Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
Confessions of a Black K-Pop Fan - Gurl, You Is Lookin' Yeppeo Eunmi
Swiggity Swag the cat's out the bag. Swiggity Swingle, why am I single? Swiggity Swooty, it's Gurl, You is Lookin' Yeppeo's Eunmi. Don't know what Gurl, You is Lookin' Yeppeo is? It is most definitely the most awesome K-Pop fanpage on the face of the earth and everyone should like it by clicking right here. I have basically lived on this page for the past few months if not a full year so please, go check the page out since I'm sure if you're on this site, you have nothing better to do anyways.
Nevertheless, the road for international K-Pop fans is tough. Being banned from entering things like official fanclubs and concerts, not speaking the language and well, basically not having the same representation as others who are native. And especially after the scandal with G-Dragon and his blackface that happened way back when, I think it's more than necessary to highlight probably the most unrepresented point of view in the K-Pop fandom, the African-American point of view, from my favorite author on Gurl, You is Lookin' Yeppeo (Khun's my second favorite, sorry if the others are reading this but not sorry), Eunmi, a black American who of course, loves K-Pop.
1. First of all, who are you?
Hi, guys. I'm Eunmi from the K-Pop Facebook page, Gurl You Is Lookin' Yeppeo!
2.Who's your ultimate bias (if it's BYG, we're gonna fight right now)?
Ah, it's really hard to choose right now because it is between Xuimin of EXO-M and Bang Yongguk of B.A.P, they're both sooooo dreamy. /ugly sobs
3. Do you feel under-represented/unrepresented in the K-Pop Fandom?
A few years ago, i would've said yes, but now all you see is collaborations with African American artist like Missy Elliot, Pharrell, Snoop Dogg ect working with korean idols.It's great to see that.
4. How do you feel of blackface in general? G-Dragon's Blackface incident & responses?
I don't really care much for the black face topic, in all honesty, but I think that most people have to keep in mind that Korea is not a diverse country so some things may come off offensive unintentionally... but they should still keep in mine that they DO HAVE INTERNATIONAL FANS OF ALL RACES AND COLORS so the term "because they don't know any better" wouldn't really fit the situation.
5. When idols say [insert idol who's whiter than chalk] is dark what do you think of this?
I think of Kai just because people whine about it alot.
6. How do people react when they find out you listen to K-Pop?
They usually look at me like I'm crazy! And they say things like "why do you listen to ching chong music" or "they all look like fa***ts!". Most of them don't realize that you don't have to speak the music to love it.
7. How'd you feel when Lee Michelle had the chance to sign with YG?
I don't know much about her but I'm happy she signed with YG and got the chance to have a great experience to work with great people.
8. What attracts you to K-Pop?
The music....and the extremely handsome men who run around half naked.(lol)
9. How do you feel about K-Pop now like how it's going?
Right now, I like where the Kpop industry is going right now, it's becoming known world-wide and more diverse.
10. I know so many places don't allow international fan participation however, they want our money... is that even well, fair?
I don't think it's fair at all, it's practically being prejudice. International fans share the same love for idols k-fans do. I mean, yeah, sometimes we do act a little crazy, (they do too) but that doesn't mean we're all like that.
11. What's your favorite company?
SM ALL THE WAY
12. What do you do exactly at Girl, you is Lookin' Yeppeo?
I don't even know anymore, i post updates on K-Pop/personal K-Pop related stuff when i can. ;-;
13. Is Girl, you is Lookin' Yeppeo like... to you at this point being that they're getting more & more popular, a business now or still a personal page... you could probably make money from it
NAH BRUH.i don't see or plan on making a business out of it, it's just for fun and making friends.k
Confessions of a K-Indie Band: Love X Stereo
The glorious K-Indie group, LOVEXSTEREO, is nothing but a masterpiece and a gem to the Korean entertainment industry. With their smooth beats, their keen ability to bring out flavorful tracks and simply their
individuality and confidence that radiates just from their beings, it's hard not to fall in love with the band, LOVEXSTEREO. And with my most honored opportunities so far that I have received, we were able
to chat with the unbeatable vocals of the group, Annie Ko, and get an interview out of it. If you want more information on LOVEXSTEREO, check out basically all about 'em, here.
