It wouldn’t be a stretch to call Epik High legends. For over 15 years, the hip-hop Renaissance Men have enraptured audiences with their alternative perspective of the genre. With a penchant for creating music that digs into the insecurities and frailties of human nature, Tablo, Mithra Jin, and Tukutz have paved the way for a generation of artists who express themselves without fear.
Following the release of their second EP, “sleepless in __________,” the trio have embarked on a world tour. Before their stop in Austin, TX, they took some time out to answer some questions for HiphopKR.
There’s a certain amount of pride in seeing artists you’ve watched grow get the recognition they deserve, even in small ways. XXX debuted at SXSW performing at the ScratcHouse, a medium-sized venue that houses a stage big enough for a DJ table and a back patio. Fast forward two years. They’ve matured in both sound and musical vision. Their growth doesn’t go unnoticed by the organizers. They land a spot on the largest stage for any Korean act at the festival: the Korean Spotlight hosted by Austin City Limits at the Moody Theater.
Owen Ovadoz is one of those artists who know how to spark a conversation and keep himself at its center. His forward and opinionated nature brings a unique dynamic to Korea’s music scene. That same critical eye he turns on himself in his music. Four years after his first interview with HiphopKR, he answered some questions about himself, his music, and what makes him the artist that he is.
The “soul” of hip-hop
You mention “soul” a great deal in your music and in some past interviews. This idea of “soul” seems very important to you. What does “soul” mean to you? What do you think is the “soul” of hip-hop?
Being true to your music, on and off stage at all times. I don’t know what soul of hip-hop is, but if you can forge in your soul into a song, then it’s always worth it.
Hip-hop in Korea has really blown up in a big way the past couple years. Do you think Korean audiences appreciate hip-hop and rap itself, or is it more a “trend”?
It is more of a trend thing at the moment, but I feel like if us ’90s kids put in work, then we can actually change things for better for our next generation.
You basically live hip-hop 24/7. But are there ever moments when you have to step away from it for a bit? What do you do when the thing that you live and breathe becomes too oppressive?
I was never oppressed, and I never thought of it that way Ha-ha. But yeah, I think I do try to live a hip-hop-ish way day to day, but that only occurs when I’m creating music. So I guess the rest of my life apart from music, I don’t got much problems.
Limited Opportunities
A lot of artists who used to frequent the Hongdae Playground feel like it’s completely changed. Why do you think that is? Is there any other place that you believe nourishes artists like Hongdae used to?
Hongdae used to have a club where they held a freestyle rap battle called Velvet Banana Club and now it’s gone. It goes same for the Hongdae Playground too ‘cus now it became a park I think… So it’s hard to find a place nowadays, and to figure out why this has happened is way more complicated. You need to know how this industry moves and how it’s pretty much impossible for independent artists to bloom out here.
When you spoke to us back in 2015, you said the hardest thing about the music industry is that “there’s no such thing as music or art in Korea,” mainly because it’s all commercialized and it’s “killing the few pure artists that remain in Korea.” Do you still feel that way? If so, what do you think needs to change?
It’s still the same, but I view it bit differently nowadays. It’s not ‘killing’ the few pure artists, but it limits the opportunities that they can have. You need to fight with the system and need to know how this music industry goes and more. I’ve finally realized that now and slowly adjusting to it. Y’all should move on and just do it too, ‘cus after all, if you look back, it’s you, limiting yourself so you can stay as an ‘artist.’ But there’re things you need to adjust and do to become a bigger, better person.
Golden Opportunities
You’ve been in the industry for a few years now. You got a lot of recognition for SMTM and “Eung Freestyle,” as well as being a part of MKIT RAIN. What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about being so visible in the entertainment industry?
Little man, understand this ain’t a lecture. It’s diamonds. If you wanna be somebody then you gotta earn it.
How did you get involved with the “119 Remix“? How was that experience for you?
Gray hit me up on Kakao, so that’s that and it was fun. And of course I killed it.
