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| From left, Yoon Sang, CL, Yoon Jong-shin, Yoo Hee-yeol and Lee Sang-soon, singers and judges of JTBC's new audition program "Superband 2" / Courtesy of JTBC |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Amid a boom in audition programs, cable channel JTBC is ambitiously launching the second season of its talent search show "Superband," which aims to put together musical minds and form a new band to spearhead the next generation of JTBC-aligned sounds.
Although its previous season ― which gave birth to the bands such as Hoppipolla and Purple Rain in 2019 ― only allowed male contestants to take part in the competition, this time, the opportunity is open to women as well. The show will also feature contenders of various ages and nationalities, according to chief producer, Kim Hyung-joong.
"The diversity in the participants will enable the viewers to appreciate a broader spectrum of music," Kim said during an online press conference, Monday. "There are more eye-catching musicians in our new season, who will create great synergy together."
Another producer Kim Sun-hyung, elaborated, "When it comes to a band, individual performance is not enough and all musicians should strive to discover their best partners. Thus, I think the viewers can better enjoy our show if they try to guess who will team up with whom."
For "Superband 2," veteran singer-producers Yoon sang, Yoon Jong-shin, Yoo Hee-yeol, guitarist Lee Sang-soon and CL, the former member of now-defunct K-pop girl group 2NE1, will appear as producers/judges. Asked why he decided to join the program, Yoo said he wanted to delve deeper into music through it.
"Most other audition programs center on the hunt for new singers, putting the emphasis on the contestants' vocal abilities or their performances," he said. "But I think Superband is distinctive as it sheds light on every aspects of the music brought to the stage. In fact, I was so surprised to know that there are so many talented musicians in this country… I felt like I found a musical treasure trove."
CL revealed why she was attracted to the show, saying, "Although I was never part of a rock band, I used to be a member of a K-pop group comprising different musicians, which performed until recently. I am also the only female producer this time, so I believe I would be able to give a helping hand to the female contestants."
Pointing out that the number of bands is minimal in Korea, Yoon Jong-shin explained why it is crucial for a program like "Superband" to thrive.
"Nowadays, an individual usually works on their music alone and it is pretty tough for the musicians to come together and form a band," he said. "If Korea had a lot of bands, a program like Superband would not have popped up… Instead, a competition show that pits different bands against each other might have appeared. So, I hope Superband could give birth to numerous talented bands which would ride high on the global music scene."
Yoo added, "Several genres such as K-pop, hip-hop, trot and R&B are drawing the public attention these days, but band music seems to be the only exception. Nonetheless, I believe band music has strong potential and wish more people to find interest in it via our show."
Lee wrapped up the session by disclosing his criteria for judging.
"I think the musicians of a band can be thought of as sensible if they know how to put themselves in the foreground or background depending on different circumstances," Lee said. "I also value harmony."
"Superband 2" is scheduled to air its first episode at 9 p.m. Monday (KST).
