Korean rock outfit The Rose is riding high after a whirlwind few years. Fresh off their electrifying Coachella debut and the conclusion of their world tour, the band is basking in the afterglow of success while simultaneously setting their sights on the future. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, The Rose’s members – Dojoon (vocals, keyboards), Woosung (vocals, guitar), Jaehyeong (bass), and Hajoon (drums) – opened up about their Coachella experience, the inspiration behind their music, and what fans can expect next, including a brand new album and a unique fragrance dedicated to their devoted fanbase.
From Seoul Stages to Coachella Dreams: A Band Realizes Its Potential
The Rose’s journey to Coachella is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Formed in 2017 with the release of their debut single “Sorry,” the band quickly captured hearts with their blend of soulful vocals, soaring melodies, and dynamic rock influences. However, their momentum was temporarily stalled when Dojoon, Jaehyeong, and Hajoon fulfilled their mandatory military service.
Undeterred, Woosung kept the band’s flame alive with solo endeavors. Upon reuniting in 2022, The Rose wasted no time, dropping their critically acclaimed first full-length album, “Heal.” This powerful return marked a turning point, landing them on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart and solidifying their position as a rising force in Korean music.
Experimentation and Evolution: Unveiling the Duality of “Heal” and “Dual”
Building on the momentum of “Heal,” The Rose delved deeper into sonic exploration with their sophomore album, “Dual,” released in late 2023. “We wanted to experiment more,” explains Dojoon, highlighting the band’s desire to push boundaries and challenge themselves creatively. “It went pretty well, and we loved how the album came out,” he adds, reflecting on the success of their artistic venture.
Coachella Conquest: A Dream Realized and the Power of Big Dreams
The Rose’s Coachella performance served as a triumphant culmination of their “Dawn to Dusk” tour, their second world tour in two years. Dojoon describes it as a potent and condensed version of the tour – “short but powerful.” The experience was surreal, as Dojoon admits with a chuckle: “Now, we’re back in our home resting, and if we look back to our videos and photos, it doesn’t feel like it’s a thing that happened to us. It looked beautiful.”
Adding the University of Southern California marching band to their closing song, “Wonder,” perfectly exemplified the band’s vision for their music. “When we write the songs, we’ll always imagine huge-scale stadiums,” Dojoon reveals, echoing Hajoon’s sentiment about the “big picture” they envision for themselves.
The Rose’s dedication to their craft isn’t lost on festival audiences. Having graced the stages of Lollapalooza, including the Chicago headliner slot last year, they credit their earnest passion for music as a key factor in their festival success. “We feel like we love music so much,” Dojoon proclaims, “and we think that comes across when we’re playing live.”
Beyond Coachella: A Fragrant Tribute to Fans and the Promise of New Music
The Rose isn’t resting on their laurels. Following their Coachella triumph, the band has several exciting projects in the pipeline. They recently launched “Black Rose,” a unisex fragrance named after their loyal fans. This unique offering reflects the deep connection The Rose cherishes with their dedicated fanbase. Dojoon emphasizes their active role in the creation process: “We had 20 scents made and used a voting process to help decide.”
Perhaps the most anticipated project on the horizon is The Rose’s next album. The band excitedly confirms, “We have all the songs.” While details remain under wraps, this news is sure to send shivers down the spines of fans eagerly awaiting new music.
