유소광 (Liew So-kwang) was a male singer that debuted in 1998 with the co-ed three-member group May-B (메이비), under the stage name Jung An, and later pursued a solo career under the stage name, Liew So-kwang.

History

It’s unclear his birth date. Some magazines claim different dates; one says January 2, 1980, another says January 30, 1979, and another says December 14, 1978.

He immigrated to Canada during his teenage years. Once he turned 17, he moved to South Korea in order to achieve his life-long dream: to become a singer. Then he was contacted by 유비 (U.B.), who was also part of, to form the group, May-B (메이비).

Debut

His first debut was in 1998 with May-B (메이비), under the stage name 정안 (Jung An), which his role was the vocalist, and was accompanied by 유비 (U.B.) and 토미 (Tommy). Rooted in hip-hop, their music incorporated genres such as hardcore and swing hop, and their title track ‘낙타 (Camel)’ blended hardcore with techno, hip-hop, and rock elements. It was part of their first and only album, “Trigger.” However they disbanded for unknown reasons in the same year.

After their disbandment, he debuted as a soloist in 2000 under the stage name 유소광 (Yoo So-gwang, but he's mostly named as Liew So-kwang). He released his first and only album, "첫번째 이야기 (First Story)" in May 2000. The title track was ‘그 이유뿐 (Only That Reason)’, which was live performed in mainstream broadcasters, and also a music video was released. Then ‘Come Into My Heart’ followed-up as the second title track with a music video.

However, he didn't continue his career and left the music industry.

Personal life

It’s said that he was a close friend of the actor 유연석 (Yoo Yeonseok). Also, there was a rumor that he was 김민경 (Kim Min Kyung)’s boyfriend for some time. [source] 

Sadly, it seems that he passed away between 2009 and 2012 due, supposedly, to depression. This is a tribute post for him whenever he is and keep remembering his name and music.

Links

• 유소광 (Liew So-kwang) - ‘Come Into My Heart’ MV
• 유소광 (Liew So-kwang) - ‘그 이유뿐 (Only That Reason)’ MV
• Live performance of ‘그 이유뿐 (Only That Reason)’ in 음악캠프 (Music Camp). March 11, 2000.
• Live performance of ‘그 이유뿐 (Only That Reason)’ in 쇼!뮤직탱크 (Show! Music Tank). February 19, 2000. Timestamp: 22:22
• Live performance of ‘그 이유뿐 (Only That Reason)’ in 쇼!뮤직탱크 (Show! Music Tank). April 8, 2000. Timestamp: 25:21
• Live performance of ‘Come Into My Heart’ in 인기가요 (Inkigayo). May 14, 2000.
• Live performance of ‘Come Into My Heart’ in 탱크스페셜 (Tank Special). May 14, 2000. Timestamp: 22:14
• Live performance of ‘Come Into My Heart’ in 탱크스페셜 (Tank Special). May 7, 2000. Timestamp: 23:30
• Playlist of the album ‘첫번째 이야기 (First Story)’ in YouTube
• Fan-made cafe … ─━ ☆Little Light ♥Yoo So-gwang ☆━─…

Sources

• 포토뮤직(PHOTOMUSIC) 2000년 3월호
• 파스텔(PASTEL) 2000년 5월호

May-B (메이비) was a co-ed three-member group that debuted in 1998.

Formation

Their group name meant “Make All Your Beat,” which meant to make music your own. Although it can be read as “maybe,” it wasn’t the intention. They also choose this name because in Chinese ('毎肄備') means "a hardworking team equipped with well-rounded skills".

Their music was rooted in hip-hop, incorporating genres such as hardcore and swing hop. Their title track ‘낙타 (Camel)’ blended hardcore with techno, hip-hop, and rock elements. Its lyrics addressed the social theme of the wide gap between the rich and the poor. In 1998 they released their debut and only album, titled “Trigger.”

However they ended up disbanding in the same year for unknown reasons.

Members

• 유비 (U.B.), born on February 5, 1980: Vocalist, Rapper.

She was skilled in music production, compositing and songwriting - all self-taught.

There's no more information about her whereabouts.

• 정안 (Jung An), born on January 2, 1980 / January 30, 1979 / December 14, 1978: Vocalist.

