Hot Salvation

Dasom Baek, a composer and performer based in Seoul, specialises in traditional Korean instruments, with a focus on the Daegeum and Sogeum. These ancient Korean bamboo flutes carry profound historical and cultural significance.

She once shared, "The allure of wind instruments lies in their connection to our breath. The stories I hold within my mind find their expression through my breath into these instruments, transforming into music."

In her latest album, "Mirror City," Dasom delves into the concepts of solitude and community within urban environments and their impact on residents. Her intention is to hold a reflective mirror up to contemporary life, employing music as a means to convey the emotions experienced by city dwellers.

She contemplates, "In a city brimming with choices, the convergence of these options creates limitless possibilities. What imprint have I left upon my city through my own choices?"

Dasom's contemporary interpretation of these ancient instruments serves as a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and innovative sonic experimentation. Within the ethereal soundscape of "Mirror City," she layers textured ambient tones and intricately chopped vocal patterns against the evocative backdrop of the Daegeum and Sogeum's resonant and profound timbres.

The album also showcases the exceptional talents of Minseon Choi, who plays the Ajeang—a zither with twisted silk strings, played with a slender stick. Together, the Sogeum, Daegeum, and Ajeang embody a facet of Korean musical heritage that is experiencing a resurgence of interest. Through "Mirror City," Dasom Baek aims to spotlight the transformative power these heritage instruments possess within contemporary music.

As a highly accomplished soloist, Dasom has graced stages across the globe, collaborating with esteemed orchestras and participating in international music festivals, including the prestigious SXSW. She has earned recognition from prominent Korean arts institutions and holds a PhD from Seoul National University, solidifying her position as a distinguished figure in the world of music and academia.