Indie Darlings Say Sue Me Create Music that Feels Like a Quiet Conversation With Your Past — Nostalgic
Image by Maclay Heriot
Indie darlings Say Sue Me create music that feels like a quiet conversation with your past — nostalgic, dreamy, and beautifully raw. Hailing from the coastal city of Busan, South Korea, their sound floats somewhere between surf rock and shoegaze, but it's their emotional honesty that truly defines them.
The band’s origin story is as organic as their music. Guitarist Byungkyu was playing in a local band when he met vocalist Sumi, a fan who quickly became part of the group. With only one main venue in Busan, the scene was tight knit, and collaboration came naturally. What began as a casual invitation to join a set turned into the foundation of one of Korea’s most beloved indie exports.
Say Sue Me’s creative process is a heartfelt blend of collaboration and vulnerability. Byungkyu builds the chords and melodies, while Sumi draws lyrics from her personal diary. “It’s very personal,” she says. “I hope people can connect and feel the same way I do.” Their songs are soaked in feeling - both introspective and wide open, like waves crashing against the shore.
Though their influences vary, Sumi finds inspiration in artists like Julia Jacklin — drawn to her simplicity, softness, and subtle strength. “She’s very simple, but very, very subtle,” she says. “And I can feel punk.” It’s a perfect mirror for Say Sue Me’s own understated yet powerful aesthetic.
With their first ever show in Australia just about to unfold, the band is excited to see how their music translates across oceans. If their past is any indication, it’ll connect - deeply.
Let’s get to know Say Sue Me:
Ones to Watch: You mentioned that Say Sue Me started pretty organically - can you tell us more about how the band formed?
Say Sue Me: We’re both original members. He was in a band, and I was just a fan at first. Busan is very small — just one venue — so we all knew each other. One day, he asked me to join them, and that’s how it all began.
Your lyrics feel very personal. Where do they come from?
Most of the time, I take them from my diary. So they’re things I’ve really felt. We try to focus on core emotions — something honest and real. I hope people can relate.
Who are some artists that inspire you?
I really love Julia Jacklin. Her music is very different from ours, but I love her melodies and lyrics. She’s simple, subtle, soft - but I can still feel the punk spirit in her music. That really resonates with me.
What are you most excited about right now?
Tonight is our first ever show in Australia, so I’m really looking forward to seeing if there’s anything unique about the way people here connect with our music.
