10 November 2010

NOS: Take the Stage At Club TA

All rights reserved by the author. 
Originally published in the February 2010 issue of 10 Magazine. Photo by R.L. Baldwin.

Shot by R.L. Baldwin
    “For you, your band, or your friends, the stage is open!” Q Jeon, owner of Hongdae’s Club TA, knows his music. Four and a half years ago, perceiving a lack of live clubs in Hongdae, Q opened Live Club TA, named for a Korean term for striking a musical instrument. “There are many nights for clubs and dance music, but live clubs are difficult to run because they don’t make the same amount of money,” Q said. “So I opened this bar to help the bands. So many places have no dressing room for performers, bad sound systems, and low pay for the band. I chose this place to give these things to the bands. So many places were just like a black box. I wanted to create a unique atmosphere.” 
    Gesturing to the bar, made up of thousands of shards of variously colored tiles, Q said, “We made this bar ourselves in one night.” Psychedelic tapestries are draped everywhere, and a wide dance floor leads to a tiered open sitting area, sans chairs, creating a welcoming ambiance. Inspired by all the bands starting up around Hongdae these days, Q also runs TA Music School, offering voice and guitar lessons while members of his band teach other instruments. Though the lessons are presently only in Korean, Q hinted that they might offer some in English soon. There are also free acoustic busking nights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. “For you, your band, or your friends,” Q said, “Club TA is open! The stage is open!”
To inquire about music lessons, booking and private parties, or upcoming shows, call 011-9033-7568 or visit the club’s page at cafe.daum.net/liveclubta (mostly Korean). English information about upcoming shows can be found on koreagigguide.com
Directions Take a right out of ex. 1 of Sangsu St. (line 6) and follow the main road for about 250 meters. Turn left at the 7-11 and you’ll see Club Ta a few buildings down on your right.
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