P.O.E.M
On P.O.E.M, the song “Hip Hop,” you opened it by saying “Sometimes I cut myself to see myself bleed, to feel something.” It’s still somewhat taboo to talk about depression in South Korea, even rarer to talk about self-harm so explicitly. Have you ever faced backlash for expressing these parts of yourself? Why do you think people are afraid to explore those topics?
I don’t know. I’m just stating facts, and maybe at that time I somehow wanted to share that with people. And if they think that’s wrong, then it’s wrong, but I don’t follow I lead so… Back to the point, check out OECD suicide rank. My country was up there on the top for past 13 years…
The song “dirt” from Changes is an interesting one. the phrase “You don’t know me ’til you put on my shoes” is repeated after the chorus that says “I’ve got dirt on my shoes.” What kind of “dirt” do you have on your shoes? Do you think people judge you because of that?
Dirt as in sins I’ve made so far and something shameful, but I’m cool with it ‘cus, aren’t we all incomplete human beings? And what’s it to you if you ain’t living right? Here’s your two cents.
P.O.E.M II
It’s been a few years between P.O.E.M and P.O.E.M II. What made you want to go back to the “P.O.E.M” concept?
‘Cause that’s who I am, and I’ve been lost in the city full of snitches and backstabbers for years trying to find myself.
What do you think has been the most important change for you in those few years?
I’ve finally found my way.
This is the first time you’ve blatantly made a song expressing anything about your faith (track “Holy (jehovah)“). What made you put this song on the album? Is that something you’re going to do more of (sort of like Chance the Rapper)?
Nah. I’m a Christian too, so I always had faith. I didn’t need to go seek out for one in church, especially [since] what happened before when I was younger made me avoid church and church people more. I confessed something to the preacher, and somehow all the other kids knew about the story. So I was only able to doubt the preacher at the time. So no, not sort of like Chance the Rapper. I’m just doing me and simply asking God, ‘Heavenly Father, tell me if I’m really doing it wrong.’
“possession (bob marley)” is my favorite track from the album. You at first say your biggest fear is being judged. Is that still true? You also say you’re “possessed by rap.” What about rap/hip-hop gets into you so much?
True, but I guess that’s something I can overcome in time. And I got into hip-hop lifestyle and state of mind.
The Future
What track on the album do you think is the best representation of you as a rapper? As a man?
‘what the fun.’ Cause that shit my title. Go check it out, listen, and put it on repeat.
What can fans look forward to from you in the future?
More visuals and more music.
Final thoughts?
POEM2 OUT NOW! GO LISTEN WHENEVER. OH, N’ I LOVE ALL MY FANS. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING ME.
SXSW is perhaps my favorite part of the year. There’s a certain amount of craziness that goes into covering the festival. But in the midst of all the madness, I have the unique privilege of getting to make connections with artists I respect. Despite mutual hectic schedules, HiphopKR got the opportunity to send some questions to R&B/hip-hop artist COLDE.
Unique Experiences
How was your show in Bangkok this January?
Thai fans were very welcoming. They sang along all the songs in Korean and we had a lot of fun together. This was my second concert in Bangkok and I only have great memories, thanks to Thai fans.
Although this was your second time in Bangkok, did it surprise you to find out you have fans in Bangkok?
It is always a huge surprise that there are fans from all over the world who listen to and like my music. I’m very grateful and happy about it. I want to, and will, continuously make music to share with even more fans around the world.
Back in November (2018), the German performance channel COLORS invited you to perform. How did you connect with them? How was that experience for you?
When I was in England for MV shoots, I had a chance to engage in a conversation with one of the team members from COLORS. After the release of “WAVE” EP, we concretized our plans and I flew to Berlin, where their studio is based in. As COLORS is one of the most unique and stylish music content channels known worldwide, I was very delighted to be part of it as an Asian artist. It was especially meaningful because I was the very first Korean artist who presented and sang the song — ‘시 (Shhh)’ — all in Korean.
