JAMBINAI: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Bob Boilen | July 9, 2021
I don't think I've ever used the word "fierce" to describe a Tiny Desk, but that's precisely what JAMBINAI has created in this (home) concert. The show begins in front of a massive recreation of my desk and what happens next ... well, no spoilers here. Filmed in an immersive media art museum created by an organization known as d'strict on Jeju Island, this Korean band contains multitudes. At its heart, JAMBINAI's music mixes elements of metal, noise and Korean tradition. There's full-on distorted guitar, bass and drums, but also a haegeum (a fiddle-like instrument), a piri (a type of flute), a taepyeongso (a reed instrument) and a most appropriately named instrument, a geomungo (a giant Korean zither). We also hear some delicate vocals in the mix.
The two pieces performed here include 2015's "Time of Extinction" and the more recent and epic "ONDA." I last saw JAMBINAI on two consecutive nights at SXSW in 2014 and then again at the 2021 virtual festival. It reminded me of their intensity and originality, and I look forward to the day when they come and play a more modest, tinier desk and, perhaps, shake the shelves.
SET LIST
"Time Of Extinction"
"ONDA"
MUSICIANS
Ilwoo Lee: guitar, piri, taepyeongso, saenghwang, vocals
Bomi Kim: haegeum, vocals
Eunyong Sim: geomungo, vocals
Byeongkoo Yu: bass, chorus
Jaehyuk Choi: drums, chorus
CREDITS
Director: Jinho Park
Producer: Hyunggun Kim (The Tell-Tale Heart)
Video Production: DEEPCUT
D.O.P: Hanhee Cho
Production Assistant: Younggyun Lee
Audio Recording: Minjae Lee (ssplworkz)
Audio Mixed and Mastered: Sanghyun Cho (M.O.L STUDIOS)
Media Art Installation: d'strict
Special thanks to Stella Heesun Suh (KOCCA), Victor Eun Suk Choe (d'strict), Yunjung Yeum (d'strict), Sangwoo Lee (d'strict)
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Andy Huether
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame, Josh Rogosin, Gabrielle Pierre
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #jambinai

[@illy_bum]

타이니데스크에 잠바나이라니 ㅠㅠㅠ 감동. 한국분들 안계신가요~~

[@entpentp]

홍홍

[@goldenlaver]

손

[@chawoochul]

손 ㅋ

[@Leonallleona]

흐

[@4leaf86]

son

[@unchartedpassions]

If these guys are playing near you, do not hesitate! One of the most intense live music experience I've had! Bring earplugs and enjoy the awe 🤘

[@RenghisKhan]

Yep. 👍

[@애니-p8o]

잠비나이 공연은 언제 들어도 감동입니다~ 우리나라의 자랑입니다~ 더많이 전세계에 알려줬으면 합니다~!!!

[@ritual301]

Holy smokes. _Jambinai_ on Tiny Desk!? Been following them for a quite a while and feel they totally deserve more exposure. They are fantastic musicians. This makes me so happy for them:) Thanks Tiny Desk!

[@sabrinab4193]

Yessss!!

[@googlemail9110]

BatChest CHILLS!

[@belufian]

잠비아니를 타이니 데스크에서 볼줄이야 너무 멋지자너 👍

[@Nickee_Sonicjinn]

너비아니가 생각나버려서 웃고있지만 진짜 기분좋은 공연영상이네요! 잠비나이 계속 승승장구하시면서 훌륭한 음악 들려주시길!

[@zachmiller9189]

I saw them at Coachella and they were awesome . Great unique sound. Mixture of traditional Korean sounds with modern post rock sounds. So many great unique music coming out of S. Korea these days. And I'm not talking about K-Pop. There are many great non-KPop artists coming out of Korea.

[@AndreMitchellTV]

I think the set design need to win Tiny Desk Design of The Year. I was amazed how perfect it went with the style of music and the Tiny Desk background was Awesome.

[@yangeoblee3090]

Yeah it’s sooooo amazing! FYI, Venue is Arte museum located in jeju, Media art made by group ‘d’strict’.

