The cover of KURROCK's debut album, entitled 'KURROCK: VUOT', to be released on June 30. (Photo courtesy of KURROCK. (Photo: VNA)According to band leader Nguyen Huu Manh Khoi, aka KJO, KURROCK: VUOT includes 12 tracks, eachof which will feature a distinctive colour and share a common theme surroundingthe emotions of Vietnamese people living far from their homeland, facingnumerous challenges and obstacles, but ultimately overcoming them withdetermination and resilience.
“KURROCK's music resonates with the audience's emotions. Tracks like Vuot (Surpassing) and Chi (Frontier) have powerful melodiesand tight arrangements that provide inspiration and strength for those facingdifficult journeys. Mong (Dream)has a lively, youthful beat, while Xanh (Green)evokes gentle, nostalgic feelings of youth, and Thoat (Escape)captures intense, fiery emotions,” he said.
In terms of music and lyrics, KURROCK remains loyal to the Vietnamese-Japanesetheme by alternating between the two languages and integrating traditionalinstruments from both countries into their music, such as Japan’s shakuhachibamboo flute, koto, shamisen, and Vietnam’s cong chieng (gong) and khen (panpipe).
In their debut album, KURROCK collaborates with Vietnamese singer Lâm andrapper KraziNoyze, introducing a fresh new sound to previously releasedsingles. KURROCK: VUOT will beavailable on various platforms, including Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, iHeartRadio,iTunes, and Tidal.
“The release of our debut album KURROCK:VUOT in Japan marks a significant milestone for the band and theentire team, reflecting our tireless efforts and dedication. In Japan, when anartist releases an album independently without being affiliated with arecording company or a Japanese label, it is considered a major debut in themarket. This achievement represents an important step forward for KURROCK inthe Japanese-Vietnamese music industry in the future,” KJO said.
As the first Vietnamese rock band in Japan, KURROCK has increasingly earnedfavour among both Vietnamese and Japanese rock fans for their talent and uniquestyle.
With the support of musician Nguyen Dan who has been collaborating with theband since their first single, they have been able to complete their debutalbum and take their first steps into the professional music industry in Japan.
The release of KURROCK: VUOT alsomarks the end of the band's first chapter, in which the band included sixmembers.
Starting from next month, KURROCK will debut a new lineup consisting of fivemembers, including three Vietnamese and two Japanese, including Sang (bass),KJO (guitar), Remi (vocals), TroK (vocals), and Daisuke (drums).
“With the new lineup, KURROCK will return to the music scene with liveperformances at stages in the heart of Tokyo. We will participate in eventscommemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam andJapan, including a concert as part of the Vietnam Festival Xin chao! Saitama (Hello! Saitama),”said KJO.
“We will also join other major music events both in and outside of Japan, suchas the Vietnam Live Concert held in Tokyo, where we will perform alongsideother popular artists like Chillies, Bao Tram Idol, and singer Ho Trung Dung”./.
VNA
