Off the 405: LEENALCHI

LEENALCHI is a seven-piece band from Seoul drawing on pansori, Korea’s centuries-old tradition of musical folk storytelling, and channeling it through bass-driven grooves that might just as easily recall the Talking Heads. Their lineup is as singular as their sound: three singers, two bassists, drums, and keys—notably, no guitar. After winning multiple Korean Music Awards and garnering attention through appearances in the Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream. Netflix documentary series, LEENALCHI now take a major step onto the world stage with a new record forthcoming on Luaka Bop, the influential label founded by David Byrne known for championing eclectic, boundary-crossing music. The band’s creator and visionary, bassist Jang Young-gyu, is a major figure in South Korea’s film industry, known for scoring films including Train to Busan and The Wailing. He was also behind the now-disbanded art band SsingSsing, whose Tiny Desk Concert Bob Boilen called “one of my most memorable Tiny Desk Concerts of all time.” In partnership with GYOPO, a nonprofit organization supporting diasporic Korean cultural producers and community building, the evening will feature a DJ set by e. SIM and a custom artist-designed photobooth experience by Se Young Au. These activations extend the celebration of Leenalchi's innovative approach to Korean music through contemporary art, culture, and community engagement. Arrive early to enjoy these participatory experiences before the performance.