Retropolitan releases 'Heyday' blending traditional Korean sentiment with funky sounds

Retropolitan has released the music video for 'Heyday', a new song part of the 'KOREAN ETHOS' project that uses AI technology to visualize a narrative of turning past memories into present excitement. The project incorporates funky sounds from musicians including Hwang Jeong-gwan and Jang Jae-won to complement traditional melodies inspired by the Hahoe Mask Dance Drama.

Retropolitan has presented a musical endeavor that combines the sentiments of traditional culture with modern funky sounds. By releasing the music video for the new song 'Heyday', Retropolitan delivers a message of converting past memories into present excitement.

This work is an extension of the 'KOREAN ETHOS' project, which showcases Retropolitan's musical identity. Inspired by the Hahoe Mask Dance Drama in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 'KOREAN ETHOS' is a song that captures Korean sentiment by exploring the intersection of traditional Korean melodies and bluesy melodies. Notably, to capture the vividness of the scene, the project utilized Ambisonic microphones and surround recording systems, designed to harmonize the sounds of the Andong region with the resonance of the performance.

From past glory to present excitement: the narrative of 'Heyday'

The new song 'Heyday' begins with recalling past glories that had been forgotten, such as old clothes in a closet or dusty records. Rather than remaining in nostalgia for passed times, the song captures the process of moving toward present excitement through the cry, "Now is the time." It serves as an invitation to unfold hearts that had been tucked away in daily life and to enjoy today with one's own rhythm.

Regarding the sound, Hwang Jeong-gwan (drums), Jang Jae-won (guitar), and TST Hornsection (Lee Han-jin, Kim Su-hwan, Kim Dong-ha) participated to add funky colors. The chorus, which repeats "Rock your heyday" and "Spin your heyday," musically implements the message to freely express one's own personality and movement.

Visual landscapes and regional colors realized through AI technology

The music video, which visualizes the musical narrative, was produced using AI technology. The song's theme, which goes a step further from the sentiment of longing for the past to emphasize present enjoyment, was expressed through unique visual beauty via AI.

The scenery of Andong, which served as the musical background, is also an important element. In the case of 'KOREAN ETHOS', the musical landscape was completed using symbolic locations of the region, such as Hwahoe Village (Hahoe Mask Dance Drama), Buyongdae, Wolyeonggyo Bridge, Chehwajeong, and Andong Station. This project is being produced through the Gyeongbuk Content Korea Lab Content Convergence Factory operation project, holding significance as a new form of content that combines regional sounds with music.

Source: STONE MUSIC (YouTube)