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.
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.