- Words Notion Staff
Korean music platforms Seoul Community Radio and ScreaM Records give us a backstage pass to their Glasto debut and share their take on the iconic British festival.
So much has been written about Glastonbury this year that it’s easy to forget about vast areas of musical escapism that aren’t televised on the BBC. Beyond the Pyramid Stage and headline sets from global superstars, an underbelly of electronic music community awaits: Silver Hayes, Shangri La and Block9 curate dream line-ups for ravers who dance until their bodies literally tell them not to. Without trying to sound like that one mate who manages to go every year, it’s what makes it (arguably) the most magical festival on the planet.
The DJs come from all over the world, and are often paid in tickets rather than a fee. This egalitarian attitude resonates with the essence of Korean music platform Seoul Community Radio, which was at Glastonbury for their first time over the weekend. Currently on a European tour with ScreaM Records, a dance music imprint under SM Entertainment, they shut down SXSW London and Fête De la Musique before heading to Worthy Farm, where they closed out the Rumshack and showcased six rising Korean DJs.
The tour comes hot off the heels of a collaborative EP between Seoul Community Radio and ScreaM Records called Enter The K Bass. A compilation of heavy tracks that combine K-pop and UK bass music, the record spotlights an array of talent redefining the city’s club scene with a sense of electronic music irreverence. The artists featured on the project and playing on this current tour include 7ip7o3, H4rdy, Mar Vista, Coziest and yunji; their music traverses skittish jungle, trancey house, ethereal hyperpop and skipping UKG.
With little prior camping experience and the omnipresent chance of rain, Seoul Community Radio and ScreaM Records pulled up to Glasto, we’re told, a little tentative. However, as you’ll find out in the gallery and interview below, any apprehension was quickly replaced with the hedonistic flurry that comes with being on The Farm. Here, we find out what they got up to, the sets they saw, how it felt being at a British fezzie for the first time and what went down at their set.
What was your favourite set you saw at Glastonbury this year?
H4RDY: Ezra Collective really moved me, their speech and performance was genuinely touching. And Goldie’s live set! the energy of live drums, it just hits differently.
How was your experience of camping at the festival?
COZIEST: So sweaty in the daytime, cold at the night.. but it didn’t matter at all!
Did you have any morning rituals?
H4RDY: Bit of booze in the morning did the trick, made me forget all about the weather for a while.
What became your festival essential to help you survive Glasto?
YUNJI: Honestly, I didn’t really survive! On our way back to London on the last day, I was totally wiped out from the heat (lol). But earplugs and a sleep mask definitely saved me.
What did you learn about yourself while there?
MAR VISTA: That I’m more adaptable than I thought. And I really, really love raving outdoors.
How did your set go down at the Rum Shack?
MAR VISTA: I played some OG house with a twist. Way more people showed up than I expected, it was wild! Such an exciting experience. I’m dying to do it again.
What area did you spend the most time in?
MAR VISTA: The Common and Block9, easily the best. Raving after sunset there: the visuals, the energy… especially at iICON, Temple, and Genosys, just next level.
Did you watch any of the headliners?
MAR VISTA: I caught Overmono and Sub Focus – both were incredible. But honestly, I gravitated more toward the smaller, underground sets. They felt more personal, and the crowds were a bit easier to navigate.
What’s one memory you’ll keep forever from playing Glastonbury?
YUNJI: The shows were amazing, but what really stuck with me was the view from our tent. Seeing all the lights, hearing the music and cheers coming from so many different stages, all surrounded by nature. Felt like a dream.
What song defined your Glastonbury experience?
7ip7o3: ‘Baby’s got a temper’ by The Prodigy
Did you get up to anything beyond watching music?
7ip7o3: I truly felt and saw the respect, understanding, and love we have for each other. It’s something I know will stay with me for a long time.
Any fashion trends you saw that you liked?
YUNJI: It felt really free and beautiful to see how European women dressed, especially compared to Asia. I thought the girls in mini ruffle dresses looked super cute.
What’s the wildest thing you witnessed?
COZIEST: Hmm, maybe the food? It was too expensive compared to the amount you got!
Best video from your camera roll from the festival?
H4RDY: The big fireworks. Proper magical.
Who’s set were you most surprised that you enjoyed?
7ip7o3: Goldie & Altern 8