Longing, jazz, and singer-songwriters: Three rookies featured on 'Hello Rookie'

The preliminary live performances for '2026 Hello Rookie,' a newcomer discovery project by EBS 'Space Gonggam,' have been released. The video features three acts with distinct musical identities: Voice Recording, nardis, and Choi Jenny.

Pop sounds filled with longing, Voice Recording

The first performance features Voice Recording, a duo consisting of Jeong Da-in and Baek Seo-hyun. Their set runs from 02:21 to 04:58 in the video. According to the official description, their music is best defined by the keyword 'longing.' While it could be described using familiar terms like 'vintage' or 'nostalgia,' critics suggest that 'longing' is the essential descriptor for their sound. With melodies and lyrics that seem to reach toward an indeterminate past, their vocals and instrumentation deliver a soft pop sound that repeatedly taps into the listener's most vulnerable emotions.

A fusion of jazz and indie pop, nardis

Next is the performance by nardis, which is screened from 07:55 to 12:14. The music of nardis encompasses a wide range of genres and styles; the language of jazz is evident in their instrumentation and performance, while the sentiment of indie pop is infused into their melodies and lyrics. This versatility is cited as their greatest strength. Their skillful expression during live performances is particularly captivating, leaving viewers eager to see them perform in even larger venues.

Singer-songwriter Choi Jenny builds a unique sound

Finally, singer-songwriter Choi Jenny takes the stage, with her performance running from 14:08 to 18:13. While her songs may not rely on flashy hooks, she expresses her personal emotions and experiences through a unique sound that keeps listeners curious about her next lyric or melody. This ability is arguably the finest virtue of a singer-songwriter, and her live performance conveys that charm effectively. The preliminary stage concluded with praise for these artists as brilliant rookies and the emergence of impeccable singer-songwriters.