First Meetings & Lasting Impressions
How did you meet 0Channel? What about his style made you want to work with him?
0channel is very detailed and thorough. Yet his works are never bounded by a specific formula and have raw quality, which I like the most. He best understands the ideal style that we both pursue.
Do you always share the same vision with your music? Or do you sometimes disagree?
When we work together, we always move forward when both of us are picturing the same vision. If we have different opinions, we spend a lot of time communicating until we reach an agreement.
How did you first connect with Club Eskimo?
First, we discovered one another on SoundCloud and connected through sharing tracks. We were attracted to each other’s works and spontaneously became a crew.
Back then, forming a crew through SoundCloud wasn’t a common movement. I think we were destined to find each other.
We first met when we were at HIGHGRND. He is always a good inspiration and motivation for me. We share similar personalities, tastes, as well as musical styles, so we became close immediately.
What lessons did you take away from your time with him?
Code Kunst is a talented producer with his own clear vision. He is capable of conducting and translating that vision into various “languages” of different artists. I am deeply impressed by his charismatic leadership and power of execution.
“COLDE” the Artist
You said that you did Breakers to show COLDE the solo artist. How do you define “COLDE” the solo artist?
When it comes to defining “COLDE,” I want more than just one set of definitions. I strive to become a boundless artist who can freely express himself through combining diverse genres, ideas and cultural elements.
Although it seemed like a strenuous process, what did you learn from your time on the show?
I learned about the broadcasting system as well as necessary aspects that make up a professional artist. The experience at ‘BREAKERS’ taught me how important it is to always be prepared for whatever opportunity comes your way.
What are some of your musical inspirations? What other things besides music inspire you?
‘Life’ and ‘love’ are huge inspirations. I think life is like a big sponge that absorbs everything that we face. What’s absorbed is reflected and recreated in my works.
Colde at the ERR;OR Showcase, SXSW 2019
Yet the most important inspiration is ‘love.’ It is a powerful source of energy. I believe that singing for love and caring about what we love will keep our lives full of happiness.
Though you have experience as both a producer and performer, do you prefer writing and producing or singing/rapping and performing?
I don’t have a preference regarding roles. I like the whole process of doing music that I can use to communicate and share with others.
The Next WAVE
Colde at the ERR;OR Showcase, SXSW 2019
How did the WAVY label happen?
WAVY SEOUL was founded as a creative collective representing Korea that aims to expand beyond Asia to the global level. The Korean music scene needs to bring forth more decent labels that can break away from the conventional frames that have been persisting throughout the industry. Right now, most part seems banal.
My favorite songs on “Wave” are “Move” and “SPACE.” “Move” is neo-soul inspired, and “SPACE” has a more acid jazz/Jamiroquai feeling to it. The whole album has various genres. Did you intend for there to be multiple styles on the album?
It wasn’t actually intentional. As an artist, I’m not restrained by any rules, even beyond genre. Thus, the entire “WAVE” EP became one representation of Colde, and a collection of my various tastes.
You said in your interview with Fungjaizine Magazine in Thailand that “Freedom” best represents you. Why is that?
I am a free artist with no boundaries. I’m excited to show you why.
During SXSW, HiphopKR got the chance to reconnect with hip-hop duo XXX. We talk about their growth, new creative visions, and the key to their success.
South by Southwest has invited a number of Korean hip-hop and R&B artists to spotlight. The likes of Epik High, MFBTY, and Crush have all left their unique stamp on the festival. In 2019, the range and diversity of hip-hop and R&B acts has only broadened. Here I give a sneak peek into who I’m really excited to see (and who you should probably check out as well).
Rapper niahn has already made a name for himself among his peers in underground rap. His connection to the MKIT RAIN crew, and particularly his close friendship with BLOO, has allowed him to make his mark in a big way. Today he has released his first EP, extape. Lead single, “Cartier” is just a peek into what’s in store for fans of his music. While preparing for his official debut, he took time out to answer some questions for us.
