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.
Fearless Expression
Firstly, how is the tour going so far? Any interesting stories you’d like to share?
Tablo: The tour has been absolutely amazing. Beginning with Europe through N. America we will have met 30,000 fans in a little over a month since ‘Sleepless in __________’ has been released. We’re blessed to be able to see these many souls and share something with them. Also, I get to visit my other hometowns like the Bay Area and Vancouver, so that’s exciting!
Since your earliest days, when your music used to get banned from stations, music (and particularly hip-hop) has started talking more openly about controversial issues (mental health, the suicide rate, criticizing the government). Do you think your work has had a hand in making those issues come to light more prominently?
Mithra: There is no real way to gauge the extent of our influence, but we have been told that we inspired newer artists who speak on social issues, such as BTS.
Tablo: We’re happy about that because our intent in doing music was always to inspire others to have a voice, even if our own would get stifled in the process.
“[e]nergy” is one of our favorite Epik High albums. It’s just so emotional and so powerful. It was also the last album you put one of your lessons on until “Shoebox” five years later. We think it’s especially relevant considering our current political climate (One of the lines is “Isn’t it fun whenever the period recycles?”) What would Tablo’s Lesson be in 2019?
Tablo: When I have something to say, I put it in the music, so you’ll have to wait for Lesson 6.
If there were one aspect of “fame” or being a “celebrity” you could completely get rid of, what would it be?
Tablo: I’m grateful for everything, be it good or bad.
Who We Are
Many outlets describe you as “alt hip-hop.” Would you say that’s an accurate classification? If so, what do you think makes you “alternative” to “traditional” hip-hop? If not, how would you describe what you do?
Tukutz: We don’t really care, honestly. People can label us what they want.
Tablo: It really doesn’t change who we actually are and what we do.
Tukutz: We do ‘Epik High.’
Jin. You started out in the underground scene before you and Epik High really became internationally renowned and respected superstars. There are hundreds of rappers still grinding it out independently. Even rappers like RM and Suga who were underground rappers have found major success as mainstream artists (with BTS). What do you (or any of the members) think allows underground rappers/artists to go from underground/independent to popular/mainstream?
Mithra: Hard work and the fans. What I mean by hard work is perseverance.
Tablo: Yes, perseverance. Many people work hard, but only a few can persevere in the face of immeasurable odds. Like time, like suffering, like loss.
Tukutz. As a former b-boy, your connection to music is a little different than someone who writes and raps/sings. The musical range on all the albums has been so varied. What inspires how you create the music?
Tukutz: Tablo and I write songs together, and because we’re so different in personality, interests and life experiences, Epik High’s music automatically becomes diverse.
You’ve worked with record labels for 15 years. Do you think having the backing of a label made creating music less stressful? Or has the creative process always come easy for you?
Tablo: Even when we were with a label, we’ve always had complete creative freedom because we’ve always been willing to fight for it.
Mithra: Now that we’re independent again, all we have to fight is ourselves to continue to make good art.
sleepless in __________
You’ve worked with a wide range of artists over the years. If you were to do a “Born Hater 2,” who would you want to feature on it?
Tukutz: ‘No Thanxxx’ was ‘Born Hater 2,’ in a way. We already have ideas for the next squad song, but you’ll have to wait!
We have seen you describe “sleepless in __________” as a new beginning for Epik High. But it also seems like it’s a return to what made Epik High what it is (sort of revisiting the “purest” form of the group). What do you consider it to be most — a new beginning or a return to the beginning?
Tablo: I’d say both. Sometimes the best start is to go
back to where you started.
Tukutz: Yes. I think the reception to the album has been so explosive because of this. People recognize and love that the album sounds like a classic Epik High album.
The intro to “sleepless in __________” is really fascinating: A monotone, almost robotic voice asking some very personal questions about loneliness and melancholy. Why was it important for you to start the album that way? Are those questions that ask yourself?
Tablo: Often, we don’t know what we’re feeling or dealing with because no one asks. This is why I made this track and this album.
Was the track “No Different” directed to someone in particular?
Tablo: Anyone that misses someone.
There was a focus on lo-fi for “sleepless in__________.” What drew you all to that sort of music? Was that an intentional musical choice for the album?
Tukutz: Lo-fi has always been our sound, even before it became a talking point. We were just doing what we do best.
Tablo: I found it interesting though that lo-fi music recently became this ‘sleep playlist/relaxing music/study music’ thing. I thought there would be a sense of irony to go super lo-fi on an album dealing with sleeplessness. That’s why in ‘Rain Again Tomorrow,’ I have lyrics directly addressing this: ‘Fuck em all, man I hate this.’
For each of you, what song on this album holds the most meaning to you personally and why?
Mithra: ‘Lovedrunk.’ I love the song and the video.
Tukutz: ‘In Seoul.’ It is like an audio painting of Seoul city.
Tablo: ‘Lullaby For A Cat.’ Because saving cats is my life goal.
The Future
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year?
Epik High: More concerts and festivals! We are planning a big year-end concert in Seoul around Christmas time, so book your flights!
Do you have any final thoughts for our readers?
Epik High: Thank you for listening to music. We are nothing without you.
Check out Epik High on tour!
Thank you for the interview, I was so happy you asked about their lo-fi sound, as a longtime fan I used to use their albums to study and sleep to way back when, so I am glad . I’m excited for the next album this really was going back to their beginnings in sound and presentation and I really appreciated that.