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.
How did you get in contact with Code Kunst?
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.
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
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.
Look forward to Colde’s next wave!