Downbeat is a group that is genuine and refreshing. Consisting of four members (three guys and one girl—Grady Shon, Jackie Chun, Sam Bay, and Ian Kwon), it’s a group arrangement that many R&B and rap groups fail to succeed with. While maintaining simple acoustics with a guitar and percussions, Downbeat’s musical appeal only compliments its heavy and thoughtful lyrical content. The group’s name says it all, Downbeat. Downbeat is the very first beat of a measure in a musical composition. The ONE—as opposed to the typical upbeat, which begins on the “two” count. The definition alone sheds light on the band’s unconventional means to bring music.

Mixed with vocals and rapping that is reminiscent of spoken word, Downbeat’s songs sound like poetry more than anything else. It brings one back to the rawness of how hip-hop used to be and altogether, should have remained. It’s the lyrical content and the presentation of itself that should take reign, rather than the catchy beats. It’s not to say that this group’s songs are not catchy. In fact, if anything, its message has its listeners bobbing his or her head in both agreement and groove.

Downbeat’s strength in lyrics can be attributed to how the group goes about writing and producing its songs. While most groups start with a hook or a beat, this group begins with an idea; a personal experience even (as told from Downbeat’s member, Grady Shon). The group doesn’t always perform together. They would make the effort to. However, their separation as individuals going through different situations in their lives is specifically what strengthens their musical-writing ability. This scattering and gathering allows the group members to contribute an experience that only furthers the validity of what the songs speak of.

1. Name: DownBeat

MUSIC           
2. Genre of music: The genre is very open; I guess you can say that it has a very chill vibe.

• 2a. Sounds like:  chilllllllllllllllllllll

3. Who influences your style of music? Christ. That is all.

4. What is your songwriting process like?  Well, we always get ideas individually whether it is through prayer or in quiet times with God, and we share them with each other when we meet up.  Based off each of our ideas, we share our inputs to help mold a vision for our song and a goal for why we wrote and made the song.

5. Where do you get your inspiration?  Life experiences, struggles, and ultimately the WORD.

6. How does your faith tie in with your music? Our prayer is to magnify God in all our music. 

7. Songs on repeat in your music player: Jackson 5 – I want you back. HAHA

GROUP PERSONAL
8. Favorite
Time together: actin’ cracked out together when we’re tired. It is simply the best.
Place to practice: any garage that’s open
Moment during rehearsal/performance: When we make fun of Grady. 

9. How did you guys decide to come together as a band? When we all had a nice bowl of pho on a cold, cloudy day.  

10. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

• Ian: Midterm missions with my wife. 
• Sam:  Not too sure about details, taking part in furthering God’s kingdom wherever, however, and whenever that may be.
• Jackie: I’ll be 31 married with kids praising God while raising godly children.
• Grady:  Living full-time in Switzerland working and doing missions work spreading the gospel for God.

For more music, find them on YouTube or Myspace.

Comments (3)

Bkim wrote on February 24, 2009

Title: ... Nicely written by our multi-talented Veronica. I heard Downbeat at the Inspire event, they really do have a catchy sound report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

FoundConviction wrote on March 05, 2009

Title: ... thanks BK :D report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

jalisa wrote on April 16, 2009

Title: ... This was a blessing to hear. Refreshing report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0