Interview: Catching Up With Joseon Before Their Electrifying SXSW Stage
- Nina Bailey
- Apr 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Los Angeles is a city that never stops evolving, and its music scene is no different. From low-key underground shows to indie artists selling out packed venues, the city has always been a place where musicians push boundaries and redefine their sound. Bands bring a different kind of energy, built on collaboration, chemistry, and a shared vision. Some follow the trends, but others create something that feels entirely their own.
Photo Cr: Andy Cantu
JOSEON is the kind of band that does just that. Their music pulls from different eras without feeling stuck in one, blending the grit of 90s rock with hazy psychedelia and melodies that stick with you long after the song ends. But their artistry goes beyond the music. JOSEON isn’t just a band. They’re a creative collective, making sure every part of their work, from the visuals to the live experience, feels immersive and intentional. They’re not just making songs. They’re building a world.
As they continue making noise in LA’s music scene, their latest stop was Austin, where they took the stage at Friends From The East during SXSW. Before their set, we sat down with them and asked fun questions, along with a few deeper ones to give both new and longtime fans a better look into who they are. From the story behind one of their songs to what they’re working on next, the conversation gave us a glimpse into what’s to come from this exciting band.
Q: Can you introduce yourself to our readers
Grant: I’m Grant, I sing & I play guitar.
Chris: I’m Chris, I play bass.
Brennan: I’m Brennan, I sing & I play guitar.
Jonah: And I’m Jonah, I play the drums.
Q: Can you walk us through the story behind one of your songs? It could be any song.
Brennan: “Burning”. There was this lightning in a bottle moment back at Grant’s house in San Reno, California. And yeah we were just kind of sitting around and we were like man, we gotta write a song. And then one thing led to another, and lightning in a bottle moment, and we have “Burning” as it is now.
Q: Did you have any standout moments or unexpected experiences while at SXSW festival?
Grant: I was walking through the Austin Convention Center and was looking at my phone. I wasn’t paying attention to where I’m going and I bumped into this brick wall of a human being and I turned and there were three security guards in the way of me and Michelle Obama. Yeah she was walking around and yeah I saw her and we made eye contact for a fraction of a second and I’m still coming down from that.
Q: If the group had an alter ego band in a completely different genre, what would it be called?
Jonah: David Getta. Or Benny in the Sweetwater.
Q: If your music were a food or drink, what would it be and why?
Brennan: Kimchi Jjigae. Because it's really spicy and good for the soul. But it can bite you in the butt.
Q: You’ve been selling out shows in LA’s underground scene, what's been the most special part about playing in LA and how has the city shaped your sound?
Grant: Playing in LA is obviously a privilege to us. It's where we grew up and we love engaging with the scene. And I think a lot of the shoegaze bands that came out of there, it's not a conscious influence that they have on our sound, but we hear them all around us. They're almost unavoidable, so they definitely have an impact on what we do and like, kind of taking little tidbits from their stuff that we really like.
Q: If the group had a road trip playlist for touring, what are some must have songs that can either be one of your songs or any other artists song that have to be on that playlist?
Brennan: "Dear Prudence" - The Beatles
Chris: "A Little Bit More" - Mk.gee
Q: Any funny or weird tour stories you can share?
Grant: Last year, when we were touring through Austin, Texas, we came over here in a soccer mom van. And we had a place to stay while we were here in Austin, but on the stops like to and from, we were staying in the van. And so we were sleeping in a Whataburger parking lot. And I had gotten out of the car in the early morning, and I was walking around, and one of the Whataburger employees came up to me and was like, “Why are you still here?” at like 4 AM, and he was working the graveyard shift and was like, “What the hell is wrong with you?” And when I came back in for a refill from Whataburger he was like, “Dude I served you eight hours ago…”
Q: If JOSEON were a movie, what would the title of the movie be and which celebrity would you want to play you?
Jonah: I want Steven Yeun to play all four of us. Cause he's great with voices so he can get it down. And the title would be Invincible.
Q: What's been your post go-to meal since being in Texas?
All: Waffle House
Q: What's your order at Waffle House?
Chris: We get the All-Star Breakfast. Scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon. And the pecan waffle but I know everyone else has different waffles.
Jonah: I get the blueberry waffles.
Q: What's next for JOSEON after SXSW? Any upcoming projects or shows fans should be looking forward to?
Grant: We’re gonna be playing on a TV show for the first time, an indie show called Amy’s Dead-End Dreamhouse. It's on Nebula streaming, which is like an indie platform. But we’ll be playing a live show on the season closer, and other than that, we’ll be releasing some new music soon. The show should be coming out around July or August.
Which song by JOSEON is your favorite? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by reaching out on Instagram!
TO STAY UPDATED ON JOSEON:
Edited by Martina Yee
INTERVIEW, BAND, JOSEON, SXSW, FRIENDS FROM THE EAST
Comments