[@zaccaira4649]

Yeah how tf did they do that.

[@mrsleep0000]

@@zaccaira4649 Projectors above them pointing down for the floor and short throw projectors for the backdrop. And then it looks like they are using low fill light on the band to help wash out the image from the aerial projection.

[@cooldebt]

I love how npr is bringing us music from all around the world at a time when we can’t travel. Not only that, we are seeing music which is just music - no need for genre or labels. Just pure creativity and skilled performance. What a privilege for our ears (and eyes). Thank you!

[@tinybobboilen]

thanks for saying so cooldebt, I'm particularly proud of this one. (bob)

[@rowdywhite3189]

@@tinybobboilen It's fantastic, and while I hope you don't stopping doing this sort of thing, I can't wait for the in the office tiny desk shows to resume when they can. I just love that vibe.

[@multiversossaltamontes7374]

travel where? why? the interenet is old man.

[@multiversossaltamontes7374]

and the second, yes, that band is good.

[@ana211-s3u]

아 진짜 너무너무너무 멋있어 라이브로 들어야 하는데 ㅜ!!!

[@patturnweaver]

hopefully jambinai gets more recognition. what they have achieved it deserving of the highest respect - genuine artistry full of soul and character that is inspired by korean sensibilities. they are very special

[@김종대-e8s]

예전 씽씽밴드 이후로 구독 해놓고 있었는데, 이렇게 또 좋은 그룹을 알게 되네요. 연주 너무 좋아요!

[@michaelkutulas8878]

Wow!... I mean... just WOW!!! That was WAY more than music!!!

[@TheKatieLea]

I don't know what I just listened to but now I'm looking for more of it

[@ミルク-r7t]

初めて知ったバンドだけど、世界観すごいな。引き込まれた。 楽器の種類もすごいけど、どれもこれがベストチョイスってくらい使いこなせてるのが本当にすごい。ギター弾きながら笛吹くってなんだよ。天才。

[@lantuin]

One of the most interesting band in the last years

[@beverlyandrews8916]

They are an astonishing group, creating music which is truly other worldly, like rock from Mars.

[@deeliciousplum]

If anyone heard or was startled by a loud crashing noise, please, do not be alarmed. That was my lower jaw falling with such speed and hitting my dusty room's wooden floor. Wow! This is the first time that I have listened to JAMBINAI. I am in a complete state of awe. 🌸

[@user-mr5yw7mx4g]

슈퍼밴드2 박다울팀영상에서 댓글로 추천받고 왔는데... 우리나라 좀 미친것같음..천재들이 왜이리많음.. 싱싱밴드이후 또이런 충격을 받네. 이정도실력인데 사람들이 잘모른다는건 확실히 한국음악생태계가 문제있는거같네요.. 인디씬에 진짜 응원이 많이필요한거같음.. 잠비나이같은팀이 잘되야 제2 제3의 박다올같은 아티스트가 나올수있는데..

[@손톱달-y8d]

저도 저도

[@그럼뭐]

엠카운트다운 뮤직뱅크 인기가요 음악중심 죄다 아이돌 퍼나르는 느낌이니까요... 유희열의 스케치북, 스페이스 공감, 문화콘서트 난장 등은 방송국에서 시간대 배치가 안좋고ㅠ 오디션 프로는 주구장창 나오는데 단기적으로 받은 스포트라이트가 쭉 이어지기 힘든 구조임

[@francis2255]

솔직히 박다울 군이 제발 잠비나이보고 공부를 많이 했으면 좋겠더라고요.... 줄 굳이 않끊어도 이렇게 할 수 있는건데....

[@rhythmepaper]

원래 post rock은 씬 자체가 매니악하고 작은편이에요. 심지어 한국이라면 더더욱 작을 수 밖에 없죠

[@naiad11211]

와.. 라이브도 미쳤다.. ㅎㄷㄷ

[@cuttestpomeraniansimbafrie2600]

Korean Traditional music blended with modern music at its best... so unique and precious and just so entertaining most of all.

