Portugal. The Man Covers K-pop Song Golden with Fiddles.

1 day ago7 min read

In a move that feels less like a genre crossover and more like a genuine cultural conversation, the Grammy-winning psychedelic rock outfit Portugal. The Man has delivered a stunningly authentic cover of Twice's K-pop hit 'Golden,' trading their usual sonic landscapes for a lush, fiddle-driven interpretation that honors the original's effervescent spirit while imprinting their own distinct Northwest Americana fingerprint.The genesis of this unexpected artistic pivot, as revealed by lead vocalist John Gourley, is a heartwarming tale of paternal influence; falling 'deep into K-pop' through the shared listening sessions with his daughter, Gourley's fandom for the nine-member powerhouse Twice evolved from casual exposure to genuine stan-dom, a journey mirroring the global trajectory of K-pop itself from niche interest to mainstream behemoth. This cover is not a mere novelty or a play for streaming algorithm relevance, but a meticulous deconstruction and reassembly, where the song's iconic, sugary synth hooks are reimagined through the melancholic warmth of rustic fiddles, creating a poignant, almost folksy narrative that feels both entirely new and respectfully familiar.It stands as a significant marker in the ongoing dissolution of musical borders, following a lineage that includes everything from the Red Hot Chili Peppers covering 'Higher Ground' to Nirvana's unplugged session, yet it feels uniquely of this moment—a time when access to global pop culture is instantaneous and personal connections, like that between a father and daughter, can directly shape artistic output. The choice of 'Golden' is particularly astute, as the song's themes of self-empowerment and radiant confidence translate seamlessly across the linguistic and instrumental divide, proving that a great melody and resonant message are universal currencies. This isn't just a cover; it's a testament to how music consumption has evolved, where a band from Wasilla, Alaska can find profound inspiration from a group born in Seoul, South Korea, and in doing so, create a piece that speaks to the shared, borderless language of a well-crafted pop song, all while adding a new, beautifully rustic movement to Twice's already glittering discography.

#featured

#Portugal. The Man

#Golden

#K-pop

#Demon Hunters

#collaboration

#cover

#folk

#fiddles

#Twice

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