김뜻돌(Miningful Stone) – A Phone Call from a Dream

Kim Tteutdol captivates listeners with his distinctive voice, weaving diverse narratives that range from profound to witty, and from simple to deeply introspective. Seamlessly blending genres such as folk, rock, pop, and jazz, he showcases his artistic depth in his first full-length album, A Phone Call from a Dream. Through this album, Kim Tteutdol proves that his music deserves attention purely for its artistry. His refined yet raw, lively yet solid, and beautifully strange compositions make him a musician worth following.

"Kim Tteutdol is a musician who constantly evokes curiosity about what’s next."
— Im Eun-seon, Selection Committee Member of the Korean Popular Music Awards

A Dream-Inspired Journey Through 11 Tracks

One night, Kim Tteutdol awoke after receiving a phone call in his dream—an experience that led him to create a song. From that single moment, an entire album was born. A Phone Call from a Dream is a collection of 11 songs, each containing a unique conversation. From reconnecting with a long-lost friend to heartfelt exchanges with a lover, from sharp critiques of modern society to contemplations on death, this album delves deep into human emotions and existential questions. For Kim Tteutdol, dreams are more than fleeting images; they are a mystical bridge between life and death, a source of endless inspiration.

Track Highlights

1. A Call from a Dream

The album opens with a surreal scene—someone enters the singer’s dream and whispers cryptic messages. This unknown presence urges him to “stay awake,” yet the song ends with the phone unanswered, leaving an air of mystery.

2. The Nameless Man

Inspired by Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra, this song introduces the concept of the Übermensch (superman)—the same figure who calls in the opening track. Unlike the dreamer, he remains forever awake, guiding those lost in ignorance. He tells the listener, “Do not seek me, for I am already within you.” Kim Tteutdol expresses through this track that love, though invisible, always watches over us—even on rainy days.

6. Pippo Pippo

A standout track that has garnered over a million views on Onstage, Pippo Pippo is a paradoxically cheerful take on mortality. The lyrics begin with a striking line:

"I don’t know when I might die.
What if I’m crushed by a high-rise crane while walking down the street?"

The song critiques society’s disregard for safety, particularly concerning day laborers. Kim Tteutdol was inspired to write this after reading a tragic news story about a worker’s fatal accident. However, rather than approaching death with gloom, he injects a lighthearted energy, encouraging listeners to reflect on mortality in a more open and accepting way.

A Warm, Dreamlike Experience

Kim Tteutdol hopes that those who listen to A Phone Call from a Dream will be enveloped in love, just as they breathe in the unseen air. Whether encountering a superman in a dream or contemplating the nature of death, the essence of the experience is not in the specific imagery but in the emotions left behind. Much like how dreams fade upon waking, but their feelings linger, Kim Tteutdol’s music leaves a lasting warmth that transcends words.

This album is not just a collection of songs—it’s an invitation to explore the subconscious, question reality, and embrace the beauty of the unknown.