He immigrated to Canada during his teenage years. When he turned 17, he moved to Korea with Tommy in order to achieve his life-long dream: become a singer. Then he was contacted by U.B. to form the group.

After their disbandment, he pursued a solo career under the stage name 유소광 (Yoo So-gwang/Liew So-kwang) in 2000, debuting with the first and only album, '첫번째 이야기 (First Story).'

There’s no more information about what happened with his career. It seems that he left the music industry and, unfortunately, he passed away between 2009 and 2012 due, supposedly, to depression.

• 토미 (Tommy), born on January 17, 1981: Rapper.

Tommy was contacted by Jung An to audition for the group. He was a Christian, and possessed excellent rapping skills. He lived in Canada for nine years and moved to South Korea with Jung An.

There's no more information about his whereabouts.

Links

• 메이비 (May-B) - ‘낙타 (Camel)’ MV
• Live performance of ‘낙타 (Camel)’ in 쇼!뮤직탱크 (Show! Music Tank). October 24, 1998. Timestamp: 13:04
• Live performance of ‘낙타 (Camel)’ in 쇼!뮤직탱크 (Show! Music Tank). September 19, 1998. Timestamp: 06:51

Sources

• 와우(WOW) 1998년 9월호
• 뮤직라이프(MUSICLIFE) 1998년 9월호

Some photos from the 'Various' album booklet, retouched and enhanced.

About

Sue (수) was a female duo from late 1990s, debuting in 1997 with the album 'Various,' and then releasing a second and final album titled 'Temptation' in 1998 before their disbandment in the next year due creative differences between both members.

Their concept was based around themes of lesbianism with a bold, sexy approach, despite of them not being actually lesbians. Their debut album, 'Various' (1997), had a cover of both of them almost kissing but it was controversial and ended up banned, leading to change it for another cover of them holding each other passionately.

'Someday' was the title track for 'Various' (1997), a ballad bossa nova song written by Lee Joo Hyun. It had a moderate success, and they performed it several times, along with a MV. Then '체념 (Resignation)' was the follow-up track. They are credited as songwriters in this album.

Members

• 박지원 (Park Ji Won). Before their debut, she was a model. Nowadays we don't know her whereabouts, as her last public appearance was in Lee Hoo Hyun's first wedding in 2007, so she left the entertainment industry.
• 이주현 (Lee Joo Hyun). Also a model, after their disbandment she continued modelling and became a musical theatre actress and MC. She married two times, now she's with the musical actor 박근영 (Park Geum Young), with whom created the agency Musical Sue Company (뮤지컬수컴퍼니) in 2014.

Links

• Sue (수) - 'Someday' MV
• Live performance: Sue (수) - 'Someday' in 비탱!핫클립 (Bitang! Hot Clip), 1997년 8월 2일.

Notes

There are still no high-quality scans of their albums (that I know of), so these pictures are from mobile photos I found online and reworked them for better quality. Also cleaned out the text of their 'Various' covers.

Surfing through Christina Aguilera's official website back in 2000, I saw the merch from her online store and found it so fascinating. There was clothing, toys, CD cases, notebooks, pendants, watches, etc. Do you own one of these merch pieces or anything from her debut era?

The descriptions listed are from her website.

Some photos from the 'Atoum-ra' album booklet, retouched and (kinda) enhanced.

About

Atoum-ra (아툼라) was a short-lived female duo that debuted in 2002 and disbanded in the same year. Their concept was really unique and rare; it was inspired by ancient Egypt, and their stages names were Nout (meaning "sunset") and Net (meaning "sunrise").

We can identify them solely in body traits and it's easy to tell them apart; Nout usually wears wavy hair (in a behind-the-scenes photo she wears a straight pink wig) and is a bit taller, and Net has a straight silver-blue wig and a tribal sun tattoo on her left arm.

They were part of a "faceless singers" marketing strategy, which was about always wearing masks and costumes in order to draw more attention to their performances. Right now we don't have live footage of them, not even their MV for the title track "It's Holly Night," which it's now lost media (!) and it has been discussed here on reddit. We are still searching and asking, hopefully someday it may see the light!

