Drummer Chloe Kim stands out as one of Australia’s leading improvisational musicians. She frequently collaborates with legendary artists, and her prowess is particularly evident during her solo drum set performances.
This year’s OzAsia Festival will feature Chloe in a solo performance designed to highlight her exceptional skills and the versatility of the drum kit.
In a conversation with Glam Adelaide, Chloe shared insights about her upcoming performance, her passion for drumming, and the motivations behind her successful music career.
“Early morning practices, inherent efficiency as a Korean, and beautiful coincidences—whether luck or destiny—have allowed me to surround myself with great people, including mentors, friends, and family,” she explained.
Chloe expressed her fascination with the drum kit and percussion as versatile instruments, explaining what first drew her to drumming. “It was the size of the instrument that initially caught my eye. When I was 10 years old, my church in Korea decided to purchase a drum kit. The moment I saw it, even before hearing its sound, I thought, ‘This is it, this is going to be my instrument.’”
Having played across various music genres, Chloe was asked if she had a favorite. She responded, “As I gain more experience in drumming, I find myself becoming increasingly interested in recognizing different dance movements. Even without much dancing experience, I can distinguish between professional and amateur dancers. I realized that I closely observe the dancers’ fingertips and thighs. If their fingers move effortlessly while most of the muscle work comes from their thighs, I know it’s good dancing. Stability in the core, with smaller muscles expressing artistic statements, is key. My background in classical piano and violin has helped me appreciate the nuances of expression and dynamics in music. Drumming has taught me ergonomic approaches to creating music. Jazz enhances my ability to interact with other musicians, Gospel informs my understanding of musical flow, minimalist music sharpens my attention to micro-textual details, and composition provides a humbling experience. Each genre serves as a valuable teacher.”
Chloe’s solo show at the OzAsia Festival is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, at Nexus Arts. This performance promises a celebration of playfulness and experimentation, offering a unique chance to experience the dynamic power and breathtaking beauty produced by one of Australia’s top improvisational musicians.
“I like to describe my drumming to audiences by referencing a line from my research: ‘a propulsive quality in drumming performance characterized by a high level of intensity and precise execution of the musical details afforded by physical agility.’”
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