In the Beginning…
First, could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello, HiphopKR. I go by name of niahn. I’m from Los Angeles, California. Now I am in Korea with my dog Cola!
What are your biggest musical influences?
Umm… I would say Kid Cudi and Pharrell for my earlier influences. For recent influences, The Internet.
Were you always interested in making music?
Yes, I was always surrounded with various instruments while I was growing up. I played piano, clarinet, and cello for almost 10 years. I was in orchestra since I was 10. When I was 14 years old, one day, during break time, naflacame up to me with his first song, and that’s actually what made me started to create my own music, too, then playing in orchestra.
Young Creation & MKIT RAIN
How did you get involved with the Young Creation crew?
So, this is a very long story, but to keep it short, all the Young Creation members were doing hip-hop in the Los Angeles area. We started hanging out together, and naturally we became a crew.
How did you get involved with MKIT RAIN?
Well, it also happened very naturally. MKIT RAIN is a new crew, but we were always friends from way before. Most of us are from Young Creation too.
You and rapper BLOO created your own subunit: neonblue. You guys have great energy together. What about working with BLOO do you like?
I don’t want to say I was ‘working’ with BLOO. It was our way of hanging out. Most of the songs in the neonblue album was quite spontaneously done. BLOO has a very spontaneous personality. We would be just drinking whiskey, mostly Jameson. Then next, we find ourselves making a new song together. It was like my BBQ sauce and his hot pepper paste got mixed and we created this NEW ASS SAUCE. Our inspirations at the moment were in sync too: girls. Haha.
VIBES, YO
What’s most important to you when choosing what artist or producer to work with?
VIBES, YO. Haha. One thing, though. I prefer to work with someone who I can actually meet up, work side by side and spend time together. I guess that’s why I think the most important thing is the vibe.
You worked with YAC Studio last year for their “I GOT NO PAIN” project. How did you connect with them? -Did they already have the visual, or did they make the video based on your lyrics?
S/o to Khan for wanting to do a collaboration with me! I first met Khan while I was in New York. We became good friends really quickly. We were hanging out, so of course we were sharing our work. ‘I GOT NO PAIN’ was one of the songs I already had, produced by HDBI. When Khan suggested me for collaboration, I thought YAC Studio and my song ‘I GOT NO PAIN’ were a good fit. Khan did a lot of work to finish this collaboration, including visual. I think I was right. It was a good fit.
You worked with producer HDBI for that track. You’ve worked together several times, in fact. How did you guys end up working together?
HDBI and I actually made a lot more songs than what’s out. He’s one of the producers I work with most. I used to hang at Louis Maui’s place when I was in LA, and that’s where I first met HDBI. His beats were dope, so…basically that’s how we started our journey.
Who would you love to collaborate with in the future?
COLA, for sure. JK, Haha. Definitely Pharrell. He just popped in my head. And recently I’ve been heavily listening to Lancey Foux, so Lancy Foux, and ‘I wanna see you girlll’ Steve Lacey. Oh, also King Krule!
Moody, cloudy, starry…
What three words best describe your music?
Moody, cloudy, starry.
Your music seems to have a darker edge to it. (It’s quite dreamy, but with the added bass and the slower tempo, it’s got a darker color.) Is there a reason behind using darker-sounding music?
Maybe… I was dark person? I think I don’t really control my own emotions. Rather I let my emotions control me. I just do what I like and what I want to do, so I guess there’s no reason.
Many of your lyrics are quite sexual. Is that intentional?
I would say it’s more ‘sensual’ than sexual. I am definitely not trying to make sexual lyrics (music). I am just expressing my feelings and thoughts rather honestly.
What song do you think best represents who you are as an artist?
‘Broken Hurt,’ extape title. I feel naked every time I drop new songs. I think that’s why I have so many in archive. ‘Broken Hurt’ is actually the song that makes me feel most naked, so that probably means this song really shows who I am.
