Ailee Unveils 'Ailee Band': A YouTube Survival Show for Aspiring Musicians

Singer Ailee has launched her self-conceived YouTube band-making survival show, 'Ailee Band'.

On November 1st, the first episode of 'Ailee Band' was released on Ailee's official YouTube channel, 'aileemusic'. The video features Ailee discussing her reasons for forming a band and deliberating on the type of members she should select. The episode also shows her seeking practical advice from QWER, a junior in the music industry and a senior in band experience, marking the beginning of the project.

'Ailee Band' aims not just to select band members through auditions but to provide musicians, who have had limited opportunities to perform on stage, with real stage and debut opportunities. Ailee expressed her intent, stating, "I want to create a team that makes 'our sound' together with each member's individuality and talent, rather than just being a session supporting the vocalist."

From the second episode, the search for band members begins in earnest. After announcing the recruitment through social media in February, hundreds of drummers, bassists, guitarists, and keyboardists applied within a month, demonstrating high interest. Applicants included a former FT Island bandmaster and an actor-turned-drummer, attracting attention with their diverse backgrounds regardless of age, experience, gender, or nationality.

Ailee personally reviewed all the audition videos over approximately 12 hours. Joining her in the evaluation process were drummer Ha Hyung-joo and keyboardist Lee Hwa, both active in Ailee's concerts and various recording sessions.

Ailee plans to create a new type of band by combining skilled and emerging musicians with diverse musical styles. Beyond simple selection, the entire process from practice to stage performance and debut will be revealed, showcasing a 'real band-making' experience where the process itself becomes content.

Reporter: Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr