Santa Ana Welcomes SE SO NEON for a Night of Artistry and Emotion
- Glenalyn Ann
- Sep 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 20
Written for Mido
Making their long-awaited Santa Ana debut, SE SO NEON brought their <NOW> NORTH AMERICAN TOUR to The Observatory for a night filled with energy and connection. And with the tour nearing its final stretch, the atmosphere carried a sense of celebration, as if everyone in the room knew they were part of something special.
SE SO NEON is an indie rock band based in South Korea, formed back in 2016 by singer-songwriter and guitarist, So!YoON. The band quickly rose to fame with their distinctive blend of rock, funk, blues, and pop, paired with meaningful lyrics. Their early releases, including their acclaimed EP, Summer Plumage, earned them a spot as one of the leaders in Korea’s indie scene and an international following.
Photo Cred.: Glenalyn Ann
Opening the night was SASAMI, a SoCal-based singer-songwriter and producer, famously known for blending various music genres like indie rock, heavy metal, folk, and more into her sound. From the moment she stepped on stage, she wasted no time connecting with the crowd, hyping them up, and encouraging everyone to have a good time. Performing songs like “Need It To Work,” “Not the Time,” and “Call Me Home,” she closed the night performing her song “Slugger,” leaving the room buzzing and setting the perfect tone for what was to come.
As the crowd chattered in excitement, the venue lights slowly dimmed, and the cheers rose from the crowd. Heading straight into their set, SE SO NEON performed “E” and “Gurumi,” followed by “A Long Dream” and “Summer Plumage.” The band drew fans in with a setlist that flowed seamlessly between old favorites and newer tracks. Soon So!YoON paused the set and greeted the audience warmly, admitting she hadn’t realized how many fans they had in Santa Ana, as it was their first time in the city after three successful tours prior. She continued on to mention that with the tour nearing its end, the band felt “dialed in.” With a set they’ve perfected after so many shows, they promised fans a night they’d never forget. She even added one rule for the crowd: they had to go crazy and enjoy themselves.
As the energy in the room grew, SE SO NEON continued with a stretch of songs including “Go Back,” “The Wave,” “Stranger,” and “3 Revolution.” Each track carried its own intensity, showcasing the band’s ability to weave together gritty guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and So!YoON!’s commanding vocals. The crowd fed off the momentum, singing and swaying along, creating an atmosphere that felt both electrifying and deeply communal.
Midway through the show, So!YoON took a moment to share the story behind their first full-length album, NOW. She explained that in writing the album, she asked herself what she truly wanted, but didn’t always have an answer. She continued on saying how she felt like she needed to intentionally lose her way. So she left Korea, traveled from country to country, and eventually spent time in Southern California to finish the record. Reflecting on this journey, she realized that it wasn’t about location but about finding a sense of home and embracing the present moment. This sentiment carried into songs like “Remember!,” which she invited the audience to sing along to, creating one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Closing out the night was something special. From the pulsing rhythms of “Nan Chun” and “Dong” to the emotional resonance of “Twit Winter,” “New Romantic,” and “Secret Police,” SE SO NEON showcased the full range of their artistry. The powerful full-band arrangements highlighted just how versatile their sound could be.
Soon, the night was coming to a close as the final notes of their song “Midnight Train” lingered in the venue. So!YoON thanked the nearly sold-out crowd for their energy and promised to return. But the night wasn’t quite over. The band reemerged for an encore, treating fans to a few more songs, including “Jayu,” leaving the audience cheering until the very last note.
Photo Cr.: Glenalyn Ann
SE SO NEON’s Santa Ana show captured everything fans love about the band: soaring energy, heartfelt stories, and a setlist that balanced new explorations with beloved favorites. So!YoON!’s candid reflections and the group’s effortless chemistry on stage made the night feel personal, like a shared moment between the artist and audience. As they promised to return, the crowd left with the sense that this was only the beginning of what’s to come for SE SO NEON.
What’s your favorite track from SE SO NEON? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by reaching out on Instagram or X!
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