By Han Sang-hee
Staff reporter
The lineup for the upcoming Jisan Valley Rock Festival is as colorful as a rainbow, but there are two particularly special female artists to watch out for during the event.
American singer-songwriter Diane Birch and Corinne Bailey Rae from the U.K. are both coming to Korea for the first time, and local fans will have the chance to listen to their distinctive sounds live at the festival.
The doe-eyed Birch was born in Michigan but lived in Zimbabwe and then South Africa with her Seventh-Day Adventist parents. Growing up all over the world may have made her feel lonely, as it was hard for her to make friends every time she moved, but the experience abroad has certainly worked to her advantage, adding a bit of originality and personality to her music and the way she sees the world.
``Because my parents were very conservative, I developed a real curiosity for the world and the exploration of life outside of their religion. Because I spent so much time in church as a child, I am very influenced by the musical structures of hymns. There is also a certain romance that I find in religion that has inspired me, although I don't participate in any religion personally at this point in my life,’’ the 27-year-old singer said in an email interview with The Korea Times.
Birch’s music stands out, mostly because of her clear voice and soulful hymn-like tunes. Her first studio album, ``Bible Belt’’ was released in 2009, receiving critical acclaim from the media, including Rolling Stone Magazine. The album features various genres, including blues, gospel rock, folk and soul, and she manages to adapt her voice to each without missing a beat.
``On this first album, I feel the most attached to the song `Magic View’ because it represents a moment of pure bliss and serenity to me,’’ she said.
From the aspiring artist who rebelled against her strict upbringing to become the talented singer songwriter who wrote all the lyrics and songs on her debut album, Birch has seen and done a lot in her short, yet colorful, career, and intends to go a long way with her music.
``I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to do what I love every day. I am inspired by the struggles and joys of everyday life and the beauty in ugliness and pain.’’
Any words for Korean fans waiting to finally watch her live on stage?
``I have never been to Korea but have always wanted to visit especially since I love Korean food! Hopefully, Korean fans will like my music so I can come and play a show there again,’’ Birch said.
Along with Birch, British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae is also poised to wow local fans for the first time. The 31-year-old’s song ``Put Your Records On’’ from her 2006 eponymous debut album was a huge hit in Korea and her appearance at the festival is expected to create a stir among her fans here.
Being on the road for tours and performances can be rough, but for Bailey Rae, it’s simply part of her job and she’s never thought of it as a burden.
``Every gig we do is different. It depends on the audience. We try to be a band (that) listens to the audience more and tries to get into what people like. You really have to listen and feel the audience,’’ she said in an email interview with The Korea Times.
After the sudden death of her husband and fellow artist Jason Rae in 2008, coping with the world was tough, but her new album ``The Sea,’’ which was released early this year, helped her move on and grow emotionally. Music was something she could not move away from and it was exactly what she needed to recover.
``Getting inspiration is very important. I get it from real life, different things I’ve been feeling, I’ve experienced, I’ve observed, things out of my mind, things that drive me. I believe expressing (yourself) is what a lot of people do. One of the ways I’ve found most useful to (communicate) with people is to play music,’’ the singer said.
``I think it’s important to be honest with songs. I just want the music (to be about) what’s going on in my head, to be free,’’ she added.
Despite her lack of experience with the Korean crowd, Bailey Rae expressed her excitement in meeting them soon and the fans’ reactions will hopefully live up to her expectations.
``I am definitely looking forward to seeing you guys. It really will be a festival: noisy, bringing people together (with them singing) along. I think it’s really challenging to be engaged with (the audience) for the first time. I’m definitely looking forward to it and am hoping you will really get the music,’’ she said.
The Jisan Valley Rock Festival will be held from July 30 to Aug. 1 at the Jisan Forest Ski Resort in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province. Diane Birch will perform on July 30 at 6:30 p.m., while Corinne Bailey Rae will meet fans on Aug. 1 at 8:20 p.m. For more information, visit www.valleyrockfestival.com.