Notes

I want to thank to whoever uploaded the booklet pictures. I decided to clean out the lyrics and texts, and rework the pictures, although they aren't in the best quality possible since they're mobile pictures and not scans. There may be some weird details, but that's the best I could do! Also cleaned the album cover, however in the file it's sadly cropped so I used the highest resolution I could find in Internet (it's still low-quality though).

I think it's important for us to have more content media, specially from the 1st generation of kpop, since it's rare, obscure, and we usually end up using low-quality pictures or none at all. As a graphic designer, this is my way to contribute a bit in this community and make it more accessible <3

There's also a Genius page with their lyrics.

Credits

According to the album's booklet, those people are credited for the photoshoot:

• Photography – 이준용 (Lee Jun-yong)
• Make-Up, Hair – 윤예령 (Yoon Ye-ryeong), also known as 유영분장 (Yoo Young Makeup), the same studio who did the VFX for their "It's Holly Night" MV.
• Costume Designer – 허노희 (Heo No-hee)
• Art Direction – 심상욱 (Sim Sang-wook)

The logotype and artwork was designed by the agency Finder Firm.

Weeks ago I stumbled with Michelle Schwartz's website, which hasn't been updated since 2007. I discovered her name when researching about The Viper Room, the 90s famous nightclub from California, through Wayback Machine, and she was credited here as a photographer.

There's very little information about her. It seems she lived in California where took most of these attached pictures. She mostly did photography for music bands and artists, but also did some fashion, product, and advertising bits.

Although her portfolio isn't strictly fashion photography, it looks very editorial and it's a great time capsule from late 1990s which we can see the fashion and photography style from these times.

Some of the models are music bands, models and actors. The names listed appear when you save them from the web, and I researched who are they but I didn't have success with some ones.

UNITY (유니티) was a co-ed four-member hip-hop group that debuted in 1998.

Debuted with the album “In The Begining" (typo included) in 1998, with the title track ‘돌아와줘 (Please Come Back),’ which borrowed the guitar riff and melody from the hit ‘Funkytown’ by Lipps Inc. However, despite the recording of a second album, they failed to achieve widespread popularity, didn’t release a follow-up song, and ended up disbanding in the same year due the boys’ military services and Min-kyung joining another group, 디바 (DIVA).

Members

• 이민경 (Lee Min-kyung), born on October 11, 1981: Vocalist, Rapper.

Before UNITY, she was part of a co-ed group named MGR (Modern Groove Revolutions) in 1997, formed by 박용찬 (Park Yong-Chan), but the album never got released officially and the project fell apart. Then she joined UNITY.

While being in the group, she was asked to join to the known girl-group 디바 (DIVA) in 1999, replacing 지니 (Ji Ni) who left the group, and was active until 2006. Later she appeared in musicals and TV shows, and now she’s married and has a clothing brand called RHEEMIN.

• 정재훈 (Jeong Jae-hoon), born on February 25, 1980: Leader, Rapper.

After their disbandment, he pursued a solo rapper career with the stage name 후니훈이라는 (Hoony Hoon), and later he became part of the male-group Today (투데이), debuted in 2004. He is known because of a 2004’s commercial song titled ‘북치기박치기로 (Bukchigi Bakchigi),' which went viral. Now he is active as a painter.

• 박D (Park D, aka 대런 팍 Darren Park): Rapper.

Before UNITY, he was part of the co-ed group E.N.C.A., debuted in 1996. However, they were banned from broadcasting because their title track ‘DV8’ (선외곡) had too many English lyrics and then disappeared.

There’s no information about his whereabouts.

• 조기형 (Jo Gi-hyeong): Rapper.

When the group disbanded, he returned to being a full-time dancer, who was previously part of 하이텍 (Hi-Tech), the backup dance team for 이현도 (Lee Hyun-do) and 양현석 (Yang Hyun-suk). He used to go with the stage name of 조댄서라는 (Jo Dancer) but now goes with 조댄스에이트 (Joe Dance8).

Notes

Not to be confused with the previous group named UNITY.1, debuted in 1994 with the album “정글도시 / 마법에 걸린 사랑 (Jungle City / Enchanted Love).” It’s a very obscure group with zero information except the credits of their songs. Some websites such as Bugs or Maniadb list them as part of UNITY from 1998 but those were two different groups with almost the same name and, coincidentally crazy, the same number of members.

