Rolling Quartz continue to build their legacy as one of Korea’s most thrilling rock exports: fierce, fearless, and brazenly confident. Their latest single RE.BOLD is a punch of empowerment, bringing early 2000s rock energy with a modern K-pop edge. This comeback is a reminder that they’re true pioneers in a genre that doesn’t often get the spotlight in South Korea’s idol-focused music scene. Jayoung’s explosive vocals soar, grounded by Yeongeun’s powerful drumming, Iree and Hyunjeong’s dual guitars, and Arem’s superb bass lines, with each release, Rolling Quartz prove that their sound injects authenticity and grit into today’s rock narrative.

Interestingly, while the band continues to fly under the radar of the domestic mainstream press, international outlets have embraced them with open arms. Foreign audiences and media alike have recognised Rolling Quartz for what they are: punk rock at its finest: visceral, magnetic, and refreshingly real. Their European tour this year, a month-long journey that connected them with Diadems across Poland, the UK, and beyond, was a celebration of global connection through music.

As they launch into their U.S. tour and gear up for more releases, Rolling Quartz show no signs of slowing down. Behind their stylish visuals and rock & roll tracks is a group of musicians devoted to their work. Rolling Quartz is a sisterhood that roars loud with their powerful music and energy – and we were lucky enough to chat with the girls about their music, their European tour, and what’s next for them.

View of the Arts: In December, ahead of your tour, you released the fantastic digital single RE.BOLD. Once again, you proved that Rolling Quartz are true rock and roll queens. What was the inspiration behind the track, and how does it reflect your journey as a band?

Jayoung: We wanted to create a song that could hype up the crowd and get everyone excited as one. From the moment we made the demo, we could already imagine the audience’s reaction, so it’s a song that made our hearts race!!! We’re so happy that our vision is being brought to life in our live performances.

Yeongeun: The song carries the message of “Let’s be bold once again,” and the intro, interlude, and outro are designed to connect with the audience so everyone can enjoy it together.

VOA: Jayoung, your unique vocal tone is a defining element of Rolling Quartz’s sound, perfectly complementing the intense rock instrumentals. Especially in a track like RE.BOLD, how do you combine your distinctive voice with powerful instrumentation? Were there any challenges or breakthroughs during the production of this song? And how do you maintain your voice during intense recording sessions or while touring?

Jayoung: I’m so touched that you see it that way! Since I participated in the composition, my preferences naturally came through, and I was able to incorporate a lot of elements that suit my strengths. During the recording, I focused a lot on the rhythm and feel of the vocals.

[To keep my voice in good shape], I avoid carbonated drinks and coffee, and I carry a portable humidifier. When I sleep, I wear a scarf and a humidifying mask! Getting plenty of sleep is the most important thing for vocal recovery.

VOA: The music video for RE.BOLD brings the early 2000s rock scene while blending in visual storytelling elements reminiscent of K-pop videos. How did you strike a balance between these influences to capture the rebellious spirit of the band and appeal to both rock and K-pop fans?

Yeongeun: We focused mainly on our live performance, which is key to any band, while making sure that each member’s individual color and overall group movements were well expressed.

Choi Hyunjeong: From the planning stage, each member contributed ideas, and our music director (our CEO) and the video director made sure to incorporate most of them. It was a new experience and a responsibility we felt deeply. But I think our contributions were just a part of it – the credit really goes to all the staff who worked hard from concept to the shoot.

VOA: Since forming in 2019, Rolling Quartz has undergone many changes – performing in clubs, debuting with Blaze, and collaborating with artists like AleXa. Looking back, what do you consider the most defining moment for the band?

Yeongeun: I think the turning point for us came when we started gaining recognition through YouTube during the pandemic – a crisis that turned into an opportunity.

Jayoung: I believe rock festivals are the heart of being in a band. Every time we perform at rock festivals, whether in Korea or abroad, I feel thrilled and excited. I’m living my dream.

Choi Hyunjeong: Looking back, I can’t pick just one moment. Every moment has brought joy and happiness, and I’d say they all reflect who Rolling Quartz truly is.

Arem: I remember filming the Blaze music video. It was our first 24-hour shoot and it was freezing cold. Ever since, I think nothing can be harder than that shoot, no matter how tough things get now.

VOA: Arem, as the bassist, how do you provide a solid foundation for Rolling Quartz’s distinctive rock sound while also adding depth? Bass is often less highlighted compared to other instruments – can you share a moment in one of your songs where your bass playing really shines?

