One Music PH Top 10: Play with Wave to Earth! (Feb. 2025)

As the Korean indie pop-rock trio is set to return to SM MOA Arena this time for their first solo show there, we revisit their One Music PH Top 10 tracks and update the ranks... 

Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, wave to earth is a three-piece band compprised of singer-songwriter Daniel Kim, drummer Dong Kyu Shin, and bassist John Cha. Wave to Earth does indie pop music with a lo-fi sound based on jazz drumming, building a distinct sense of the seasons and a fantastic, fascinating atmosphere to their music. With their DIY ethos, all recording, mixing, and mastering all the way down to the overall art field such as album art, video, and fashion, are all done directly by the band members.

The band will be making their way back to Manila this Feb. 28, 2025 at MOA Arena, where they made their first performance in Philippine shores as the co-headliner of ON Music Festival. It will also be the first time the band will do a solo show there. Wave to Earth sold out New Frontier Theater twice almost a year ago.

Wave to Earth first came out with the single “wave” in 2019, followed by EPs wave 0.01 and summer flows 0.02. After signing up with the Wavy Seoul label, they dropped their much-awaited debut full-length album in April 2023 entitled 0.1 flaws and all. The record is a collection of 14 entrancing tracks, each proof of the group's developing artistry. Their breakthrough cult favorite “bad” hit #1 on Spotify's Viral 50 – Global chart, accentuating their worldwide appeal. In a thrilling turn of events, wave to earth got to do their first flaws and all world tour, selling out shows in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

In September of 2024, wave to earth released their latest album play with earth! 0.03, which garnered widespread critical acclaim from listeners, debuting at #5 on Spotify's Global Top Debut Album chart. Following the album release, the band embarked on their 0.03 world tour, with all shows in North America selling out. The tour continued through Europe, Asia, and Southeast Asia, further cementing the band's global influence. Their live performances continue to resound intensely with fans.

The name Wave to Earth was borne out of the band's desire to "become the new wave" and magnify its own universe across the world.

Tickets to this Friday's show are still available via smtickets.com even though some sections have been sold out. The show is presented by Karpos.

Here is our updated One Music PH Top 10: Wave to Earth list:

10). "annie" (2024) *NEW*

It’s an exceptional single that displays a more poised vocal turn from Daniel Kim, even including a few f-bombs which, strangely enough, gives the song a cute and pleasant quality vibe to the song; adding a new facet to the marvelous soundscapes. Listeners can welcome the track's fresh emotion and the band's ongoing examination of their unique, lo-fi jazz-permeated indie sound. 

9). daisy (2021) *-3 from March 2024*

The song's impassioned delivery and mid-tempo pace reverberates with listeners, cajoling them to ruminate on the ingenuous yet insightful joys that can revitalize a commonplace existence.

8). homesick (2023) *+2*

In the enthralling soundscape of ambient electronic music, “Homesick” sticks out as a moving work of art that probes profoundly into its subject matters of yearning and melancholy. This perplexing song takes the listener on a gloomy trip, recalling a feeling of pensiveness and solipsism.

7). bonfire (2020) *+1*

The song hints at surrender to the worsening passion for a dying love. It represents a combination of sorrow and acquiescence. They are no longer resisting it but conceding and taking it.

6). sunny days (2023) *+1*

“Sunny Days” is a vivid, inspiring song that effortlessly encapsulates the sentiment of spending a lovely day with someone you love, with lyrics and melodies that conjure a sense of affection, contentment, and blithe moments under sunny skies; it's frequently acclaimed for its jovial, nearly wistful atmosphere, dreamily making a parallel with wave to earth's general superb lo-fi indie pop appeal. 

FUN FACT: this music video was shot in the Philippines!

5). peach eyes (2023) *5*

Wave to Earth's musical equivalent of dancing carefree in the streets with your friends.

4). light (2019) *-1*

An excellent way to introduce wave to earth to someone who hasn't totally heard of them before.

3). love (2023) *+1*

The song is remarkable for its dejected yet expectant tone, a commanding and fervently evocative track about overpowering obstacles and finding love as a cradle of strength.

2). bad (2023) *2*

“How could my day be bad when I’m with you?” Daniel sings in the bubbly, jazz-infused song track.

1). seasons (2020) *#1*

A gorgeous, wistful, and sorrowful indie rock song that arrests the feeling of time passing transiently through the different seasons, with a tender, calming melody that makes it perfect for tranquil listening.