🎧 Espionne: DJ Soulscape’s Lounge-Side Alias

Espionne is a moniker used by the legendary DJ Soulscape for his work in bossa nova, Shibuya-kei, lounge, and library music.
In 2004, he released a promo-only mix CD under this name — limited to just 500 copies (as far as I know). And yes, I used to own one.
But here’s the tragedy: I lent it to my college essay tutor at the time... and he never gave it back. Brutal. (This mix CD still isn’t listed on Discogs.)

Back then, I was a full-on Soulscape fanboy. What drew me in wasn’t even his mixes— it was his production.
A lot of the beats he made in the early 2000s still sound timeless today. One standout is “알아들어 (Understand?!)” by Ill Skillz, produced by Soulscape. Absolute classic.

Then out of nowhere, in 2002, he dropped an EP under a new alias: Espionne. The release, titled “어쩌면 (Maybe)”, came out on Strange Sweet Sound.
Interestingly, this track had already appeared on a 2001 compilation called MP Hip Hop 2001 대박 under his DJ Soulscape name.
The EP featured several different versions of “어쩌면” — reimagined with alternate samples but keeping the same core beat and melody.
It’s a masterclass in how to do a remix right. (Also: this EP still isn’t even listed on Discogs! And I have this one somewhere...)

Under the Espionne name, he later went on to create live session recordings and full-blown library music albums.
This project was called Belief Music Treatment, in collaboration with the cosmetics brand Belief. Several albums were released over the years as part of this project. I personally went into several Belief stores to ask for this limited 7-inch single.

Thankfully, some absolute hero out there compiled every known Espionne track into one YouTube playlist — in chronological order, no less.
The tracks I mentioned above are all in it. Go check it out. Seriously.

This is just a small glimpse into DJ Soulscape’s massive career. His influence on Korea’s underground music culture is undeniable.
Even now, he’s one of the most sought-after DJs in Seoul, playing weekly sets across the city.
To me, he is the representative DJ of Seoul. His musical reach spans hip-hop, funk, soul, jazz, brazillian, house, library music, even 60s–70s Korean records — all delivered with surgical taste and deep knowledge.

If you’ve ever caught one of his sets, you already know: he’ll make you dance, and you’ll love every minute of it.
Honestly, it's a privilege to live in Seoul and witness his gigs live from time to time.