Links

• UNITY (유니티) - ‘돌아와줘 (Please Come Back)’ MV
• Live performance: UNITY (유니티) - ‘돌아와줘 (Please Come Back)’ in Mnet, 1998년.
• Live performance: UNITY (유니티) - ‘돌아와줘 (Please Come Back)’ in SBS 인기가요 (Inkigayo), 1999년 12월 13일. Timestamp: 00:00
• Album playlist: "In The Begining" (1998) - YouTube

Sources

• The story of the co-ed hip-hop group "UNI.T"

섀도우 (Shadow) was a five-member boy group that debuted in 1998. Their group name, “Shadow”, meant to be “always following like a shadow wherever the fans and music are.”

Formation and debut

It was conceived as a concept to address social issues and the South Korean IMF crisis through hopeful lyrics and music. Their title track from their debut album, “Chance (챤스)”, was heavily inspired by the economic crisis, and conveyed the message of not giving up and having courage.

Before they debuted in mainstream broadcasters, they were kinda known as they toured regional public broadcasts, and performed shows in every SK, Samsung, and LG sponsored matches, contributing to the development of the Korean soccer scene. They had an official fan club named KINET, which meant “moving art.”

After one year and half of preparation, they released first an album titled “Shadow” in March 1998. They chose “Chance (챤스)” (with a MV) and “내 환상속의 너 (You In My Fantasy)” as title tracks, but they were unnoticed. Later on, on the next year they released their second album, “Cool Guys” in September 1999, which contained almost the same songs of their first album, along with more new ones, such as “영원한 사랑 (04) (Eternal Love 04)”, serving as a promotional song.

However, they failed to gain attention and disbanded in 1999 for unknown reasons. There’s rumors that the agency’s management wasn't doing well, and also that Chul-Hee left the group to form another group.

Members

• 김태웅 (Kim Tae-Woong), born April 20, 1978: Lead Vocalist, Rapper

His first love with music began in his first year of high school after listening to 유영진 (Yoo Young-jin) songs. Tae-Woong entered in the 5th Bae Ho Song Festival, won the gold medal, and was confidently cast for the group. His favorite musician was George Michael and dreamt to become a lyricist and composer. Also could play the acoustic guitar. His nickname was “아이스 맨 (Ice Man)” because he freezed the team with his icy, cold remarks.

• 이철희 (Lee Chul-Hee), born December 21, 1981: Rapper

Cheol-Hee said that after listening to 서태지와 아이들 (Seo Taiji and Boys)'s music in middle school, he lived in their music. He dreamt of becoming the best soccer player in the country, also aspired to become a scratch DJ in the future.

In 2015, he debuted with the indie-rock group 미스터리하우스 (Mystery House) with the title track "Daily Party."

• 이현준 (Lee Hyun-Joon), born December 12, 1981: Vocalist

He decided to become a singer since middle school. Being as a fan of 서태지와 아이들 (Seo Taiji and Boys) and H.O.T (에이치오티), he sang "자유롭게 날 수 있도록 (Free To Fly)" during his audition, and his feminine low voice appealed attractively. Also, he wanted to be an actor in the future. He was considered as a "tough guy" who studies hard but knows how to have fun when he plays, and was nicknamed “번개머리를 (Lightning Hair)” because had once a lightning hairstyle. He enjoyed listening to techno music and wanted to be part of this genre.

• 엄두현 (Eom Doo-Hyun), born March 21, 1982: Choreographer

The maknae’s group, his dream was to become the best choreographer in the country. He enjoyed playing computer games. His nickname was “몽고 (Mongo)” because he resembled a character with the same name from a comic book (I think it’s Mongo from Aquaman or Mongoose from Spider-Man, I’m not sure).

• 장성국 (Jang Sung-Kook), born March 11, 1982: Vocalist, Rapper

His dream was at first to become a basketball player but due his short stature, then he wanted to become a singer and a producer. Won a gold medal at a creative dance competition and he was interested in the music genre, techno.