1. Introduce yourselves.
Hello, we are Love X Stereo. Toby plays the guitar and he’s our producer. Annie is our vocalist and she plays the synthesizers. Sol is our bassist. We make alternative music with an electronic flair. Our band is based in Seoul, Korea, and we are currently unsigned.
2. Tell us about your American tour.
We recently got invited to four major festivals in The States and Canada. Including CMJ Music Marathon, M.E.A.N.Y. Fest, MidPoint Music Festival (MPMF), and Indie Week Canada. This is the main reason why we decided to go on our first North American tour. We are heading to Cincinnati, New York, Washington, Detroit, Chicago, and Toronto.
You can follow our schedule right here. >> https://tourbox.songkick.com/artists/6188444/calendar
We need all the help we can get at this point, so we decided to open up a fundraiser campaign, so you can help us by donating your contribution directly to our paypal (lovexstereo@gmail.com) directly.
All the details are written here. (Please scroll down a little until you find English text.) >> www.ucanfunding.com/project/view.php?num=767
3. I hear that you're currently recording & planning to release an album? Details about that? (name of album, title track name, what it's about, release day)
Our new EP album is titled <GLOW>. The official release date will be Sep 26, right before the day we perform at MPMF. There will be 7 songs in total, 4 new songs, and 3 remixes. Our title track will be “Lose to Win”. It has a very soothing, calm vibe with lots of energy. This hopeful song is written for everyone who gets restless about the unknown future. The clear message is this; “keep doing what you’re doing, and eventually you’ll find a way.”
4. You have released your first music video called Seoul City not that long ago and it garnered over 60,000 views in less than a week. What's Seoul City about and how does it relate to LOVEXSTEREO?
Our song “Soul City” is about our city, Seoul. We were riding our bikes along Hangang River at that time. The idea was to capture all the aspects of Seoul, and how we really think about our city. All the goods and bads. We made this song a bit longer than usual, because we actually felt that Seoul is like a never ending song. Added a little psychedelic vibe into it. Once you get to know the city, it’s hard to detach yourself from it, and you get to know more and more and more. Especially, Seoul has a huge history behind, so we felt like there’s a lot to talk about. You should see for yourself.
5. What about your newest track, Bukkeureowoyo? What's the literal and metaphorical meaning of that?
“Bu-kkeu-reo-wo-yo” literally means, “I’m embarrassed.” This song is a theme song for a real-life pop art character, The Jack. He is a famous pop artist in Korea, and “Bu-kkeu-reo-wo-yo” is his catchphrase. So we made a song out of it. The song is very addictive because the lyrics are so simple and direct. He claims this “embarrassness” is the emotion at the root of the universe.
Check his artwork here. >> https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thejack-%EB%8D%94%EC%9E%AD/493262977391512
6. What's the overall message you're trying to get across with LOVEXSTEREO's music?
We like our audience to simply enjoy our music, go with the flow, and dance along with us. But our messages are actually a little more complicated than that. The lyrics usually are about our daily lives, relationships, what we see from the news, what we really think about ourselves, and how we should live our lives. We like to ask lots of questions to others and ourselves.
7. What are your goals for the group?
Essentially, we’d like to meet the world. This tour will be the first step. We’d be more than happy to spend our lives creating great music, touring the world, and meet our fans everywhere.
8. Quick question from my mere curiosity: What does the X mean in LOVE X STEREO?
It means it goes either way. So, Love X Stereo means, love goes both ways from one another.
9. Now this question is directed mostly to Annie. I talked about this kind of before but I remember seeing you, Annie, on a 16 minute-ish documentary of the "K-Pop Effect" and how it effected typical South Koreans today. I remember the interviewer questioned you of plastic surgery and your past experiences dealing with the K-Pop industry. Now if I remember correctly, you were offered a deal with a K-Pop company but you had to go under the knife in order to debut. Can you tell us a bit more of that experience? Do you regret the decision of not accepting the deal? What do you think of plastic surgery in general?
