Rocker Kim Bada releases first solo album ‘Moonage Dream’

The rock and roll way of life continues to flow through his veins as the 42-year-old Kim Bada ― former vocalist of the legendary rock band Sinawe ― is finally releasing his first solo studio album 18 years after his official debut with the band.

“Rock and roll and being a part of a band is just who I am and it’s just something that I will always need in my life,” said Kim during a showcase held at the M Concert Hall in Sinsa-dong, Seoul, on Tuesday.

With his dark vocals and high-soaring screams vaguely reminiscent of old-school Alice Cooper, Kim unveiled four tracks from his 10-track solo album “Moonage Dream” during the showcase. Bouncing around the small stage and shouting at the top of his lungs, the seasoned rocker looked as though he wasn’t a day over 20. It seems one of his missions is to let the public know that he’s still got it.

“I had thoughts about releasing a solo album since my 20s, and now just like that, I’m already in my 40s,” he said. “I wanted to wait to release my own album until I had this overwhelming thirst to express all of my thoughts and experiment with my music.”

Fellow rocker Jung Dong-ha of iconic rock band Boohwal also attended Kim’s showcase in support of the musician holding on to his dreams. “I am also getting up there in age and I think that real artists are the ones who have stories that they want to share with the rest of the world,” said Jung. “I was very moved by his performance and I hope to be the same way one day.”

The album is a mix of heavy metal, grunge, glam and ballad rock that includes Kim’s electro-rock lead track “Moonage Dream.” The name of both the single and the album was inspired by David Bowie’s 1970s song “Moonage Daydream,” which first opened Kim’s eyes to glam rock.

Although his first rock group, the high school band Psycho Cafe, formed 26 years ago, Kim made his official debut with Sinawe in 1995. After parting ways with the other members in 1999, he went on to form the band Butterfly Effect in 2003 and worked with it until 2007. He later joined rock bands The Ratios and Art of Parties.

“I’ve been playing music for around 20 years and have never wanted to settle for mediocre success, which is why I’ve always persisted with being a member of a band and continued making music,” he said. “Even though I’m getting older, music is something I want to be a part of me for the rest of my life.”

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)