Links

• 섀도우 (Shadow) - "Chance (챤스)" MV
• "영원한 사랑" live performance in 쇼!뮤직탱크 (Show! Music Tank), 1999년 06월 05일 - Timestamp: 41:35
• "영원한 사랑" live performance in 쇼!뮤직탱크 (Show! Music Tank), 1999년 04월 17일
• Playlist of their second album, "Cool Guys" in YouTube

Sources

• 뮤직라이프(MUSICLIFE) 1998년 10월호
• 뮤직라이프(MUSICLIFE) 1998년 7월호
• 아이러브스타(ILOVESTAR) 1999년 3월호

Following this subreddit I made about 하이수 (Haisue), while researching I saw a comment on Bugs talking about a MV of her song "Be My Lover" but couldn't find anything to confirm it. Then, user rita28065 pointed out that in one of her live performances (link) there's some snippets of her MV so it confirms: it existed (screenshots attached!).

We can see her playing the cello on a ship, and singing with a microphone and a group of people behind her, supposedly harmonizing and playing instruments, in different settings and backgrounds.

Right now it's (partly found) lost media, as it isn't available anywhere, not even on YouTube, Bugs or Melon. The clues we know so far is that it was released during or before October, 1998. Her album was released around August in the same year, so probably it was broadcasted between August and October. Also we know that she still performed until January 1999, so we have this time frame.

Let's see if it can be found anywhere or anyone that has a copy/VHS taped!

하이수 (Haisue) was a soloist singer who debuted in 1998.

Born in November 13, 1978, she was considered as the tallest singer in that moment, measuring 1,81m (5'11), and media described her having a "husky voice." Haisue played well some instruments: piano, cello, flute, guitar, and saxophone.

She released "Be My Lover (내 연인이 되어줘)" as the title track for her debut and only album, "Voice (음성)", released in August 1998. However, due the lack of promotion and almost no broadcasting activity -there's a couple live performances that we know of though- she faded into obscurity and quit months later, during early 1999, after her debut.

Before her debut, she was studying in U.S. since 6th of elementary school, and then left school to return to South Korea because she couldn't give up her dream: to be a singer. Her father was someone who loved music so much that he once staked his entire life on it. Although he had to give up his dream due to his parents' severe opposition, Haisue wanted to fulfill his dream through hers and "avenge" someone, according to Haisue.

It seems that after she quit, she became as an English teacher, but there's no information about her whereabouts.

Notes

She is credited on SBS Inkigago during the first week of January 1999 in the New Year's Special, but I'm not sure if she performed or only charted. [source]

I read somewhere that she had, perhaps, a MV for "Be My Lover" but I can't find anything to confirm it. Maybe it's lost media? [Update] We can confirm that there was a MV, as we can see some snippets in one of her live performances (here), so right now it's lost media!

Sources

• 뮤직라이프(MUSICLIFE) 1998년 12월호
• 뮤직라이프(MUSICLIFE) 1998년 10월호
• "Be My Lover" live performance in 비탱!핫클립 (Bitang! Hot Clip), 1998년 10월 17일
• "Be My Lover" live performance in 쇼!뮤직탱크 (Show! Music Tank), 99년 1월 2일 - Timestamp: 33:48
• Playlist of her album "Voice" in Youtube

마시모 (MOSSIMO) was a short-lived four-member boy group that debuted in 1998, they were promoted as a dancing band concept. Their group name, “mossimo,” is an italian word that means “people who have risen to the highest authority,” and it was pronounced as “Massimo.” Also meant as a reference for the fashion brand, Massimo Dutti, and in Japanese means “maybe.”

All of them were all-rounders; played instruments, songwriters, choreographers, vocalists, dancers. Their music leaned more to rock-based dance music, although they also incorporated other genres such as house, techno, R&B, jazz and hip-hop.

Members

• 양영일 (Yang Young-il), 19: Lead vocalist, drummer.

Born on April 18, 1979. He has a friendly, honest, and straightforward personality. He dreamed of becoming a singer while admiring 정수라 (Jeong Su-ra), 임영수 (Im Young-soo), and 서태지 (Seo Taiji). Enjoys hip-hop and house music, and is a big fan of the American rapper, 2PAC (Tupac).

• 한준우 (Han Jun-woo), 18: Vocalist, guitarist.

