Wave to Earth

Biography

Wave to Earth (Korean: 웨이브투어스; stylized in all lowercase) is a South Korean indie rock band that consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Kim, drummer Dong Q, and bassist John Cha. Since their formation in 2019, they have released one studio album, 0.1 Flaws and All. in 2023 and their third extended play Play with Earth! 0.03 in 2024.

History

Wave to Earth was formed when Daniel Kim and Dong Q were in middle school. They said they formed a band with the ambition of "showing music that makes a new wave." They debuted with the single "Wave" on August 23, 2019, with a new member John Cha. While the three of them are the official members, other regular partners of the band include member Jeon Min (saxophone), and Hong Seungki, in charge of the band's artwork. The band's unique sound, blending soft indie rock with jazz influences, has garnered an international fanbase, particularly through streaming platforms, marking them as a standout in South Korea's indie scene. They released two EPs in January 2020: Wave 0.01 and Summer flows 0.02. They signed with WAVY, the label where Colde is the owner, in 2021. They had a live performance with La Poem on Naver Onstage. In 2023, they released their first studio album, 0.1 Flaws and All. Following the release of 0.1 Flaws and All., the band released a documentary on the process of creating their new album on their YouTube channel. The band did a studio lock-in and completely lived with each other while creating the album, having fun during the day and working through the night. Daniel describes the memories as fun, fulfilling and challenging. Daniel Kim described the album's A-side as centered on love and happiness, not romantic love, but affection for his band-mates, friends, and family, and an appreciation of the time spent with them. The B side takes a darker twist on love, taking on themes of heartbreak and desire. They were included in the lineup of South Korean rock festivals, including the Seoul Jazz Festival and Pentaport Rock Festival, and The Other Festival in Indonesia.
Wave to Earth completed a sold-out North American tour in September 2023. On September 6, 2024, they released their studio album entitled Play with Earth! 0.03. On August 6th 2026, the band released their latest album, bad pieces.

Band members

Daniel Kim – lead vocals, guitars (2019–present)
John Cha – bass guitar (2019–present)
Dong Q – drums, percussion (2019–present)

Session and touring members

Jeon Min – saxophone
Ban Si-on – keyboards
Hong Seungki – artwork

Artistry

The band's musical identity is rooted in the artists who first inspired its members to pursue music. Lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Kim credits musicians like Radiohead, Oasis, Jeff Buckley, Ryan Beatty, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Oscar Jerome, Ellegarden, and King Krule as the artists who sparked his passion for creating music and influences. Drummer Dong Q points to Oasis, along with Sunset Rollercoaster, and bassist John Cha cited artists such as Tame Impala, Boy Pablo, Vacations, Prince, Bon Iver, and Benny Sings.
Additionally, Daniel Kim has cited Sunset Rollercoaster as a core blueprint for the band's trajectory and musical framework.

Singles

"Wave" (2019)
"Light" (2019)
"Surf." (2020)
"Pueblo" (2020)
"Daisy" (2021)
"Noelle Vague" (2021)
"Calla" (2022)
"Dried Flower" (2022)
"Heaven and Hell" (2026)
"Courage" (2026)