[@tsalvengi-jangpersimmon64]

잠비나이라니... 랙앤플레이에서 영상만들었을 때가 10년도 넘었을 거 같은데 그 영상도 어마어마 했는데, 이젠 타이니데스크에서도 보게 되네. 영광입니다 ㅠㅠ

[@우울한월요일]

이게 포스트락이다..... This Is Real Post-Rock.....

[@entpentp]

‘Onda’ means ‘Wave’ in Italian. I was in the bigbig wave. Whoa!

[@matth6932]

Sign this band to a film score. Un-real dynamic, colour and range! Peace from Canada.

[@DIGITAL7Media]

literally what I was thinking. Id see the film just for the score alone.

[@jeffrobins8946]

Korean films rock

[@MrVinB]

Saw these guys live a couple of years ago in Eindhoven, they are so talented! Nice to see them get more recognition

[@jmc6952]

Tiny desk always moves ahead at introducing various international music. I myself as a Korean always learn new Korean bands from here... 😆😆 I have to send thanks to production team!

[@뇽용-u1g]

Me too

[@chuckar0o]

When you realize you've found a sound you never heard, but always needed. Thanks Tiny Desk

[@summertime1019]

I'm a big fan of Jambinai but wouldn't expect to see them here. I'm so moved n proud of them~~ㅠㅠ

[@NicoVerhaegen]

I saw these guys live in Brussels a few years back and they're incredibly talented. So pure

[@korswe]

The strings are tugging at my emotions. I'm tearing up...crying actually. I don't know why.

[@sylvial2858]

No words to describe how awesome this Korean band is. They are even more incredible live when you are right there by the stage, so make sure yall check them out the first chance you get.

[@SAN-nc6ly]

진짜 자랑스럽다 너무 멋있다

[@DogtownPower]

YES. So glad to see them here, they deserve the best. ONDA is a real masterpiece.

[@paulinhowh]

loved how they put the NPR scenery in background

[@soonjacho3090]

너무 멋지고 자랑스러워요. 우리 전통악기로 신비롭기까지한 음악 연주를 들을 수 있다니 감동입니다 ♡♡♡

[@bliksemvis]

If you ever manage to catch these guys live, do so, they are absolutely awesome

[@whisperywind8768]

Wow. Just wow. I’m literally speechless. Just wow.

[@ekwjdgp]

한국 특유의 한이라는 정서를 국악기들이 더욱 그 느낌을 깊고 풍부하게 만들어주네요~~^^ 멋져요~ 잠비나이~~

[@Carlpark]

와~~ 잔비아~~ 타이니 데스크에서 만나게 되어 너무 반갑네요~~Wow, it's so nice to meet you at the Tiny Desk.

[@Kim2jin613]

기타 치면서 태평소 부는 거 너무 너무 너무 멋진데요…..👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@comicdenominator6709]

one of the best live shows ive ever seen. love this band

[@Jibegagosiptta]

와 정말 너무 멋있어요............!!!!!

[@chrisbull845]

I saw them in Leeds, UK a few years ago and it was a total fluke. I had never heard of them and I was randomly sent a KZbin link to them on the Friday and after looking to see if they had any tour dates, saw they were playing on the Monday. Went along and in a tiny room with only about 40 people in it they just blew the room away. They finished the set with Connection and it was just something that had to be witnessed and felt in that small room.

[@뇽용-u1g]

What a dreama. I, live in. S. Korea, never seen a live of them. Hope seeing them soon

[@wayneosborne2506]

I'm so jealous 😫

[@jojobroom]

Excellent! I would highly recommend seeing them live, its a total sound explosion.

[@shiinkun]

been following the band since differance dropped, and seeing a big name like NPR give these guys a chance to show their stuff just warms my heart. it can only go up from here 😊

[@su7591]

DMZ 피스트레인 에서 처음 공연을 봤던 기억이 나네요. 갠적으로 그날 가장 좋았던 무대였었어요. 이런 타이니데스크에도 공연을 볼 수 있다니 너무 영광이고 멋집니다. 잠비나이 홧팅홧팅!!!!!

