Yoo Ji-sung, a feature editor who has documented popular culture for 13 years and a DJ and producer who explores music including house without constraints, presents Daegu's club, dance, and vinyl music scenes. Borrow the perspective of this observer and participant on the stage to take a more intriguing look into Daegu's music.

Unfamiliar movements in specific cities breathe vitality into the music scene. Looking back, there are many genres that did not originate in a capital city or a country's largest city. Examples include Detroit's Techno, Chicago's House, Bristol's Trip Hop , and Manchester's Madchester , which dominated an era despite being closer to the scene itself than a genre . While the Korean music scene—particularly the club, dance music, and vinyl sectors—shows a pronounced concentration in Seoul, there are nevertheless cities standing out through their respective achievements. If Busan has established a unique dynamic atmosphere alongside the remarkable rise of several venues, Daegu is currently the most intriguing city. We introduce two spaces currently enriching Daegu's music scene: Club OST and Smalls Record Bar.

The club and dance music and vinyl-related scene

Although the phenomenon of concentration in Seoul is pronounced, nevertheless

There are cities that stand out through their respective achievements.

OST

In May 2021, Club OST, a club specializing in underground dance music, opened its doors in Dongseong-ro, Daegu. It was a time when COVID-19 was in full swing, making it difficult to predict even tomorrow, let alone the future. It was a bold decision, but not an impulsive one. “I felt like I was inside a tunnel. I think my strongest motivation was the feeling that there had to be something, anything, in this barren environment.” Seo Jun-hyeok, the representative leading OST, is a native of Daegu who has observed the city’s club scene for a long time. While everyone considers Daegu a wasteland for dance music, he clearly discovered potential in various places. “Places aiming to be house or techno clubs rarely lasted more than a year. So, before opening OST, I often held parties outside, at places like adult clubs and cafes. I witnessed scenes there—people raising their hands, cheering, and rejoicing. Since there is no competitive landscape here, I think that kind of time gradually accumulated. Experiences I saw and went through in spaces in many cities both at home and abroad also remained as vivid afterimages. As a result, I developed a sense of calling.”

Starting from the determination of an individual inspired by the potential the city showed, OST effortlessly overcame that "cursed year." Now, on the eve of its second winter, it has become a home for five local resident DJs—Aktuell, Bae, Hyun, Piggisoup, and Future Guy—as well as a venue sought out with confidence by verified DJs from both Korea and abroad. “We try to experiment with everything within the various boundaries of electronic music. Music that is hard to hear at other clubs in Daegu. I have worried that it might be too chaotic, but I think that is also part of OST’s unique character. For instance, the first DJ might start the night with house, move on to techno, and then shift to a tone closer to rave later in the evening; in that way, we stimulate each other.” CEO Seo Jun-hyeok and Piggisoup also play a key role in the diverse colors OST presents as members of the resident lineup. Consequently, the contemplation of the ideal sound incorporates both the perspective of a club operator and the viewpoint of a DJ. “I traveled all over the country searching for speakers and studied hardware and room acoustics extensively. If a DJ is a chef, the club environment is crucial for the dish to shine.” As such, regardless of genre diversity, there is no room for doubt regarding the capabilities of the DJs he invites or those who help build OST. “There is something unique about those who have solidified their craft over the years. I also run a mixset program called 'OST Mix,' and that is my perspective on the Korean underground scene.” Every weekend, audiences who resonate with that perspective or are curious about the scene gather at OST. “I hope it becomes a space where you can stay comfortably from the moment you enter until you leave, no matter what time you arrive, and where you won’t feel tired even if you stay for a long time.”

It felt like I was inside a tunnel.

The feeling that there must be at least one thing in this barren environment

I think it was the biggest.

Smalls

Located in Munhwa-dong, Smalls Record Bar is small in size. However, it is not called 'Smalls' simply because it is small. “It is the name of a bar featured in the movie *American Gangster*. It was a real establishment that existed during the time the movie was set. It used to play R&B, funk, soul, and the like.” The most striking feature of Smalls is the speakers, which are very large relative to the size of the shop. While the speakers produce a sound as solid as their size, what is evident there is not just volume, but determination. “I wanted to effectively utilize things like perforated panels to deliver music with a sense of space, even though the shop is small.” DJ Acorn, who runs Smalls, is a seasoned DJ who started in his early twenties. “Back then, Daegu was practically all hip-hop. I also played music at hip-hop clubs, but there was a certain unfulfilled desire.” That desire turned into passion, leading to his victory in the Korean competition of 'Red Bull Threestyle,' a DJ contest where competitors mix at least three different genres. “I prepared like crazy for a year. I approached it with the mindset of releasing all the pent-up emotions. After that, I stepped away from being affiliated with a club to plan parties and release mixsets. It was a time to find my own unique style.” Smalls opened its doors on New Year’s Day 2021, a long-standing plan that had taken over seven years since his victory. “It was a bucket list item I had only thought about. I wanted to show people that there are plenty of DJs like us.”

I am so happy that I gain regulars even though I don't take song requests and just play according to the vibe or my taste.

So I am in Daegu.

I suppose this small group comes together to become the music god.

In a sense, Smalls' music can be described as "Balearic"—a creative DJing style or sound that originated on the island of Ibiza in the 1980s, boldly fusing various genres . It is closer to the idiom "Balearic" as a concept where anything can be a subject of selection, rather than the emotional meaning of "Beach Mood." And since such "Balearic" is a concept created by DJs rather than actual musicians, it is ultimately connected to the DJ's tenacity and persuasion. "You know how you get a feeling for a good song the first time you hear it? It's even better if it's a song you've never heard before. Anyone who visits Smalls once always comes back. I feel truly happy when I hear them say, 'I came back because of the music.'" In this way, DJ Acorn continues to find joy in every single day. “Rather than any specific special memory, every single day is memorable. I love coming to this place every time I go to work. I am so happy that we gain regulars even though we don’t take requests and the DJ plays according to their own mood or taste. That is also why I am in Daegu. I suppose it is this small group coming together to form the music scene.” Smalls, a cozy space that perfectly fits the description of a "living room," does not have a designated resident DJ, but the stage is primarily taken by DJs who approach records (vinyl) with a wide range of tastes, including DJ Acorn, Sol, Mui, and Slowlife. In addition, they invite guests from other regions or overseas about once every two months. “Deepness and passion are the most important things. You can feel it when you listen to the mixsets. I hope this place becomes a stepping stone that stimulates the musical curiosity of our customers.” Smalls keeps its doors wide open to diverse tastes and awaits friends with just as open minds.

Illustration | In order, Club OST in Dongseong-ro, which deals with underground dance music, and the scenery of Smalls Record Bar, where vinyl of a wide range of tastes is played. *Club OST is collaborating on the live set at The Hyundai Daegu B2 Music Bar.

**External contributions to the Editorial Department are intended to provide a multifaceted perspective on local culture and industry and may differ from the views of the Editorial Department.

Yoo Ji-sung

Since 2009, he has worked as an editor for GQ Korea and as an associate editor for Playboy Korea . After starting his career as a freelance editor in 2018, he has created content primarily for various music-related platforms, including 'BUDXBEATS', 'Discogs', and 'Red Bull Music'. He is currently serving as a planning committee member for Naver Onstage and a selection committee member for the Korean Hip Hop Awards. Since the fall of 2022, he has been working as the editor-in-chief of Hypebeast Korea . P.S.: If you Google 'Jesse You', you can see him as a DJ and producer.