Wave to Earth (; stylized in all lowercase) is a South Korean indie rock band that consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Kim, drummer Dong Q, and bassist John Cha. Since their formation in 2019, they have released one studio album, 0.1 Flaws and All. in 2023 and their third extended play Play with Earth! 0.03 in 2024.
History Wave to Earth was formed when Daniel Kim and Dong Q were in middle school. They said they formed a band with the ambition of "showing music that makes a new wave." They debuted with the single "Wave" on August 23, 2019, with a new member John Cha. While the three of them are the official members, other regular partners of the band include member Jeon Min (saxophone), and Hong Seungki, in charge of the band's artwork. The band's unique sound, blending soft indie rock with jazz influences, has garnered an international fanbase, particularly through streaming platforms, marking them as a standout in South Korea's indie scene. They released two EPs in January 2020: Wave 0.01 and Summer flows 0.02. They signed with WAVY, the label where Colde is the owner, in 2021. They had a live performance with La Poem on Naver Onstage. In 2023, they released their first studio album, 0.1 Flaws and All. Following the release of 0.1 Flaws and All., the band released a documentary on the process of creating their new album on their YouTube channel. The band did a studio lock-in and completely lived with each other while creating the album, having fun during the day and working through the night. Daniel describes the memories as fun, fulfilling and challenging. Daniel Kim described the album's A-side as centered on love and happiness, not romantic love, but affection for his band-mates, friends, and family, and an appreciation of the time spent with them. The B side takes a darker twist on love, taking on themes of heartbreak and desire. They were included in the lineup of South Korean rock festivals, including the Seoul Jazz Festival and Pentaport Rock Festival, and The Other Festival in Indonesia. Wave to Earth completed a sold-out North American tour in September 2023. On September 6, 2024, they released their studio album entitled Play with Earth! 0.03. On August 6th 2026, the band released their latest album, bad pieces.https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Wave-To-Earth-Releases-New-Album-BAD-PIECES-Announces-NA-Tour-20260807
Band members Daniel Kim – lead vocals, guitars (2019–present) John Cha – bass guitar (2019–present) Dong Q – drums, percussion (2019–present)
Session and touring members Jeon Min – saxophone Ban Si-on – keyboards Hong Seungki – artwork
Artistry The band's musical identity is rooted in the artists who first inspired its members to pursue music. Lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Kim credits musicians like Radiohead, Oasis, Jeff Buckley, Ryan Beatty, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Oscar Jerome, Ellegarden, and King Krule as the artists who sparked his passion for creating music and influences. Drummer Dong Q points to Oasis, along with Sunset Rollercoaster, and bassist John Cha cited artists such as Tame Impala, Boy Pablo, Vacations, Prince, Bon Iver, and Benny Sings. Additionally, Daniel Kim has cited Sunset Rollercoaster as a core blueprint for the band's trajectory and musical framework.
Discography Studio albums Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales KORPeak positions on the Circle Album Chart: 0.1 Flaws and All: Uncounted 0.00: wave 0.01 and summer flows 0.02: play with earth! 0.03: 0.1 Flaws and All. Released: 20 April 2023 Label: WAVY Formats: CD, LP, digital download 20 KOR: 14,057Cumulative sales of 0.1 Flaws and All:
Compilation albums Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales KOR Uncounted 0.00 Released: 14 May 2024 (limited) Label: WAVY Formats: LP 16 KOR: 9,077
EPs Title EP details Peak chart positionsSales KOR Wave 0.01 Released: 2 January 2020 Label: We Are Not 0.00 Formats: CD, digital download 55 KOR: 4,166Cumulative sales of Wave 0.01:
Summer Flows 0.02 Released: 4 August 2020 Label: We Are Not 0.00 Formats: CD, digital download 53 KOR: 4,026Cumulative sales of Summer Flows 0.02:
Play with Earth! 0.03 Released: 6 September 2024 Label: WAVY Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming 17 KOR: 10,570Cumulative Sales of Play with Earth! 0.03:
Singles "Wave" (2019) "Light" (2019) "Surf." (2020) "Pueblo" (2020) "Daisy" (2021) "Noelle Vague" (2021) "Calla" (2022) "Dried Flower" (2022) "Heaven and Hell" (2026) "Courage" (2026)
Awards and nominations + Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Korean Music Awards 2024 Musician of the Year Wave to Earth Best Modern Rock Album 0.1 Flaws and All. 2025 Best Modern Rock Song "Annie." Seoul Music Awards 2025 Band Award Wave to Earth
Tours and concerts First North American Tour DateCityCountryVenueAugust 18, 2023BerkeleyUnited StatesUC TheatreAugust 20, 2023August 23, 2023San DiegoHouse of BluesAugust 25, 2023Los AngelesBelascoAugust 26, 2023AnaheimHouse of BluesAugust 27, 2023Santa AnaConstellation RoomAugust 29, 2023PhoenixNileAugust 31, 2023DallasGranada TheaterSeptember 1, 2023HoustonWarehouse LiveSeptember 2, 2023AtlantaVariety PlayhouseSeptember 3, 2023CharlotteAmos' SouthendSeptember 5, 2023ChicagoThalia HallSeptember 7, 2023TorontoCanadaOpera HouseSeptember 8, 2023New YorkUnited StatesIrving PlazaSeptember 9, 2023September 10, 2023Washington DCHoward TheatreSeptember 12, 2023VancouverCanadaHollywood TheatreSeptember 13, 2023SeattleUnited StatesWashington HallSeptember 15, 2023OrlandoHouse of BluesSeptember 17, 2023TampaThe Orpheum
References