> Annie: Well, I was young but I guess I wasn’t that naive back then. In order to achieve success in this business, there are many ways to do so, and especially in K-pop industry, you obviously need a certain “look”. It was very clear that I didn’t have a face they wanted. But our company wasn’t really that mean to me at all. They “suggested” me to do so, because if I have bigger eyes or whatever, people in this business are more likely to be interested in investing. It’s like a leverage. Honestly, I don’t have anything against plastic surgery at all. I do think that a lot of people gain confidence out of it, and that’s a good thing. I didn’t do it simply because, I really do like my face. I never regret my decision.
Does the decision of not getting surgery somehow tie into the groups' overall message to young South Koreans who experience this... never-ending struggle towards perfection?
Well, I haven't thought about it like that at all. Now that you asked, I just want to say "be true to yourself." Not like a relieve or anything, but if you want to go through all that, you should ask yourself if you really, really want it. No regrets!
10. You guys are growing popular in South Korea and somewhat internationally, too, so that popularity obviously includes well, the growth of fans. What's your fan base name if you have one?
No, we don't have one yet.
11. Any last words, thoughts or messages that you want to present to the world or tell fans watching this today?
There are a lot of good K-pop artists out there, yes. But there are a lot of great Korean indie bands as well. If you are interested, please try to find these bands and artists through YouTube, Soundcloud, Bandcamp or K-indie blogs. You’ll be surprised.
LOVEXSTEREO is available nearly everywhere, now planning to their American tour however, need your help. If you like them (which I strongly encourage you do), you can help raise their funds to make the
tour possible or smaller, just listen to their newest track, Bukkeureowoyo with their newest EP, Glow.
http://Twitter.com/LOVEXSTEREO
http://Facebook.com/LOVESTEREO
http://LOVEXSTEREO.com
http://YouTube.com/LOVEXSTEREO
E-Mail: LOVEXSTEREO@gmail.com
Confessions of a K-Pop Trainee: Lori Thomas of Paramount
To introduce her, Lori Thomas is an "Ameriasian" trainee of the company Paramount Music, whom, as mentioned above, debuted their first ever group, Chocolat, back in 2011. Living in America for a huge chunk of her life (yes, she speaks English), she's now residing in Osan, South Korea while training for Paramount's upcoming girl group (which apparently will debut near the end of this year). She appeared in Chocolat's Black Tinkerbell as Wendy and is
Are the typical trainers and trainees super strict, fun to be with or super judgmental?
fun to be with
How do other trainees and trainers treat foreign trainees? How about new ones?
They treat them the same as they would a person of their own race. Every trainee is different, just like any person in the world. If they are kind, they will welcome new trainees. If they aren't as kind, they will be more cautious
How'd you feel when you were new? Was it hard to follow the training?
I felt really small and like an outsider as if i didn't fit in, but that all changes. It was hard for the first few days but then it got easier. My instructors are really good instructors.
Is the competition between trainees very intense?
It's not as though you guys would fight to death for it (like your thoughts should be) but in every company, the competition is pretty high.
Are the training sessions and tests hard?
They are pretty rigorous.
Do you always have a recital, if you do, what happens to trainees with
low scores? Do they get kicked out?
How do other trainees and trainers treat foreign trainees? How about new ones?
They treat them the same as they would a person of their own race. Every trainee is different, just like any person in the world. If they are kind, they will welcome new trainees. If they aren't as kind, they will be more cautious
How'd you feel when you were new? Was it hard to follow the training?
I felt really small and like an outsider as if i didn't fit in, but that all changes. It was hard for the first few days but then it got easier. My instructors are really good instructors.
Is the competition between trainees very intense?
It's not as though you guys would fight to death for it (like your thoughts should be) but in every company, the competition is pretty high.
Are the training sessions and tests hard?
They are pretty rigorous.
Do you always have a recital, if you do, what happens to trainees with
low scores? Do they get kicked out?
It depends on the company's management and how they judge.
Does the company require plastic surgery? Or do they give you a choice?
Our company does not require plastic surgery. They believe more in natural beauty.
Are the dance routines harder when you are a trainee or is it harder
when you are a debuted idol?
When you are a trainee because you are in the process of learning.
Do some trainees really bully or shun others?
Are the dance routines harder when you are a trainee or is it harder
when you are a debuted idol?
When you are a trainee because you are in the process of learning.
Do some trainees really bully or shun others?
Not the ones that I know.