As you are a rapper living in Korea, what do you think of the hip-hop scene there? What do you think your music brings to the hip-hop scene in Korea?
I don’t know, I just got here you know? Well, I guess it motivates me since I am surrounded with really passionate people (MKIT RAIN). Regardless of the genre, there’s so many talented artists in Korea, and that’s why Korea’s in the spotlight internationally.
I don’t think it’s something I bring to the scene. It’s more like what I can become in this scene and that will create a new genre that’s me.
The Future is Bright
What plans do you have for the future?
A lot of things, you will see in the future. A picture is worth ten thousand words.
Any final thoughts for our readers?
Thank you if you made it this far and are reading this sentence. If you haven’t experienced my music I hope this can lead you to do so. Have a great day!
Through what appears to be a genuine humility regarding his own music, niahn shows a self-confidence borne from an understanding of himself and his vision. With the release of his first album, fans and newcomers alike can experience firsthand the honesty, bravado, and rawness of niahn’s personality. Most importantly, the conviction in his ambition.
One of the more satisfying aspects of what I do is being able to talk to an artist just as he’s getting his feet wet in the industry. Oftentimes, there’s a bit of reluctance to be too forward or open. They are, after all, just now stepping into an industry that can be quite unforgiving to those who make a little too much noise. However, many artists are just eager to get themselves heard. More, still, are willing to open themselves up to scrutiny for the sake of appealing to an audience who really doesn’t know who they are. Thus is the case with Core.Low. This young man has a heart for his music that is obvious in the way he talks about it and himself as an artist.
“Nice to meet you!”
Introductions are cordial. I can tell even through email he’s enthusiastic about being interviewed by an international outlet. “Nice to meet you! I’m R&B artist Core.Low.” It’s the tone of his answers and his genuine desire to express himself honestly that instantly endears him to me.
Core.Low’s introduction to music is common. A young man being influenced from all sides, most notably from his parents who saw his future in what they supposed were far more practical careers.
“My mother wanted me to be a pilot, while my father wanted me to learn his work and succeed him in the future,” he confesses. “I was searching for my dream among the dreams that people recommended, but as I grew up, I thought about what I enjoy the most, what gives me the most happiness, and what I am best at, and that was music.”
I can’t help but feel at this point he had to pause to recall the feelings of the moment he knew music was what his heart really wanted. “Thinking about it now, it seems that music is what I’ve always wanted to do. I started music because it was what I enjoyed the most and could do best. Furthermore, I turn my stories into music and share them with others, hoping that they will relate to them.”
Know Thyself
Core.Low has already released two singles that showcase some of his passion for what he does. In 2017 he debuted with “She’s Calling Me.” The track is a bright lament featuring the spritely voice of singer Chrissy. His second single, “Netflix & Chillin’,” released at the end of 2018, has a more mature slant. There are nods to early ’90s soul and R&B music in the song’s composition, a bit of a removal from his debut. The evolution of his musical landscape allows Core.Low a little more room to express his vocal color.
Core.Low – She’s Calling Me (live at KFM Radio)
The music has immeasurable opportunities to evolve. At the very least he’s open and willing to go down whatever avenues he believes will best express who he is as an artist. It’s this enthusiasm to learn and grow that’s both his greatest motivation and the most rewarding aspect of his short time in the industry thus far.
“I feel myself growing up as I write my own stories into my music. And when my stories reach the audiences who can see my growth, I feel rewarded.”
Of course, being in the music industry isn’t without its frustrations. But even in this aspect Core.Low is somewhat pragmatic. “Of course I’d like to get more love and attention from many people,” he says. “But in reality there are many obstacles to that. The biggest is the economic factor. I don’t really have any difficulties or hard times when it comes to music itself. I am sincerely interested in it, so maybe that’s why I always have fun with it.”
It’s that kind of effervescence about the process that certainly allows him to look at his music objectively. He welcomes the criticisms, if only for the ability to learn more about his craft.
