puts the finishing touches on it. There are a lot of different opinions throughout the process, but I think we’re able to work through them well and bring everything together in the end.
Hyunjung: We usually start with a rough framework for a song, and then each member brings in their own ideas or riffs, which we develop and build upon to complete the song. I think our approach is a little different from other bands so we take our time and work through the process calmly together.
Jayoung: We don’t always agree on everything, but I think the process of finding common ground is important, so we try to be as considerate of each other as possible. Although sometimes I do push my ideas pretty strongly! (Laughs)
(Photo credit: Rolling_Quartz/Instagram)
What is one thing about each of your members that you admire?
Iree: YeongEun. I’m really impressed by how focused and hardworking she is. She always gives her best during rehearsals and never neglects her individual practice either. I really admire that about her.
Arem: For me, it’s Jayoung’s stamina and the energy she brings to the stage. Even when we’re exhausted from long overseas tours, she can be joking around right up until we go on stage, and then suddenly she becomes incredibly focused and gives it her all. I’m always amazed by that.
YeongEun: Jayoung, how confident she always is. Arem, how she never gets nervous on stage and does a great job showing everything she prepared. Hyunjung, how she takes note of things she can improve, like her playing, and immediately puts that into practice. And Iree, her bright smile on stage.
Hyunjung: Even beyond music, I think Jayoung’s passion and the way she throws herself into everything she does, wherever and whenever, is something I really admire and want to learn from. I also really respect YeongEun’s sense of responsibility!
Jayoung: YeongEun, her mental strength. For Hyunjung, her habit of giving thoughtful compliments. For Arem, her ability to just go with the flow. I am like that too, but sometimes I get caught up in little things! For Iree, she is similar to Arem. I guess it might just be an INTP (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving) thing! (laughs)
Many who look towards the Korean music industry right now look to K-pop. How do you differentiate yourselves from that industry, especially when there aren’t that many Korean female-led rock bands out there?
Hyunjung: I think one of our biggest strengths is the raw, energetic feeling we deliver by playing our instruments live on stage. Our unique colour as Rolling Quartz comes from combining the culture and sensibilities of K-pop with the raw, powerful sound of rock.
Jayoung: Rather than focusing heavily on domestic TV appearances, we’ve continued to tour consistently in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world, gradually growing our fanbase. I think our unique identity comes from showing people that a Korean rock band can also connect with audiences around the world.
(Photo credit: Rolling_Quartz/Instagram)
How do you incorporate fashion as part of your performance? Is there an item or trick you can’t live without?
Iree: I have my stage outfits tailored to fit me. If I have enough time, I sometimes do the hand-sewing myself, but for more complicated alterations, I’ll have them done professionally.
Arem: Wrist supports are essential for me when I perform. Of course, I wear them when I practice too.
YeongEun: I think visual elements like performance, outfits, and makeup are all important parts of a show. I also consider my long purple hair part of my fashion, so I’ve kept it for a long time. It’s especially fun when I headbang!
Hyunjung: When I’m playing, my long hair often gets in the way or covers the guitar fretboard, so I usually tie it up high or use a claw clip to style it. Personally, I think suits and matching pants look really good on me, so I enjoy mixing that style with intense rock music for a bit of a contrast.
Jayoung: I think I have two completely different personalities when it comes to my everyday style versus what I wear on stage. (Laughs) I wear things on stage that I normally wouldn’t wear in everyday life! I don’t really have one particular item that I always wear.
What is your message to all the girls out there, who want to try playing instruments and being part of a band?
Iree: The most important thing for a rock band is having guts and confidence! Don’t be afraid or hesitate. If you think something is right after giving it some thought, don’t be afraid to go for it!
Arem: I hope you don’t let other people’s opinions or the label of being a “female band” put you in a box. Most importantly, I hope you just have fun and enjoy yourself as much as you can!
YeongEun: If there’s something you want to do, I hope you’ll go for it without hesitation. I think music can become a driving force in your life, and there’s so much you can gain through it. Most importantly, having fun is what matters most, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself and just give it a try! You’ve got this!
Hyunjung: Instead of worrying, “Will I be good at this?”, I’d tell you to just try plucking the strings of an instrument you like or are interested in, pick up a pair of drumsticks, and make some noise! I really hope you get to experience the joy of connecting with your bandmates and your audience on stage through the sounds you create yourself.
Is your goal to grow the presence of Korean rock bands, especially when it comes to women bands?
Iree: Absolutely. Recently, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in the number of female bands in Korea. I’ve even heard from people around me that they’re preparing to create new female bands. In the past, there was a strong perception that female bands weren’t commercially viable, so there were fewer than ten teams in Korea that were actively visible and performing at a notable level. I think the number has grown significantly, perhaps because Rolling Quartz has shown that it is possible. Beyond female bands, I also hope more people will recognize that there are so many amazing bands in Korea.
Arem: I believe that if we continue to achieve success on the global stage and help pave the way, it will create more stages and opportunities for younger female musicians and the many indie and rock bands in Korea. We want to show the world that Korea has powerful and incredible rock bands like us.
Hyunjung: I believe that if we continue to give our all to our music and performances, more stages and opportunities for Korean rock bands will naturally open up. I hope that our work and achievements can set a positive example and help pave the way for younger bands and female bands in the future.
Is there a defining moment in your career since your debut? And what would you like to achieve next?
Iree: The day we celebrated our fifth anniversary. We’re only months away from our sixth anniversary now, but reaching five years together was meaningful because it showed that we had continued moving forward for five years without any major setbacks, member changes, or long breaks. Our fans also sent us congratulatory messages and gifts, and being able to celebrate that milestone together was really special. I hope we can keep going and make it all the way to Rolling Quartz’s 10th anniversary!
Arem: I feel the most fulfilled whenever fans tell us that our music has brought them comfort or given them the courage to keep going in their lives. Moving forward, I want us to complete a world tour and visit even more cities around the world.
YeongEun: Overseas tours are what make me feel the proudest and most fulfilled. I really love visiting different cities and getting to meet our international fans in person. The touring schedule can be exhausting, but once we finish a tour safely and successfully, the sense of accomplishment is even greater. By the end of a tour, I feel like I can take on anything. I hope we can continue visiting even more cities we haven’t been to before.
Hyunjung: Every moment I get to perform and make music brings me so much joy and happiness, so it’s really difficult to choose just one specific moment. Moving forward, my biggest goal is to continue growing steadily, both individually and as a band, and to keep making music alongside the fans who support us for many years to come.
Jayoung: The moment I stepped onto the stage at Pentaport Rock Festival, which I had dreamed of performing at for 10 years. I was so happy! From here on, my goal is simply to live an even happier life than I have until now.
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