Copy Machine are a South Korean ska band who have been active since 2006. After a digital single in 2006, their first full length album Okie Dokie was released in 2007. KoME had the opportunity to conduct a mail interview with Jundoy, the vocalist of Copy Machine, to ask him about his thoughts on ska music in Korea.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Jundoy: Hi. We're the band Copy Machine. The music we play contains of a lot of things: ska, punk and reggae music but also comedy, drinking and watching the UFC.
There aren't many Korean ska bands. Which artists inspired you to go in this direction?
Jundoy: We love many, many musicians like Bob Marley, Sublime and Suicide Machine.
How do you see the future of ska music in Korea?
Jundoy: Nowadays, the number of ska bands in Korea is increasing. Some are classic ska, some are new school. The beat of ska music is very similar to Korean traditional music, so people can listen to it easily.
Trot music and ballads are a big part of the Korean culture and hip-hop has begun to earn it's place with influential artists like MC Sniper and Drunken Tiger. Do you feel that ska music has a place in Korean culture too?
Jundoy: Not yet but I think it'll get better in the future.
I also love hip-hop music and have many hip-hop musician friends in Korea. No offence, but lots of producers are using hip-hop music as chip-party-culture. When we hold a ska party, sadly, we don't have any naked girls. (laughs)
What role do you hope ska music will play in the Korean music scene?
Jundoy: It's a live thing in which many instruments are played. That means ska-music is for live bands and isn't live music cool?
Do you feel that there is a difference between Korean and Western ska? If so what are these differences?
Jundoy: I don't notice any big differences but we've got Korean soul.
What opportunities do you feel ska music gives you that you wouldn't have had if you played another genre of music?
Jundoy: Each member used to play in several other bands playing genres such as skate, hardcore, reggae, neo-punk, metal... Copy Machine plays music that reflects the mix of our lives as musicians.
You were recently featured on the show "Show Survival", how did it feel to participate with such diverse artists as Younha and V.O.S.?
Jundoy: We were impressed! There are many real singers in Korea who practice hard, sing well and are good looking. Let me know Younha's phone number. (laughs)
Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics and music?
Jundoy: Life. That's the keyword
You did a cover of the Hawaii Five-O theme, are you a fan of the show?
Jundoy: I don't remember the TV show but I remember the music. I think that's the power of music.
It's been a while since the release of Okie-Dokie, do you have any plans for a new albums soon?
Jundoy: We have written many songs, over ten, and we're recording a couple of songs at the moment. Maybe in June or July those will be released.
Recently in our interview with Rocket Diary, they said they prefer studio work more because they can work in more detail. Do you also think this way or do you prefer performing?
Jundoy: When we record our songs, the most important thing is that can be played. But we care what it sounds like live.
You worked with Lazybone, how did this come about?
Jundoy: We worked well together. We tried a lot of ska punk and enjoyed ourselves whilst doing it. Although everyone except for one member has quit the band, there's still have good memories.
What are your plans for the future?
Jundoy: It's TOP SECRET! (laughs) We make music and enjoy life. And play many funny shows.
Would you like to play in Europe or America soon?
Jundoy: We have no specific schedule for that yet.
Any last comments for our readers?
Jundoy: Thank you. Do you like bul-go-gi? kimchi?
KoME would like to thank Jundoy and Monky Global for making this interview possible.