[@Nickee_Sonicjinn]

Whoa!! Jambinai at Tiny Desk finally? That haegeum's sound is truly magical and mesmerizing! The combination of Gumoongo(the rectangular string instrument) and Sanghwang is gorgeous in the second song 'Onda'. There are so many other amazing Korean bands as well but Bob Boilen's choices are always so trustworthy. Thank you so much for inviting Jambinai and having us enjoy their fierce yet beautiful music!

[@fabiof8534]

FANTASTICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tracyfromwv9374]

Wow. Just WOW. Who needs coffee when you have this music to wake up to? Thank you, NPR.

[@lordbuddybear]

I still need my coffee though :D

[@tracyfromwv9374]

True enough [raises coffee mug in salute] 😀

[@benjamindupuis6740]

That's freaking awesome

[@yoontiful9]

국악을 영어로 번역하면 K-ROCK이었나 진짜 개힙하다 최고다 진짜 많이 버시고 오래도록 음악 해주세요 제발

[@vjoaomachado791]

Stunning. Astonishing! I like it how ONDA also means wave in portuguese, making so much thematic sense. Thank you for the experience! Much love

[@sabrinab4193]

Sim hahaha 😅

[@sabrinab4193]

The waves at the background 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 perfect

[@jaysalvadoriiisalvosa1625]

That is so cool!

[@exquis_]

YES, jambinai is such a great band. Been listening to them since years and was sad to miss them when they came to my country. Thanks for inviting them. The fusion and use of the traditional instruments is so goood ✨

[@vancralcharles7209]

NPR🙌🙌🙌 mad respect ❤️ I'm in HAITI 🇭🇹 so enjoying all of the different types of music around the world 🌎🌍 Tiny Desk Home concert 🔥🔥🔥

[@noir_ins]

정말 소름이네요.. 최고 ㅠㅠㅠㅠ 한편으로 한국에는 이런 플랫폼이 없는게 참 안타깝네요...

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Time Of Extinction* (2:59) 4:02 - *ONDA* [12:23 - Tiny Desk team]

[@timharrap7500]

Algorithm just delivered this superb remote Tiny Desk with Jambinai. What an excellent band so hope they return to Australia soon. Its a long time since I saw them in Bristol England. Note their current European tour does not have dates for the UK - wonder why?!!

[@FrydaWolff]

Come thru Korean metal. 🤘😝🤘

[@silviac221]

This band is huge! They are so impressive, impressively good! This is making music outside the box!

[@yotaiji012]

Wow they were on tiny desk! These guys are really amazing. Saw them live in Korea

[@jooo_vely]

펄~럭 🇰🇷

[@schiavoneluca]

huge fan of tiny desk, but this is another level 🔥

[@lovefoxstar04]

갓비나이…💜 GODBINAI💜

[@alexpoker7725]

She's hands down the best violatarcello thingy thing player in the world.

[@r.s.5166]

Love this comment so much 😂

[@Frosk_Got_Scissors]

Love your comment too! 🥰 ..and your right!

[@Reprodestruxion]

Erhu

[@노루마드]

@@Reprodestruxion nope thats HaeGeum

[@ultratwin]

@@Reprodestruxion That's a haegeum, which is very different in materials and design from the erhu. Note that both the Chinese erhu and the Korean haegeum were developed from the ancient Chinese xiqin. • The erhu has a longer scale, snakeskin sound box head w/latticed back, metal strings, taut tension bow, sleek hexagonal or circular sound box, w/bridge damper. • The haegeum has a shorter scale, wooden sound box head w/open back, silk twine strings, slack tension bow, bulbous circular sound box, w/no bridge damper.

[@뇽용-u1g]

The ‘onda’ reminds me of old shaman ritual in korea, ‘Sinawi’ which call for auspicious energy with playing.. awesome!

[@DarnellBates]

This set should be added as a throwback to this year's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month contribution. I head forgot about this amazing band

[@RN-kq6cp]

AMAZING! POWERFUL. BEAUTIFUL. BRILLIANT. THANK YOU

[@dreamingbear_]

holy moly!!! didn't expect to see this at Tiny Desk OMG! Feel so proud 👍

[@Tiera911]

THIS IS INCREDIBLE OMG

[@LuizMGRamos]

Onda, in portuguese, is wave. There you have it. This is amazing.