 

Born on May 19, 1980. He attended the same school as Young-il. He has a calm and quiet personality. Grew up admiring 김성재 (Kim Sung-jae) of the duo 듀스 (DEUX), since then he wanted to become a singer. Lived in Japan during elementary school years.

• 임식무 (Im Sik-mu), 17: Rapper, bassist.

Born on January 2, 1981. He was still a high-schooler when they debuted. He has the nickname “리틀 박찬호” (Little Park Chan-ho) due his resemblance to the famous baseball player. Since he always loved dancing and singing, fulfilled his dream of becoming a singer after meeting 최준영 (Choi Jun-young), the producer of their album. 

• 윤호식 (Yoon Ho-sik), 16: Rapper, scratcher.

Born on January 6, 1982. The maknae of the group, he skilled in rapping, choreography, scratching, and beatboxing. He was in charge of the group’s choreographies. Known as “박스” (Box?) for his ability to move his body with high agility, and he perfected his beatboxing skills by pressing every single key on an electronic piano.

Debut

After two years of preparation, in May 1998 they debuted with an album titled "Mossimo" and they were scheduled to have performances mid-May acording to their magazine interviews, and then they released another album titled “Message” in November 1998, which contained some tracks of the first album, produced mostly by 최준영 (Choi Jun-young) and contributed by musicians as 이근형 (Lee Geun-hyung) and 이태윤 (Lee Tae-yoon). Seemingly the album was titled at first as “Up Today”, which means “a new every day.” [source]

Their first single was also titled “Message” (메세지); a ska-punk-inspired song about how no one succeeds without effort despite the flashy, glamorous entertainment industry. It starts with a cello played by 조주현 (Jo Joo-hyun). The choreography, made by Ho-sik, features moves such as “모심기춤(Rice Planting Dance)” (Mossimo planting the core of the music industry), “베이비댄스 (Baby Dance)” (a baby rolling in the floor), and “안마댄스 (Massage Dance)” (shoulder-patting motions).

And then, they followed-up with “희망으로” (With Hope), an Eurodance song with modern rock style. It was composed by 이용민 (Lee Yong-min), and ended up charting on Inkigayo. However, they didn’t receive much response and ended up disbanding in early 1999.

Two performances are right now available:

• 마시모 - 희망으로
• 쇼!뮤직탱크 (Show! Music Tank) - January 2, 1999 Timestamp: 00:42

Notes

There was a Cafe Daum called as “Power Up Mossimo Family” with the link (now unavailable): http://cafe.daum.net/mossimolove

I found that they released another album before "Message", titled "Mossimo" according to Bugs. In these magazine scans they do briefly talk about releasing an album and doing perfomances during May 1998, which it was weird to me because their considered debut album was released in November 1998 and there's only one perfomance (that we know of) that happened on January 1999.

Sources

• 틴스타(TEENSTAR) 1998년 8월호
• 로미오와줄리엣(R&J) 1999년 3월호
• 포토뮤직(PHOTOMUSIC) 1998년 6월호
• 파스텔(PASTEL) 1998년 6월호
• 틴스타(TEENSTAR) 1998년 7월호

Lumpy Gravy was an art gallery/restaurant opened in February 1997 by the couple Gábor Csupó, the co-founder of the animation studio Klasky Csupo, which produced well-known childhood cartoons such as The Simpsons, Rugrats, The Wild Thornberrys, AAAH! Real Monsters, etc., and Bret Crain, painter, sculptor, published poet and granddaughter of Jeanne Crain.

Located in 7311 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, it was named after Frank Zappa's album, Lumpy Gravy (1968). It was described as "a serious art gallery that serves eclectic cuisine." At first it started as an art gallery in order to exhibit art that didn't fit with the mainstream galleries and weren't commercially viable, then it was transformed as a hangout for artists to buy art supplies, and drink and eat.

The gallery, titled as "Csupo Crain Gallery", which was located upstairs, featured Eastern European, European and American paintings, metallic collages, and industrial toys. They held exhibitions of artists such as: The Pizz (aka Stephen Pizzurro, underground comic artist), Anthony Ausgang (painter), Moon Unit Zappa (Frank Zappa's daughter, artist), Mark Mothersbaugh (artist and musician part of the new wave band Devo).

