Ep 203 From South Korea to the U.S.: Catching Up with Kayla ShaDay & Merry Hey Day
What happens when an American artist and entertainment professional builds a life in South Korea and begins managing a rising Korean punk band with an international audience?
That’s exactly what we explore in Episode 203 of Brews & Banter, as we catch up with Kayla ShaDay and hear about her life in South Korea, her work with the Seoul-based punk/alternative band Merry Hey Day, and the band’s growing success outside Korea.
Kayla has appeared on Brews & Banter before, and this conversation gives listeners an update on everything that has happened since her previous appearance. From adapting to life in Korea to taking Merry Hey Day on U.S. tours, there is plenty to talk about.
Life in South Korea
Kayla has now spent significant time living in South Korea, with trips to places such as Japan and Indonesia along the way. One of the things she enjoys most about life there is the connectivity and accessibility.
South Korea’s extensive Wi-Fi and 5G availability has changed the way Kayla communicates and works. She explained that she rarely uses her U.S. phone number anymore and relies heavily on online communication and local platforms.
She has also developed strong connections with the local Korean community. Rather than primarily surrounding herself with other foreigners, Kayla says she has naturally become part of the local community and now has more Korean friends than foreign friends.
Although she is still learning Korean and is not yet fluent, she continues to practice and learn every day.
Meet Merry Hey Day
One of the biggest parts of Kayla’s life in Korea is her work managing Merry Hey Day, a Korean punk band with pop-punk influences.
Kayla describes the band as Korean punk or “pop punk adjacent.” The group has developed its own sound while continuing to build an audience both in Korea and internationally.
The band has also gone through some changes, including a drummer change. Their new drummer, Subin, has brought a new energy to the group and has become the youngest member.
Kayla describes the dynamic between the members as a close-knit group where the older members have naturally taken on a big-brother role with Subin.
From South Korea to Sold-Out U.S. Shows
Merry Hey Day has already made a major impression during its trips to the United States.
The band completed two U.S. tours, including performances in California, Nevada and Texas. Despite being an independent band with a relatively small social media following, they managed to sell out shows in two different states.
One of those memorable performances took place at the Ivar in Hollywood, where the band played to a sold-out crowd. Their first U.S. tour also included a sold-out show in El Paso, Texas.
Even more impressive, fans traveled from Mexico to see the band perform.
For an independent Korean punk band building an international audience, those moments represent something much bigger than just ticket sales. They show that a dedicated fan base can grow across borders.
The band has also been compared by some listeners to Green Day, with one fan even describing them as the “Korean Green Day.” Kayla knows the comparison will probably make the band very happy, especially considering how much they love Green Day.
Building an International Fan Base
One of the most interesting parts of Kayla’s management strategy is how seriously she takes analytics.
Instead of simply guessing where the band should tour next, she studies audience data across platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and Korean music platform Melon.
The goal is simple: understand where the band’s listeners are and where there is enough demand to support future shows.
According to the discussion, international markets have become increasingly important for Merry Hey Day. Their audience is no longer limited to Korea or the United States, with listeners also coming from countries including Indonesia and various parts of Europe and Asia.
That information is helping Kayla plan the band’s next moves.
Indonesia and the Next Chapter
Indonesia has become an especially interesting market for Merry Hey Day.
Kayla explained that Indonesia has seen a significant increase in interest, and the band is already looking toward future opportunities there.
The group is also exploring the possibility of performances in Japan and other parts of Asia.
The Philippines is another market Kayla is interested in exploring, particularly Manila.
For an independent band, however, international touring requires much more than simply booking a venue. Flights, visas, accommodation, equipment, practice, transportation and other expenses can quickly add up.
That is why Kayla and the band are carefully studying their audience and planning their next international steps.
Doing the Work Independently
Merry Hey Day has largely financed its international growth themselves.
Kayla explained that they have sometimes chosen to take the risk themselves rather than waiting for someone else to invest first.
The philosophy is straightforward: prove that the band can do something successfully, and then potential investors may become more interested.
That strategy has already produced results.
Two U.S. tours and two sold-out shows in different states are significant achievements for an independent band with a relatively small social media following.
More importantly, the people who do follow Merry Hey Day appear to be highly engaged.
These are fans who return to livestreams, share the band’s music, attend shows and introduce other people to the group.
Using Livestreams to Connect With Fans
Livestreaming has become another important part of Merry Hey Day’s strategy.
Rather than relying only on traditional concerts, the band has been putting more focus on livestreaming performances and connecting with fans online.
The results have been encouraging.
Kayla talked about viewers joining livestreams, staying to watch and then following the band. Fans from different countries have also become part of the band’s online community.
The band has even started taking turns going live, giving fans more opportunities to interact directly with the musicians.
This creates a relationship that goes beyond simply listening to a song.
New Music on the Way
Merry Hey Day isn’t stopping with touring.
The band is currently working toward a new full-length album, with members becoming more involved in writing, composing and arranging the music.
Kayla says the group has been experimenting with new material, and she is excited about some of the unreleased songs she has heard.
The band writes and produces much of its own music, with lead singer JJ having played a major role in the songwriting process. Other members are also becoming increasingly involved.
That collaborative approach could bring another new dimension to the band’s sound.
What’s Next for Merry Hey Day?
The future looks busy.
Alongside working on their next album, Merry Hey Day is exploring additional international touring opportunities.
Japan, Indonesia and potentially the Philippines are among the markets being considered, while the United States remains an important part of the band’s international plans.
Kayla also hopes that the band’s next U.S. trip will allow them to expand beyond the West and Texas.
An East Coast appearance could be next—and perhaps, if things line up, Merry Hey Day could even make an appearance at the Brews & Banter studio.
For now, the band is continuing to build its audience, create new music and take things one step at a time.
A Conversation About Music, Culture and Taking Chances
Episode 203 is more than just an update on a band.
Kayla’s story offers a look at what it takes to build a creative career across countries and cultures. Her experience managing Merry Hey Day shows how independent artists can use data, livestreams, international communities and a willingness to take risks to grow an audience.
From South Korea to sold-out U.S. shows, Merry Hey Day’s journey is still developing.
And if their growing international audience is any indication, their next chapter could take them even farther.
Want to hear the full conversation? Tune in to Episode 203 of Brews & Banter and hear Kayla ShaDay talk about life in South Korea, Merry Hey Day, international touring, music, and what comes next.
Learn More
Visit Merry Hey Day to learn more about the band and follow their musical journey.
You can also visit Brews & Banter for more episodes, conversations and updates from the show.