Jo Hyu-il (Hangul: 조휴일) or Brian Cho, better known as The Black Skirts (Hangul: 검정치마), is an indie rock musician based in South Korea. He released his debut album, 201, in 2010.[1] He is currently signed to HIGHGRND, an indie sub-label owned by YG Entertainment.[2]

Contents 1 Background 2 Career 2.1 Pre-The Black Skirts 2.2 The Black Skirts (2006–Present) 3 Albums 3.1 Studio albums 3.2 Single albums 4 Other Singles 5 References 6 External links Background

Jo was born in Seoul, South Korea, on December 5, 1982. He moved to the United States when he was 12 years old and grew up in New Jersey.[3] His musical taste was influenced at an early age by what he would learn from American music media such as MTV and Rolling Stone.[4] He was also heavily influenced by Alanis Morisette's Jagged Little Pill and the first album he ever purchased was Michael Jackson's Dangerous.[5]

Career Pre-The Black Skirts

In 2004, Jo formed a three-member punk rock band called Castel Prayon while living in New York City. The band eventually dissolved as members went on to pursue their individual endeavors, leaving Jo to become a one-man band.

The Black Skirts (2006–Present)

In 2006, Jo returned to South Korea and began making music as a one-man band under the name, The Black Skirts.[1] In 2009, Jo released an unofficial album titled My Feet Don't Touch the Ground (And I Am So Winded I Can't Sing for You Today).

In 2010, Jo gained notoriety in the Korean indie rock scene upon releasing 201, his first album as The Black Skirts Produced by Kia Eshghi.[6] The album was recorded in his basement.[7] Later that year, he won Best Modern Rock Album at the Korean Music Awards.[8] A special edition of 201 was released on March 18, 2010.

On July 13, 2011, Jo released his second album, Don't You Worry Baby (I'm Only Swimming).

On January 7, 2016, Jo signed to HIGHGRND.

On May 30, 2017, Jo released his third album, Team Baby. The album cover features Jo's parents.

Albums Studio albums Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales KOR[9] 201 Released: March 18, 2010 Label: Sony Music Formats: CD, digital download 9 Don't You Worry Baby (I'm Only Swimming) Released: July 13, 2011 Label: Sony Music Formats: CD, digital download 3 3rd Album Part 1 Team Baby Released: May 30, 2017 Label: HIGHGRND Formats: CD, digital download 8 3rd Album Part 2 Thirsty Released: February 12, 2019 Label: BESPOK. Formats: CD, digital download