© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Run River North Stays The Course — And Finds Success

John Chong (from left), Sally Kang, Joe Chun, Alex Hwang, Jennifer Rim and Daniel Chae of Run River North.
Doualy Xaykaothao
John Chong (from left), Sally Kang, Joe Chun, Alex Hwang, Jennifer Rim and Daniel Chae of Run River North.

Run River North is a band that's gotten a few more breaks than most on its level. Last year, the Los Angeles-based Korean-American musicians produced a music video from inside their Hondas. The video went viral — and straight to the carmaker. The company rewarded the group with a surprise performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Before the band landed on the popular late-night program, Run River North had already been approached by a major label.

"We got flown out to New York, and wined and dined. We didn't even know that still happened," says Alex Hwang, the band's lead singer and songwriter.

But things didn't work out quite as they imagined. After the band's appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the contract offers slowed, then eventually stopped coming in.

After the unexpected setback, Hwang and his five bandmates dedicated any free time they had — in between full-time jobs or full-time classes at Cal State — to songwriting, producing and promoting their music. They built a local following and eventually sold out LA's Troubadour, a hot live-music venue for up-and-coming artists.

A few gigs later, an offer came from Nettwerk, the Canada-based label that signed the band fun. Run River North is set to release its debut through the label early next year.

Guitarist Daniel Chae says playing music for a living is something none of his bandmates expected to be doing a year ago — and that their parents would likely agree.

"Our parents sacrificed their lives for us, and I think that's why there's such a strong sense of family in each of us," says Chae. "There is that expectation of, 'Because we did this for you, we hope you have a good job. We hope you can live the American dream.' And we finally find that in music now."

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Doualy Xaykaothao is a newscaster and reporter for NPR, based in Culver City. She returned to NPR for this role in 2018, and is responsible for writing, producing, and delivering national newscasts. She also reports on breaking news stories for NPR.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content