They only opened at 06:00pm until 11:00-12:00pm on Monday until Saturday. There were live performances on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays ($3 tickets), and Fridays and Saturdays ($5 tickets). A big variety of artists of any genre such as rock, jazz, alt pop, folk, electronica, etc. performed there, also did poetry shows and DJ sessions.

Among the performers were; Abbey Booth, Anemone (Suki Ewers' band, keyboardist of Mazzy Star), Babylonian Tiles, Beer for Dolphins (Mike Keneally's band, former Fank Zappa's guitarist) Biomechanique ("Live At Lumpy Gravy"), Blue & Holding, B.P. Service, Brazil 2001, Breech, Darling Violetta, disKoNeKt the HiFi aka Kirk Hellie, Kathleen Wilhoite, Kismet, Lexaunculpt, Madam Craim, Octavius, Rebekah Florence, Stolen Fish, Woven, etc.

Some artists were from Gábor Csupó’s music labels, “Tone Casualties” (electronic, ambient, experimental) and “Casual Tonalities” (artistic, alternative, rock).

We have two reviews about the restaurant's cuisine:

• [review] “Get on That Lumpy Gravy Train” by Charles Perry for Los Angeles Times. December 18, 1997.
• [review] “Classy Cooking A Lumpy Bonus” by Larry Lipson for Daily News Restaurant Critic from The Daily News. December 26, 1997.

David Fouts was the chef and they served dishes such as Zombie Woof chicken wings, Korean short ribs, bananagasm, apple-wood smoked chicken roll, undon noodles in ponzu, baby bluefin tuna dumplings, breast of duck with cranberry mashed potatoes, just to name a few.

Just in case you're interested to read the menus:

• Dinner + Lunch
• Catering
• Drinks + White wines + Red wines + Beers

They closed in June 1999 due financial issues.

[Update] EXTRA INFORMATION:

• Article from the magazine Music Connection about Leigh Spotswood, who curated the art and music, and booked the artists for Lumpy Gravy, talking about the place on page 49. Also mentions Scott Johnson as the general manager. 1997.
• Article from the magazine Art Magazin about Szabó György, leader of the band B.P. Service, who performed there. On page 33 we can see two pictures of the band in Lumpy Gravy. Interview from 2013/2014.
• Article from Los Angeles Times which explains why they closed. It says that some people complained about the music being too loud, the weird performance art drove the costumers away, a lot of chefs headed the kitchen, and the food-entrentainment industry competence. July 8, 1999.
• A postcard from the place: the photo and the design.

TOP.AZ (토파즈) was supposed to release an online fashion magazine as promotion for their music, after releasing their debut song "Can't You Trust Me, Nonna (누나 못 믿니) and then "꼬마야 (Little One)". The group was pretty controversial due their mature and sexy concept, which their MVs were banned on mainstream public broadcasters.

The theme was about the story of three actresses seeking hope before their debut, and it was composed by three parts. The first part was titled as "BLACK EROTICISM", which I believe these three pictures I've attached are part of this series. The photographer was Lim Jun-yeon (임준연).

It was scheduled to be released in November 4th, before their performance in Mnet Countdown on the 5th, however it was ultimately shelved ahead their disbandment early 2010.

Blue Girl was a project and alter ego by Eliza Schneider, now known mostly as a voice over actress for TV shows like South Park, Johnny Bravo, and Beakman's World, among many other projects.

The project was made as a sci-fi rock opera about the return in Earth of the goddess, Kali The Destroyer, which won the LA Weekly's "Best of LA" award, and also starred at the Mogodor Opera House in Paris with former casts members from the Cirque Du Soleil.

Kali was characterized all body-painted in turquoise blue, wore a large ponytail with two front braids, and played a violin. A review said:

>It's contagious, compelling music - non-objective, raga-like - perfect for the rave kids who are throbbing and stomping and swaying before the stage, but showing intelligence and a feel for larger ideas - darker ideas, as her website verifies. She is a creature from a self-created mythology, an eclectic universe. This violin is her language and she has amazing things to tell us. This music is anything but accidental.

This website design dates from October 2000 until January 2002, and made by the agency 3rdkynd, Inc. from NY, with the Creative Director, David Johnson. It contains information such as the story of the goddess Kali The Destroyer, music, gallery photos, reviews, and videos.

