Mixmag Asia Radio: Dana Kim delivers refreshing soulful & classic house cuts

Dana Kim’s early upbringing around classical music has guided her young adulthood into the realms of soulful and classic house.

Championing the subgenre that’s slowly turning into nostalgia, Dana’s sound is a refreshing palette of vibrant, pleasant grooves that emanate the positive values of club and dance floor culture. Dana’s upbringing around music mostly consisted of learnings from her grandfather who was a conductor; she’s able to navigate through music today based on the instruments she experienced as a child.

She also happens to be the manager behind plant-powered music streaming platform Greendaroom.

For this week’s episode of Mixmag Asia Radio, dive into the sultry and soulful grooves of Seoul-based Dana Kim.

Where are you based and how did you get there?

Based in Seoul, Korea. I was born and lived in Jeju, which is an island Southern in Korea, and moved to Seoul when I was eight. But the experience of nature and relaxation in Jeju kept giving me a lot of inspiration for my mix.

What’s your favourite thing about the music scene there?

In Korea, it is really interesting that you can find almost every genre of music in just a small area. I usually play at Itaewon which has a lot of international culture; you can enjoy house music, techno, hip hop, soul, and funk in a ten-minute walk.

In five words, what do your DJ sets sound like?

Melodic, bright, soulful, energy, classic.

Because of my Grandfather who worked as a conductor, I can easily experience classic LP and that makes my taste for the music

And in three words, how would you describe yourself?

loving, passionate, healthy

I think I'm the one who gets through the hard thing for something I love and as a pharmacist, I choose something that makes my mind and body healthy.

What recent trends in music have you been paying attention to? Have you caught onto them?

I think it is an all-time trend, but I am always into some music that samples or remakes old songs. If music is loved for decades, there must be a reason for that.

Are there any producers and DJs in Asia that have recently caught your attention?

Grooveman Spot (JP) - love his mix and songs with his own style. I recommend his collaboration with Korean artists like Devita.

250 (KR) - he is a producer who was already famous in the underground scene, but because of his song for NewJeans, he is now worldwide famous.

Pingpong (KR) - she always shares the right music for every place. recently her EP 'My Melody' also gave me a big inspiration.

Describe one prediction you have about dance music in a post-pandemic world that’s being driven by new technologies.

More online platforms will keep coming out. And now, lots of people can easily approach new techniques — so soon, I think we'll get to play LPs in the Metaverse.

Tell us about the inspiration behind this mix - what drove your thoughts and emotions, and how did you curate your selection?

Because it's already summer, I chose songs that felt like a burst of sunshine; bright, energetic songs can make you feel good even if it is a rainy season.

What equipment did you record this mix on?

I use my own Pioneer XDJ-XR2

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen happening from the DJ booth?

Hmm, I think the sudden dance battle of two guys is the most fun thing I recently saw. They just met but the battle was a real thing!

Where can we hear you playing next?

On my Youtube channel 'Greendaroom' which has the purpose to share underground music in normal life. Stay tuned!