If you are a new trainee, is it hard to fit in and follow the training?
You think it will be but it's not that bad c:
What do the companies do for trainees? Free food? Dorm? What?
It depends on how close you are to debuting but usually yes, free food and dorming as well.
How do you hang on or survive the recitals and frustrations?
I pray and think about my family.
Are companies very strict with the weight, do they require you to diet
and exercise?
If you are a new trainee, is it hard to fit in and follow the training?
You think it will be but it's not that bad c:
What do the companies do for trainees? Free food? Dorm? What?
It depends on how close you are to debuting but usually yes, free food and dorming as well.
How do you hang on or survive the recitals and frustrations?
I pray and think about my family.
Are companies very strict with the weight, do they require you to diet
and exercise?
Yes, but the trainees are more strict on themselves about their weight and dieting.
Are companies strict with your physical appearance? Are some trainees
shunned by others or the instructors because of their appearance?
Are companies strict with your physical appearance? Are some trainees
shunned by others or the instructors because of their appearance?
Some companies may be but physical appearance doesn't matter and shouldn't matter.
What are your most favorite and least favorite aspects of training?
favorite: reaching goals and moving on to the next level. least favorite: when your body doesn't do what your mind wants it to do.
Do fights ever break out between trainees?
What are your most favorite and least favorite aspects of training?
favorite: reaching goals and moving on to the next level. least favorite: when your body doesn't do what your mind wants it to do.
Do fights ever break out between trainees?
Not that I have seen.
Is the trainee life actually as hardcore as some people make it out to be?
Is the trainee life actually as hardcore as some people make it out to be?
Yes
Is there any coveted training position? For example: if trainees get singing, do others get jealous/envy?
It depends on the persons personality trait.
How much say do you have in what you do?
Not very much as a trainee, but that usually changes when you debut.
How intensive is vocal training?
Is there any coveted training position? For example: if trainees get singing, do others get jealous/envy?
It depends on the persons personality trait.
How much say do you have in what you do?
Not very much as a trainee, but that usually changes when you debut.
How intensive is vocal training?
Pretty intensive
Do you work with an actual instructor or alone?
Do you work with an actual instructor or alone?
An actual instructor
Explain your typical day and training life
Explain your typical day and training life
Wake up, grab a healthy breakfast, leave house, dance training, exercise, vocal training, eat a healthy meal, exercise, home, sleep.
How many days a week do you train and usually for how long?
How many days a week do you train and usually for how long?
It depends. Training days change every week. Training is almost all day long.
Does the entertainment company you're signed with prompt you to get cosmetic surgery if you're ugly and if you don't get it, you lose the ability debut in the said company?
Does the entertainment company you're signed with prompt you to get cosmetic surgery if you're ugly and if you don't get it, you lose the ability debut in the said company?
They do not force plastic surgery.
Also, I heard that you can't leave the company if you regret joining it because of the contract. You pay a termination fee if you want to leave which is either around 6,000 or 60,000 (I forgot the number since I read it quite a while ago). Is this true?
Also, I heard that you can't leave the company if you regret joining it because of the contract. You pay a termination fee if you want to leave which is either around 6,000 or 60,000 (I forgot the number since I read it quite a while ago). Is this true?
Yes, you can not leave as long as the contract stands in place. This is why you have to be cautious.
When interacting with other trainees, do you guys accord respect by age or by how long an individual has been a trainee?
When interacting with other trainees, do you guys accord respect by age or by how long an individual has been a trainee?
How long an individual has been a trainee. And also because I am so young, I respect the ones that are older as well.
Before you become a trainee for a company is it true that the contract you sign is literally a slave contract?
Before you become a trainee for a company is it true that the contract you sign is literally a slave contract?
"Slave" would be an over rated term but you do have to follow the basics and understand the basics of the contract.
Also have you seen situations of sexual assault or the bosses/taking advantage of the trainees?
I have not witnessed any of that.Also have you seen situations of sexual assault or the bosses/taking advantage of the trainees?
Lastly, I'd live to thank Lori Thomas for agreeing to the interview again and you can find the trainee, Lori Thomas anywhere--she created her own contact email: connectwithlori@live.com, twitter, snapchat and Instagram which all hopefully won't be removed post-debut.
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