“I am now able to see myself through the eyes of a third party. Normally, in my opinion, it is impossible to grow if you don’t know yourself,” he admits. “When you can judge and understand yourself objectively, that’s when you grow. With this thought process, making music has enabled me to understand myself better.”
Collaborations & Anotherview
It’s clear Core.Low is a very thoughtful artist. He sees music as a means to get to the heart of who he is. It’s not very often artists express such an honest evaluation of their musical journey. He also seems to have a keen sense of the world around him. This fact is what drives most of his music.
“I receive my musical inspiration from a variety of sources. I am mostly inspired by feelings and thoughts that come up in interpersonal relationships.”
Beyond his observations of how people relate to one another, he understands the various ways in which people express themselves. This has turned into a love of fashion. While probably not founded in any technical training, it does inform the way he represents himself.
“I think,” he begins, “just like we listen to different music according to our mood, the clothes we wear also match our mood and feelings. At times, I customize my clothing with scissors or needles according to my mood,” he reveals. “I’ve personally designed clothes together with Core.Eco of CORE Crew, who majors in fashion design. We’re thinking of releasing those later on.”
It makes sense, then, that he had a very specific vision for the cover art of “Netflix & Chillin’.” It speaks to someone very attuned to his surroundings. A young man as devoted to the soundscapes as he is to the visual appeal of what his music represents.
“The cover art is rather similar to the atmosphere of my studio and home,” he admits. “The two birds chattering beside my ears are to express that ‘the people around me talk unnecessarily much.’ Like those birds, I’ve asked the designer to put in other things that also have meaning. I didn’t personally make the artwork but I added, let’s say, realism to it. I will continue to do so as long as the artwork is for one of Core.Low’s albums.”
His collaborative nature lends itself perfectly to the independent spirit of label Anotherview (home to another introspective artist, Rheehab). The label is predicated on the idea of artists coming together to create something wholly themselves. No in-between, no big label pressure to create. The only real obstacle is the depth of each artist’s ambition. This seems to be the perfect environment for someone like Core.Low, who’s fully invested in musical growth.
“I had a producer friend named Conda who was with Anotherview first. As we made music together, we talked about various things, which lead to him introducing me to the label and me signing with it.”
Of course, his ambitions include working with a varied blend of artists. From the ever-evolving space of hip-hop to the airiness of more traditional folk and indie music, Core.Low’s musical interests are as wide as his own ambitions.
“I really like this Korean artist named Rad Museum,” he reveals. “When I am listening to his music, I can easily visualize the theme, and his lyrics are so expressive. I really want to work with him. As for foreign artists, I’d like to work with Mac DeMarco and Loyle Carner.”
Where Do We Go From Here?
Core.Low’s journey is an exciting one. It’s easy to fall in love with his excitement, his desire to push for the highest heights. As our conversation comes to a close, it’s time to find out what he has in store for himself in the future.
“This is not a one-time goal,” he starts, “but I think that I always have to give my best. I hope that more people will listen to and get to know Core.Low’s music.
“I hope to make Core.Low someone who gives off a good impression and interests people, both as a person and artist. I will do my utmost best to become an artist known to countries far outside of Korea as well. So please look forward to that and give me your support!”
His goodbye is as sincere as his salutation. His earnestness is such an endearing trait, one that I’m sure will allow him to make his way into the music scene with ease.
“I sincerely thank you for listening so long to what I’ve had to say. I will do my best to improve myself with every song, refining my trademark sound, and to turn myself into a good artist who you can always count on, so please give me a lot of support. This has been Core.Low. Thank you.”
Two singles under his belt and endless potential. Core.Low certainly has the hunger and desire to create music that will reach an audience beyond even his wildest dreams. This is the part about interviewing artists just getting their start that excites me. Being able to be there early enough to see them grow into their own and carve themselves a place among their peers.
On February 8, LATE LEE along with Jae Luna and FLANNEL ALBERT released “On My Mind.” The track is a lament on love lost (but sometimes painfully unforgotten).
