JOSEON : THE LA ROCK BAND REDEFINING WHAT’S NEXT
Photography by Ana Chen
Joseon may be a relatively new name in the Los Angeles rock scene, but the band has already built an impressive résumé.
In just two years, they’ve performed at SXSW in both 2024 and 2025, released their debut EP YOUTHiNASiA (2024), and followed it up with standout singles like Snows and 7Degrees. With over 21,000 monthly Spotify listeners and a growing reputation for raw, energetic live shows — Joseon is quickly establishing themselves as a band to watch.
How was Joseon formed? How did you all meet and decide to start making music together?
Brennan and I have been lifelong friends - our parents basically signed us up for it. We met Jonah in Korea on sabbatical while the world went sideways during COVID. None of us had been in a band, but we booked some time at a rehearsal studio and made some noise. The rest is history in progress.
If you could pack three snacks or drinks in a lunchbox to describe Joseon’s sound, what would they be — and why?
Trail mix, yakult, and a stray cookie. Scattered, never quite what you expect, and surprisingly probiotic.
Your latest single, "Snows," has been out for a bit now! Was the writing process for this track different compared to your earlier music?
“Snows” was less writing and more shuffling around a room until things stuck. It was definitely looser than in the past - more about feeling than anything else. We were all happy with it.
What's your favorite song to perform live — and why? Do you have any pre-show rituals before you hit the stage?
Probably “Angeline,” which is our set closer and the song we’re recording right now. The live three-piece harmony is tough to top. Pre-show rituals...I don’t know. Brennan always drives to the venue. I usually have one drink.
Are there any specific bands or artists that inspire you when you're writing music? Whether sonically, lyrically, or energy-wise — who’s on your mood board?
It’s always changing. We’ve been listening to a lot of Sweet Trip’s “You Will Never Know Why” and PJ Harvey’s “Is This Desire?” recently. I really enjoy the soundscaping, energy, and the poetry on both. I’ve had Takako Minekawa’s “Roomic Cube” on repeat, too.
For someone who’s just discovering Joseon, which song would you recommend they start with — and why?
I think “7Degrees” is the most representative of what’s to come and has been the most exciting to us so far.
Photography by Ana Cohen
Do you have a favorite memory from recording or writing the song?.
“7Degrees” basically wrote itself in one session. Had the whole song in under an hour, it’s a really raw and energetic track we tried to capture on the record. It was really fun finding some new, weird sounds for it.
You just announced an East Coast tour — congrats! How does it feel to be hitting the road and playing in front of both longtime fans and new faces?
It was a great experience hitting the tour and playing our music live; we’re grateful to everyone who came out, old fans and new alike. We’ve been very inspired to write a lot of new material since coming back home, so we’re excited to get back on the road soon. World tour next.
With their explosive energy and fearless vision, Joseon are proving they’re more than just a rising act—their story is only getting started. From unforgettable festival stages to the fans standing behind them, the band continues to grow a space all on their own.
Listen to Joseon wherever you stream music — make sure to follow their social medias @joseonband to keep up with the band and everything that comes next.