International fans experience K-Pop differently than Korean fans. With the oversaturation of artists in the industry, it can be difficult to find up-and-coming underground artists who have yet to break into the mainstream. Western music streaming services like iTunes and Spotify are doing a good job at incorporating extensive K-Pop catalogs, but for these lesser known artists, a site like Soundcloud helps to better connect them with their potential audience. There are so many talented artists swimming around this platform, so we’re highlighting artists that deserve your attention.

KOLLOFF

KOLLOFF’s identity remains a mystery at large. The enigmatic producer solely communicates through the six tracks on his Soundcloud profile, letting the music speak for itself. He refrains from doing anything flashy; rather, almost all of the tracks sit on a piano melody, a soft percussion, and some form of guitar melody—an unproblematic formula for a smooth, jazzy tune. Each song is so deep and airy that it feels like you’re right in the same room as the music. It’s comforting to hear good music without any theatrics or superfluous details.

If you like: lofi hip-hop, ‘50s era jazz, Zion.T, Peejay, Primary

“F A D E” feat. slchld

The oldest track on KOLLOFF’s Soundcloud is a great introduction to his sound if you don’t want to wander too far away from the mainstream Korean R&B vibe. “F A D E” has a lulling, wavy texture that suits the lonely lyrics about accepting the end of a relationship.

“Up All Night” feat. hatts, D'sperado, J.yung, OBSN, q the trumpet

This jazzy joint also marries jazzy elements like the muffled trumpets and piano melody, with a brief hip-hop breakdown and verses from J.yung, our favorite Soundcloud rapper. The shuffling static at the beginning of the track gives it a vintage tinge as if we’re about to listen through an old radio. “Up All Night” eases listeners into KOLLOFF’s musical style.

“morning” w/ OBSN

The producer’s most recent instrumental beautifully blends these natural sound effects and instruments. Each element—from the guitar riffs to the horn and the airy snaps—is allowed to stand out over the slow tempo. At the end, a sound bit of what sounds like children screaming outside lets the listener feel like the woman in the artwork—letting these sounds filter in through an open window on a peaceful morning.