Arem: I think I shine in every moment just like the rest of the members! [laughs]

VOA: Hyunjeong, many of your songs feature guitar solos as a highlight. What’s your approach to making a solo, and how do you stay inspired to keep innovating within this deeply rooted genre?

Hyunjeong: I’m happy to hear that the solos are seen as highlights. I usually record any lines that come to mind, then listen back and refine them repeatedly until they fit. Before finalising a solo, I listen to the whole song many times to make sure it complements the track. I also draw inspiration from listening to a wide range of artists.

VOA: Iree, the dual guitar setup between you and Hyunjeong is a defining trait of Rolling Quartz. How do you two collaborate to create harmonious guitar parts? Also, what’s your favourite part about performing live, and how do you prepare to bring that energy to the stage?

Iree: We start by creating the main melody, then build harmonies that complement it. We fine-tune the details through practice together, including our performance elements. My favorite part of performing live is hearing the audience sing along to our songs. That’s when I truly feel grateful to be making music – it’s so fulfilling. We make sure to play in a way that helps the audience feel comfortable singing along.

VOA: Yeongeun, drumming is at the core of any rock band. How do you go beyond supporting the band and add dynamic energy to each track? How do you balance raw power with technical skill in Rolling Quartz’s sound?

Yeongeun: While it’s important for drums to serve as a strong backbone, I also think adding a sense of style makes the music more rich and fun. Since our music emphasizes the combination of each instrument, I try to include not only supportive drumming but also expressive and dynamic playing that stands out when it’s needed.

VOA: Your recent European tour included stops in several cities, including Poland and the UK. It’s important to note for our readers that this wasn’t your first European tour. How was this tour experience compared to the last?

Yeongeun: It was fun and exciting to visit cities we couldn’t go to on our first tour. For the ones we did return to, it was great to spend more time there, since our initial visits were short.

Jayoung: I loved returning to the cities and countries we had good memories in last year, and the new countries we visited had such warm, lovely Diadems (fans). It was all so heartwarming!

Iree: This tour lasted about a month, which is nearly double the length of last year’s. Some cities were the same, while others were new to us. Even though none of the places were very familiar, thanks to the warm welcome from Diadems in each city, they all felt close to us. Despite the cold winter weather, many fans came to see us, and we’re incredibly thankful.

VOA: ouring different cities can be exciting but also physically demanding. How did you manage the challenges of touring and maintain high energy for great performances every night?

Yeongeun: Because touring is so energy-consuming, I realised how important it is to eat well. I developed the habit of making sure to eat before shows and also took vitamins and supplements to take care of myself.

Choi Hyunjeong: Before the tour, we practiced the entire setlist daily and also did a lot of individual practice. For stamina, I swam in the mornings and went running in the evenings back in Korea.

Arem: My stamina really improved from doing shows every day. After each performance, I went back to the hotel and made sure to get ready for bed quickly and sleep as much as possible. Oh, and I always wear pain relief patches when I sleep. I also take a lot of supplements – they help a lot.

Iree: I made an effort to get plenty of sleep. Without enough rest, it’s hard to concentrate or stay energised. I also take vitamins.

VOA: You met fans from all over Europe, each with different cultural backgrounds. How did you adapt your performances to connect with such diverse audiences? Were there any interactions or feedback from fans that stood out to you?

Yeongeun: We prepared to perform songs that were popular in each country and also learned greetings in their respective languages. Even when we said just a single simple word, the fans were so happy, which made us feel grateful and delighted. Everyone responded so enthusiastically that I remember having a great time throughout the performances.

Choi Hyunjeong: I was impressed and fascinated by how the vibe of the fans differed from country to country.

Jayoung: I was grateful for all the ways people supported us, each in their own way and culture. There were even fans who traveled along with us across more than half of the cities on the tour, flying between locations. I was truly touched.

Iree: Performing is the most natural way to connect with fans. When we play and the fans sing along – that’s the best form of interaction, right? And beyond the concerts, we also had events where we could meet the fans, talk to them, and take pictures together.

VOA: After finishing your European tour, you’ve just started your U.S. tour. Do you have any other plans in between? Will there be new music released?

Yeongeun: After the North American tour ends, we plan to release a new song. [The tour will ran until May 23rd].

Choi Hyunjeong: I’ll need to train and build up stamina again while doing the U.S. tour. I think we’ll be super busy. There might be some meetings in between too, but that’s a secret for now!

Jayoung: We uploaded a new cover video for our U.S. Diadems!! Please check it out on YouTube!!!!

Iree: Before heading to the U.S., we have a festival performance in Taiwan. But now, we are working hard on our US tour now.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of Asya Photoart for View of the Arts

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}