LOS ANGELES, CA- There’s something deeply personal about watching Korean artists thrive on American soil. As a Korean myself—though admittedly not fluent in the spoken language—I feel a quiet pride each time I see a name from the motherland on a marquee in Los Angeles. We’ve seen Korean cinema sweep global awards, and there was a time not long ago when K-Pop ruled American airwaves. But in the world of rock music, the journey has been less straightforward. And that’s precisely why seeing Rolling Quartz tear up the stage at Catch One last month felt so significant.
Rolling Quartz is the real deal—a five-piece, all-female rock band from South Korea who don’t just wear the look of rock stars but play like them. Comprising Jayoung (vocals), Hyunjung (lead guitar), Areum (bass), Iree (guitar), and Yeongeun (drums), the group has steadily been building a name for themselves through relentless touring, tight musicianship, and a passionate bond with their fanbase, affectionately dubbed the DIADEMS. Their 2024–2025 tour, which took them across 34 cities in two countries, marks a milestone in their journey—and their Catch One stop made it clear: this band isn’t just visiting America. They’re claiming their space in it.
From the moment they hit the stage, Rolling Quartz had the room in the palm of their hands. The venue, packed with fans of all ages, young and old, were wearing band merch, and some were even screaming out Korean lyrics regardless of native tongue. That kind of crowd doesn’t form for a novelty act; it forms for a movement.
There was no elaborate stage setup, no pyrotechnics or backup dancers, but what we got was arguably better—a raw, powerful, rock-forward performance driven by musicianship. If I had to draw a comparison, it might be BabyMetal, the Japanese group that found surprising success in the U.S. thanks to theatrical spectacle and high-octane energy. But here’s the difference: BabyMetal doesn’t play instruments. Rolling Quartz does—and every single member can shred.
Iree and Hyunjung, both wielding guitars with poise and fury, laid down solos that echoed the high drama of classic hard rock while still sounding contemporary. Areum’s bass tone was thick and punchy, perfectly locking in with Yeongeun’s drums, which drove the set with precision and edge. And Jayoung? Her vocal range soared above it all—firm, melodic, and powerful, with just the right touch of playful attitude. Together, they didn’t just perform—they detonated.
One of the highlights of the night came mid-set, when the band launched into a track that clearly resonated with the crowd. I didn’t catch the name, but the response was immediate. The arrangement was dynamic, blending modern metal textures with soaring, melodic vocals that gave the whole room chills. Even if you didn’t understand the lyrics, the feeling was unmistakable. That’s the thing about music when it’s done right: it doesn’t need a dictionary—it speaks straight to your gut.
And in truth, Rolling Quartz has already broken down much of the so-called language barrier. Many of their songs weave Korean and English lyrics together with impressive fluidity. This bilingual approach not only reflects the global nature of their fanbase—it actively makes their music more accessible to audiences in the U.S. and beyond. I lost count of how many people around me—many of whom didn’t appear to speak Korean conversationally—were confidently singing along to both the English and Korean parts of their songs.
What’s more, the band smartly incorporated a few English-language covers into their set—well-known American rock tracks that kept the non-Korean-speaking crowd fully engaged. I’m fairly certain they even dropped a BTS or Blackpink cover near the end of the night. It was a savvy move: honoring Korean pop royalty while making sure everyone in the room had a reference point to connect with. In those moments, it became clear that Rolling Quartz doesn’t view American audiences as an “other”—they view them as part of the conversation.
That grassroots connection is key. Right now, Rolling Quartz’s following may feel underground, but it’s sturdy. With each tour stop, with every clip shared online, with every fan-made translation video, their influence grows. Word of mouth is rolling—pun intended—and the momentum is undeniable. But to really ignite that next level? A few strategic moves could light the match.
Imagine a high-profile collaboration—perhaps with a pop-rock heavyweight or a songwriter like Linda Perry or Andrew Watt—something that would produce that one crossover single capable of pushing them beyond niche playlists and into mainstream rock radio. They have the sound, the look, and the live chops. The right song, with the right marketing push, could tip the balance. And if that song hits hard enough, their audience will explode. We’ve seen it before—Paramore, Evanescence, even Måneskin—but Rolling Quartz has the unique opportunity of representing not just a genre, but a national musical identity finding its new footing in the States.
There’s also the matter of venue size and market reach. Catch One is an intimate space—ideal for a tight set and rabid fans, but the band is ready for bigger stages. Seeing them in a packed, sweaty room was thrilling, but I couldn’t help but wonder how their sound would reverberate through a venue like The Wiltern, The Fonda, or even the Palladium. They deserve that stage. And… god willing… I think it’s coming.
Of course, none of this works without the songs. Rolling Quartz already has an impressive catalog, but that next-level breakout often rides on the strength of one undeniable track. Maybe it’s already written. Maybe it’s on the next EP. But it’s clear the band has the chops, both musically and thematically, to bring it. Their blend of melodic hooks and metal riffs feels uniquely theirs—like a band who respects genre traditions but isn’t afraid to bend them.
As someone who’s watched Korean culture ripple out across the globe, it’s exciting to see rock music finally join the wave. It may not come with the polished machinery of K-pop, but it carries a spirit that feels just as revolutionary—especially when it’s in the hands of women who play like this, connect like this, and perform like this.
Rolling Quartz isn’t just a great Korean band. They’re a great band, full stop. If you haven’t seen them live, do it. Learn their names. Learn the lyrics. And if you can’t sing them perfectly, don’t worry. Just feel them.
Because what they’re building isn’t just fandom—it’s a movement, and it’s only getting louder. Follow Rolling Quartz on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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LIVE CLIPS