It's a well archived website that reflects perfectly the Y2K Futurism essence.

Following this subreddit, I've decided to share all the magazine scans that I've found about the 1st gen mixed-group O.N School (오앤 스쿨) from 1998.

Members:

• 백수진 (Baek Su-jin): Lead Rapper - born on May 1, 1977
• 김재석 (Kim Jae-seuk): Second Vocalist, Rapper - born on April 11, 1978
• 김윤일 (Kim Yoon-il): Leader, Lead Vocalist - born on November 10, 1977
• 강성미 (Kang Sung-mi): Second Vocalist - born in July 6, 1978
• 이세한 (Lee Se-han): Rapper - born on October 31, 1980
• 정아진 (Chung A-jin): Lead Vocalist - February 11, 1978

Here's the summary of all these articles:

The group aimed to difference from other dance groups, combining R&B and hip-hop, tapping a kinda new genre that wasn't typical at that time. The concept behind their name is: OLD SCHOOL (black music) + NEW SCHOOL (hip-hop/dance music), thus being the first initials; O(LD) + N(EW) SCHOOL.

How were they formed? All of them did open auditions. Kim Yoon-il and Kim Jae-seuk were friends with the composer Jang Yong-jin (장용진). Then they recruited the rapper Baek Su-jin, who they knew well, and the rest of the members (Kang Sung-mi, Lee Se-han, and Jung A-jin) were recruited through open auditions. They were already formed by June 1997 and began working with their debut album, "Non Stop" (1998).

• Kim Yoon-il was the team's leader and lead vocalist. He is the younger brother of Kim Yoon-ah (김윤아), the lead vocalist of Jaurim (자우림) and their father was a musician. Knew to touch any instrument; piano, guitar, drum, and bass.
• Kim Jae-seuk was the second vocalist. Possesed excellent dance skills, was a guest dancer for concerts by DJ DOC before joining the group, and singed and rapped as well.
• Baek Su-jin was the lead rapper. Received basic training from singer Park Sang-jun (박수진에) before joining the group. Wrote all the raps on their album.
• Lee Se-han was the second rapper. He was the youngest and a second-year high school student. Had dance skills and a low-pitched voice.
• Kang Sung-mi was the second vocalist. Won an award at the Daejeon Expo Dance Contest and worked as an actress for a year at JBS Drama Academy (JBS 드라마아카데미).
• Chung A-jin was the lead vocalist. She graduated at Daejeon Arts High School (계원예고) in the Dance Department.

Many prominent musicians participated in their album;

• Jung Heon-sik (정헌식), who composed Season (시즌의)'s "Pumpkin (호박)".
• Jung Dong-jin (정동진), who composed UP (유피)'s "Ppuyo Ppuyo/Pyo Pyo (뿌뿌뿌요)" and H.O.T.'s "Happiness (행복)" and "Candy (캔디)".
• Lim Ha-young (암하영), who composed the drama music "Stars in My Heart" (별은 내 가슴에 의).
• Wi Jong-soo (위두주), who composed Yang Soo-kyung (양수경)'s "Sadness of Being Alone (혼자만의 슬픔)".
• Oh Bong-jun (오봉준), who produced movie soundtrack albums.

Then there's some trivia about each member, which if you're interested I could type them.

Sources:

• 포토뮤직(PHOTOMUSIC) 1998년 7월호 잡지 살펴보기 (S.E.S. 신해철 컨츄리꼬꼬 김현정 등)
• 틴스타(TEENSTAR) 1998년 5월호 잡지 살펴보기 (S.E.S. 태사자 안재욱 정민 등)
• 아이러브스타(ILOVESTAR) 1998년 6월호 잡지 살펴보기 (S.E.S. 김희선 태사자 쿨 등)
• 포토뮤직(PHOTOMUSIC) 1998년 6월호 잡지 살펴보기 (S.E.S. 박지윤 유비스 가디안 등)
• 파스텔(PASTEL) 1998년 6월호 잡지 살펴보기 (S.E.S. 김지혜 엔터포스 OPPA 등)
• 엠엔엠(M&M) 1998년 5월호 잡지 살펴보기 (S.E.S. OPPA 디바 유비스 등)
• 주니어(JUNIOR) 1998년 6월