PaperTree seeks to heal

Despite debuting nearly two years ago, the members of rock trio PaperTree are still trying to make their mark on the Korean indie scene. After a recent member change, the band is now back to its original founding members ― Song Young-keun on vocals and bass, Kim Tae-hyun on guitar and Lee Ye-chan on drums. 

“Our name means a tree made with paper. And paper is made from trees, it is like an infinite cycle. We wish the same for our music careers. We get motivation and a purpose to keep pursuing music when the audience listens and loves our music,” Song said in an interview with The Korea Herald, adding, “We want to pursue music that comforts and heals people.” 

PaperTree members (from left) Kim Tae-hyun, Song Young-keun and Lee Ye-chan (PaperTree)

Just as they hope, the group’s music comforts through their poetic and heartfelt lyrics. Their post breakup-themed first album depicts a heartbroken guy writing a letter to his ex-girlfriend. All of the band’s songs are composed, written and arranged by the members themselves.

“In terms of producing our music, I come up with a melody... and lyrics and then we all get together and arrange it together,” said Song. 

PaperTree has released one mini album and a single, and Song revealed that a new album, sponsored by Korea Creative Content Agency, would be unveiled soon. 

Until the group recently started seeing success and gaining a large fan base, it had been playing on small stages in local clubs. Like many indie bands, the members even had to take on part-time jobs to make a living.

“I really wanted us to participate in last year’s event but unfortunately I missed the sign-up deadline so we had been waiting for this year’s event. I wanted to introduce ourselves and our music to more people and I am very happy that we had a good result,” Song explained.

“We are so thankful that they (KOCCA) support us on the stuff that musicians can’t handle on their own such as producing and releasing an album, organizing interviews and performances,” he added. 

On Aug. 17, the trio will perform seven to eight songs including “Sleep,” “Mist,” “You’ve Forgotten Me,” “Butterfly,” and “Mad” from the new album and “Ketamine Ample” from their first EP “Forget and Leave.”