Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daseul Kim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Daseul thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

As a jazz bassist, the founder of Groove & Co., and a current member of the U.S. Navy Fleet Band, my mission is to use music as a bridge—to connect people, uplift spirits, and create meaningful experiences wherever I play.

Serving in the Fleet Band has shown me firsthand how music can transcend language, culture, and circumstance. Whether performing for service members overseas or communities at home, I’ve seen how a single song can shift the energy of a room and bring people together in powerful ways.

Outside of the Navy, I continue performing regularly—both as a freelance bassist and with Groove & Co.—because I believe live music has a place not just on the concert stage, but at weddings, intimate gatherings, and public events where people come together to celebrate life.

Groove & Co. was born from that belief. Our mission is to bring high-level, heartfelt, and stylistically rich music to every event we’re part of—approaching each performance with the same care, creativity, and purpose that I bring to my military service.

For me, music is more than performance—it’s connection, community, and service. That’s the heart behind everything we do.

Daseul, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

About Me and My Journey
I’m Daseul Kim, a jazz bassist, composer, and founder of Groove & Co. I began my musical journey in South Korea as a classical pianist, winning a national piano contest at age six. Later, in high school, I discovered my true passion for jazz after picking up the bass guitar. This led me to study jazz in Korea and eventually move to the United States in 2009 to advance my craft at William Paterson University.

One of my strongest assets is the rich experience I’ve gained as an immigrant navigating new cultures, languages, and music scenes. These challenges have made me resilient, adaptable, and deeply empathetic—qualities that influence how I connect with both music and people.

What I Do and Offer
In 2024, I joined the U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes and relocated to Chicago, where I currently serve as a bassist in the Navy Fleet Band. Outside of the military, I perform with Groove & Co., the live music collective I founded in 2025, as well as with other groups. Groove & Co. provides tailored live music experiences—from intimate jazz trios to dynamic five-piece bands—specializing in jazz, soul, and sophisticated pop for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.

Problems I Solve and What Sets Me Apart
Clients often seek live music that is both professional and personally meaningful. Groove & Co. delivers this by combining exceptional musicianship with emotional insight and collaboration. My immigrant journey gives me a unique perspective and sensitivity that helps me deeply understand and adapt to clients’ visions, making every performance feel authentic and memorable.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of my diverse musical path—from classical piano beginnings in Korea, to jazz stages in the U.S. and abroad, to military service and leading Groove & Co. My experiences as an immigrant have been a source of strength, shaping my artistry and dedication to building community through music.

What I Want You to Know
Whether performing in uniform, with Groove & Co., or other projects, my goal is to use music as a powerful way to connect people, celebrate life’s milestones, and create lasting memories. Groove & Co. is more than a band—it’s a community committed to heartfelt, professional, and unforgettable live music.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first came to the United States in 2009, everything was new and challenging—not just musically, but culturally and personally. I arrived in Philadelphia to study English before auditioning for music school, but I didn’t have enough money to cover all my expenses. I even had to sell my instrument just to afford a plane ticket. For about a year and a half, I focused on learning English without being able to practice my bass.

Despite these hardships, I stayed determined. I worked hard on my language skills and prepared for my music audition whenever I could. In 2011, I auditioned for William Paterson University—and to my great joy, I was awarded a scholarship.

During my first semester at William Paterson, I often felt like an outsider. Back in Korea, jamming with a real book was normal, so when some senior students invited me to a jam session and called a complex tune like John Coltrane’s “Moment’s Notice,” I pulled out my real book to follow along. But they started playing immediately, without waiting for me. There was no drummer, and since I didn’t know the chord changes, I struggled and eventually messed up. When it was my solo turn, I stopped playing and told them I had to leave due to a family emergency. After that, nobody wanted to play with me anymore.

It was a tough moment, but it became a turning point. I committed myself to practicing hard every day. After a few months, two top students—a pianist and a drummer—invited me to practice with them late at night when the school was quiet. We practiced together almost every night and eventually started attending jam sessions as a group. Through that experience, I not only improved my skills but also learned about the jazz culture in the U.S.—the sense of community, the unspoken communication, and the shared passion.

Within a year, I not only earned a spot in the ensemble but also began touring with leading jazz artists like Vincent Herring and Eric Alexander.

That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through obstacles—it’s about growing from them, adapting, and using challenges as opportunities to deepen your passion and purpose. It’s a mindset that has guided me through every step of my career, from those difficult beginnings to leading Groove & Co. and serving in the Navy Fleet Band.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One significant pivot in my career happened in 2024 when I made the decision to join the U.S. Navy Fleet Band and relocate to Chicago. Up until then, I had been building my career primarily as a freelance jazz bassist in the New York/New Jersey area, performing with various groups and touring with well-known jazz artists. While that path offered incredible opportunities, it also came with the typical uncertainties and challenges of freelance life.

Joining the Navy Fleet Band was a major shift—not only was it a more structured and stable role, but it also required me to adapt to a completely different musical environment and lifestyle. I had to balance my military duties with my personal projects, including leading Groove & Co., the live music collective I founded in 2025.

This pivot taught me the importance of flexibility and embracing change. It challenged me to grow not just as a musician, but as a professional and individual. I learned to blend discipline with creativity, and how to honor tradition while still pushing boundaries. Moving to Chicago opened new doors, expanding my musical network and allowing me to continue growing both within and outside the Navy.

This experience reaffirmed that sometimes the best growth comes from unexpected changes and being willing to pivot when new opportunities align with your values and goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://groovnco.com
• Instagram: @groove_n_co
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/groovnco