Drummer Chloe Kim is one of Australia’s foremost improvising musicians. She constantly performs alongside legendary musicians, and her strength as an artist is evident in the setting of solo drum set performances.
At this year’s OzAsia Festival, Chloe is presenting a solo performance that will showcase her phenomenal skills and the versatility of the drum kit.
Chloe spoke to Glam Adelaide about her upcoming performance, her love for the drums and what drew her to pursue such a successful career as a musician.
“Early morning practices, in-built efficiency as a Korean, and beautiful coincidences (luck or destiny) of having great people around me (mentors, friends, family).”
The drum kit and percussion are such versatile instruments. Chloe shared what drew her to the instrument.
“It was the size of the instrument that initially drew my attention. When I was 10 years old, my church in Korea decided to get a drum kit. When I saw it, even before hearing what it sounded like, I said to myself, “This is it, this is going to be my instrument.”
Chloe has played across different genres of music, and we were keen to hear if she has a favourite genre to play.
“As I become more experienced in drumming, I notice myself getting interested in recognising different dance moves. Even without much dancing experience myself, I seem to be able to tell the difference between professional dancers and amateur dancers. I was trying to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes me able to tell the difference. I realised it is the dancers’ fingertips and thighs that I observe closely. While their fingers move flawlessly but you can tell the majority of muscle responsibilities are taken by their thigh, I know it’s good dancing. Stable in the core part of your body, using smaller muscles to express artistic statements. Growing up learning classical piano and violin helped me to understand the beauty of expressions and dynamics in music. Drumming taught me ergonomic approaches in creating music. Jazz teaches me to interact with other musicians, Gospel teaches me the flow of music. Minimalist music enhances my skills to pay attention to micro textual details, composition humbles me. They are all great teachers.”
Chloe’s solo show at the OzAsia Festival will be at Nexus Arts, 7pm on Wednesday 30 October. In a celebration of playfulness and experimentation, this is an unparalleled opportunity to witness the propulsive power and astonishing beauty conjured by one of Australia’s top improvising musicians.
“I like to describe my drumming to audiences by citing a line from some of my research: ‘a propulsive quality in drumming performance characterised by a high level of intensity and precise execution of the musical details afforded by physical agility’.“
Chloe Kim
7pm on Wednesday 30 October
Nexus Arts
https://ozasia.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/chloe-kim
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