[@hwaiklee2382]

잠비나이 언제 나오나 했는데 드디어!!! 크으 자랑스럽습니다!!

[@sabrinab4193]

Oh shhh didnt know this had happened, i love jambinai!!

[@terichewbaccazulu5908]

Finally! I've been following Jambinai for several years now. I'm so happy to see them get more international recognition.

[@kirprenses]

Simply Dope...takes me back to another Time...The Flute sounds almost like a Zurna...it's always so amazing how Human Mankind is still so connected to each other through Music🌌🙏

[@ultratwin]

The connections are indeed real...although quite different from the hyangpiri in the above video, the Japanese charumera, Korean taepyungso and Chinese suona (look them up sometime) are all essentially the zurna that somehow made it to the other side of the continent, at least a thousand years ago.

[@paperlionkid1787]

'Glad to see Jambinai here.

[@MonzennCarloMallari]

Saw them in Nami Island World Music Festival. They are as awesome live as in this Tiny Desk

[@mrsubmind1]

와 음악 분위기 스케일 뭐임 충격받고 갑니다 대가의 음악이네요

[@astralhorizons]

my ears ONDA when I here this

[@월향-b7k]

몽환적이며 멋진 소리에 빠질듯한 영상까지! 와우!

[@melissayazminmartinezbeltr5943]

I love this band❤

[@peldiesls]

너무 좋네요 자랑스럽습니다!!!

[@flyingcheff]

Amazing! Unbelievable- FABULOUS, EPIC!!

[@BennstantonFavorites]

Amazing band, so happy to see you got them on here!

[@josemariaalea1808]

Magnificent. Absolutely awesome.

[@jkkim6928]

10:10 the moment relentless waves of eargasm hit you right in the face

[@jocefianrama]

I just dropped everything I was doing when I saw the name JAMBINAI and NPR tiny desk.

[@casacolibri4918]

I love Jambinai. Your music is beautiful

[@carbonplay4431]

국악기의 새 지평을 열어주신 잠비나이 선생님들 항상 감사드립니다.

[@jaysalvadoriiisalvosa1625]

This is just so surprising! Jambinai on Tiny Desk! So good!

[@sheepbaba]

Music of the Gods. Pure star worship. Incredible. If it wasn't 4 the plan feckit I'd be on a plane to S. Korea to soak in the vibes and tasty food too!!! So much love for this!!!

[@SimonSheen990]

When progressive vibe meets Korean tradition!

[@ryanshin4934]

중독성 있는 음악이네요.끝까지 듣게되는 과거와미래를 연결하는듯한 뭐라 말하기 어려운 여운이 있네요

[@andreistroe4140]

beautiful. extraordinarily beautiful

[@rockizoa]

므찌다 잠비나이~~~~

[@cc-nb8om]

instruments are stunningly beautiful, really unreal sounds reminds me of Maori flute's

[@chologkr]

JAMBINAI IS THE BEST...😭😭😭

[@andycordy5190]

Tremendously exciting sounds, perhaps more reminiscent of 70's Prog rock than traditional Korean music. Thank you NPR another triumph!

[@jwo122]

well it's fusion rock. I don't think it was intended to be portrayed as traditional Korean music. They're taking elements from traditional Korea music and implementing it into rock music. The portions of the songs where the Korean instruments are emphasized is in line with traditional Korean music. I don't know Prog rock from the 70's but if this sounds like it then most likely they were inspired by it. A fusion of 70's Prog rock and traditional Korean music.

[@차은정-c1l]

역시 믿고 듣는 ~~ 너무 좋다

[@tonyrae86]

This blew my mind. I'm so glad to know their music now.

[@yunmei584]

너무 힙하고 멋진 밴드네요!! 잘 듣고 갑니다.

[@2month260]

진짜 멋있다 ㅠㅠㅠㅠ