Capturing The Volunteers: A Night with Yerin Baek and Her Band
This week I had the unique opportunity to photograph and work with The Volunteers, the South Korean rock band fronted by the enigmatic Yerin Baek 백예린. Known for her haunting vocals and introspective lyrics, Baek has carved a unique path in the music industry.
Imagine stepping into a dimly lit basement room, nestled below the grandeur of the Old National and Egyptian Room theaters. Down almost two flights of stairs, and a walk down a long hallway, and your at the Deluxe. Upon arriving an already crowded block of fans pushed up against the barricade to watch an artists whose debut in Indiana was long coming. The palpable sense of excitement—a communal breath held in unison, awaiting the first chord which was still almost an hour away from happening. I typically try to review the artist way before I arrive, however this is a small instance I did not know a lot about The Volunteers. I wanted to educate myself, which would help me best talk to others at the venue, and perhaps strike up a useful conversation on what they chose this artist to spend their money on.
Born Baek Ye-rin on June 26, 1997, in Daejeon, South Korea, Yerin’s journey in the music industry began at a young age. She gained early recognition as a "10-year-old ballad genius" on the SBS variety show Amazing Contest Star King. Her talent soon led her to JYP Entertainment, where she debuted as part of the duo 15& in 2012. The duo enjoyed considerable success before going on hiatus in 2015, during which time Yerin began to focus on her solo career.
Her solo debut came with the EP "Frank" in 2015, marking the start of her collaboration with producer Cloud and showcasing her skills as a singer-songwriter. Over the years, Yerin has released several critically acclaimed albums and singles, including "Square (2017)" which made her the first South Korean artist to top the charts with a song sung entirely in English.
In 2018, Yerin formed The Volunteers, bringing a fresh sound to the South Korean music scene. The band’s lyrics, written entirely in English, and their post-grunge rock style set them apart. Their music reflects a blend of personal introspection and broader social themes, resonating with a diverse audience.
I joked with people on the other side of barricade, “Who is this artist?” I asked, just having read the wikipedia, and Korean news articles all about Baek and her band. As the lights dimmed and the band took the stage, a collective round of applause swept through the entire room of the small basement venue. Baek's stage presence was less energetic than most, but with a voice so raw, it left little room under the spotlight. The band's chemistry and fuzz clean guitar tones was undeniable as their music a fusion of post-grunge and alternative rock resonates deeply with the audience. The band's ability to blend musical genres and create a sound that is uniquely their own is a testament to their artistry. As a photographer, it was a privilege to capture the essence of their performance. Now, a gallery of some of those moments from the show.
