Soundcloud Gems: GiiANA
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.
GiiANA
This beatmaker is bringing electronic beats to the forefront of the Korean Indie scene. Under her alias GiiANA, the producer has been dropping solid projects for a couple of years now, frequently collaborating with other Indie artists including jeebanoff and Summer Soul. She carefully weaves tropical house, trap, R&B, and pop elements into her tracks, making for a summery experience no matter what time of the year. It’s hard to dislike the feel-good ambience that seems to accompany all of her songs. We can only imagine her beats will blow up in the future; pair the tropical groove with a strong vocalist, and it’ll be a certified hit.
If you like: jeebanoff, Summer Soul, GroovyRoom, BRLLNT, Sumin, Snakehips, Kygo
“Paradise” feat. Summer Soul
This tropical tune feels like walking on water. Summer Soul’s voice drifts dreamily on the punching electronic beat. When the beat drops, it’s complemented by a warped version of Soul’s voice, transporting the listener to another space and time. It is, indeed, a tropical paradise.
“Wishes” feat. jeebanoff, K.vsh
A bit more upbeat than “Paradise,” “Wishes” still radiates that summery vibe. The hanging silence from the held beat makes it all the more satisfying once the beat finally comes in. Accompanied by faint background vocals and varying drum machines, each element turns this song into a surround-sound auditory experience. It could be snowing outside, but you’ll be transported to a backyard party in the Caribbean when blasting this track.
“4Life” feat. Bevy Maco
K-R&B artist Bevy Maco brings the sultry vocals to this pulsing song. It’s obvious this one was made to be blasted in the clubs. This English track has the potential to appeal to listeners worldwide with its simple but catchy delivery. “4Life” really exemplifies the influence of Latin and Afrocentric beats on GiiANA’s discography; it’s tasteful without being tacky and over the top.
“Let Me Take Your Love” feat. TAEK, Q the trumpet
The chillest track on this list happens to be the most sonically interesting. From the muffled jazzy horn to the tropical drums to the beat switch-up in the chorus, GiiANA’s ability to seamlessly layer these elements without congesting the track is a testament to her professional skill. While a bit darker than the aforementioned tracks, it still succeeds in transporting the listener to an alternate dimension.