“What a fitting last name you have!” Singer-songwriter Eugene Song has heard this comment, or some derivation thereof, a countless number of times. But while the comment has gotten old, the sentiment continues to ring true.

Eugene’s musical career began when he began taking piano lessons at age 6, continued when he began teaching himself how to play guitar and write songs at age 12, reached new heights when he joined the Francis Kim Band in 2003, and has now progressed to the release of his first solo EP, entitled Gesture and Mumble, scheduled for March 2006.

With lyrics that range from heartfelt to tongue-in-cheek to absurd, Gesture touches on a variety of styles and themes: The second track, Fear of Flying, is a laid-back, lyrical storytelling of the ups and downs of relationships, while the more upbeat Easy on the Eyes is a sarcastic commentary on people that just try too damn hard. You Were Right is a Stray Cats meets Foo Fighters jaunt about the joys of arguing and Drunk Man, from which the album title is derived, tells the story of an inebriated know-it-all who actually does know it all. “My goal as a songwriter is to illustrate a point, convey an emotion, or tell a story without ramming the issue down people’s throats,” comments Song. “I try to make sure each lyric comes from an honest place... but at the same time I want to craft the song in such a way that people can draw different things from the same idea.”

Eugene’s fascination with the guitar and rock music was a bit of a surprise to his more conservative Korean parents. But it was a welcome sight to his older brother, who had raised him on a steady musical diet of classic rock icons like Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Who. Oftentimes, you could find young Eugene glued to the television, watching the same worn out VHS tape of The Who’s live performance of Tommy or planted in front of the stereo, absorbed in his efforts to decipher and learn Hendrix’s Little Wing.

By ninth grade, Eugene was writing and recording original music with his school’s music club, and acquired an appreciation for storytelling through his deep involvement with the drama and musical theater program. He went on to attend college at Brown University, where he majored in music, performed with and arranged music for his a cappella group, and continued to compose and write music in and out of the classroom. Upon graduating, he relocated to Boston and began performing as a solo artist. He continued to develop his songwriting chops after joining the Francis Kim Band in August of 2003. Over the next year and a half, Eugene’s lead guitar work, backing vocals, and energetic stage presence helped make FKB one of the most promising Boston-area bands. The quartet completed a full album and an EP before he decided to attend a masters program for music business at New York University.

He currently resides in New York City, where he is beginning to make his way around the local club circuit. His first solo EP, Gesture and Mumble, is a collection of thoughtful lyrics, ear-grabbing hooks, and addictive choruses, all held together with cohesive songwriting that will no doubt make Eugene Song’s name more than just a quirky coincidence.