Shared by Cece @ BAPYESSIR.COM
[UPDATE]
- Extra Interview Part
-To be translated in all languages available (see the list)
-To be translated in all languages available (see the list)
B.A.P Dazed
& Confused / the conversation that didn’t make the final edit
YONGGUK
Many of the songs on the album are complex, emotional
rollercoasters which have to be interpreted musically by members who may not
share that experience. How do you direct them to deliver the right feel for
each track?
"For one song to be completed not only B.A.P but a number of
staff need to work together so we slowly make a blueprint through time and
conversation. We all listen to the song together before working on it. We know
each other’s strengths and weaknesses so by talking about who’s voice would match
which part and what each member thinks about the story or the message in the
song is extremely helpful. Instead of me explaining ‘it’s like this’, we talk
about our own experiences or add details into the situation to at least
indirectly experience the emotions and identify with the song. All the members
are artists, they have rich emotions and they’re very detailed so they’re good
at immersing themselves. There are times when they surprise me because their
expressions are better than what I’d intended!"
When 1004 (Angel) took first place you seemed relieved as well as
happy. If that comeback hadn’t gotten you the firsts would you have begun
looking at your career in a different way? Was there the thought of “if this
song doesn’t get us that number 1, I’m gonna…”
"To be honest, whenever we start preparing for an album we
don’t think “we must take first place”. But with ‘1004(Angel)’ we hoped to
receive lots of love and we’re so thankful that an album with such a special
meaning took our first first place. If ‘1004(Angel)’ had not won the firsts?
Hmm… well, the only thing that’s changed is that we were happy and grateful for
the fact that people are beginning to listen to our music. Our aim and
responsibility to make better music remains. If we hadn’t achieved number one,
then we’d simply try harder to make better music. B.A.P has always dreamed what
people said would be impossible and our dreams became real. We’ve made music
that does not get swept away by trend and music that includes truthful
messages. Even if no one recognised our work, we would’ve continued to keep our
unique style and beliefs and we’ll do so in the future."
DAEHYUN
As a lead vocalist you’re required to interpret and emote. How do
you connect with what you’re singing, do you try and find a moment in your life
similar or see the song like a film in your mind?
"The connection between the person making the music and the
person listening is the most important. But to make this connection work, a
sufficient relationship between the makers is necessary. We need to have the
same emotions and thoughts to make a piecethat holds one whole message. We
listen to common music with similar feelings and referencing films or music can
help. You can organise feelings you’ve not directly experienced or find diverse
choices in ways of expressing a feeling but the danger is you start to copy. So
I just try to focus on our music itself and to understand how to directly pass
on an emotion it’s best to be face to face, telling each other stories
and sharing our experiences, feelings, discoveries. Not only when a member
is recording their part, but from when we hear the song for the first time to
the final mastering of the track, through the whole process. Our common goal is
to make good music and that’s when we become the most honest with our
emotions.”
You’ve said you were trying to find different sides of your voice
by listening to a lot of varying genres… you feel you’ve achieved this yet? Or
is this a continual learning curve?
"It’s very important to continuously challenge myself to new
things as B.A.P explores a variety of music so I try to study a wide range of
music to find the various colours that are in my subconscious. In the past
I was limited myself by only listening to the genres and artists that I was
interested in. Now I listen to everything, from hip-hop and R&B, to jazz
and rock because of the others, they know a lot of good artists and songs.
Honestly, I can’t say that I am satisfied with my singing. I’ve improved but
because music is always changing and moving forward there’s still a lot for me
to learn. Alone, I may not be able to complete myself but the members
understand me best and follow the same dreams so in the future we’ll be able to
make invaluable music. I’ll sing and work even harder until that day!”
YOUNGJAE
With some songs given new arrangements for the tour has there been
a particular personal favourite or challenge? For example, for LOE 2013 Coma
became quite rock and you got switch up your vocal style into a bit of a
belting sound.
"As people give their precious time to meet us and hear us at
the concert, we consider the preparation meticulously. We arrange our songs in
a new format, re-create sounds through a band, add an acting part or a dance
routine or a narration. The new arrangements mean we spend a lot of time
practising but this is where we’re able to grow the most. Especially on this
tour, I was curious about the audience reaction ‘Body&Soul’ but,
personally, I have a recollection of my solo performance at Seoul. ‘It’s All
Lies’ was one of my favourite songs but I felt the new version would fit my
voice a lot better and I have a lot of affection towards this new arrangement
because I’d always wanted to challenge myself with a deep, dream-like
atmosphere, with an emotional vocal line."
HIMCHAN
During this new chapter of the LOE tour, what’s your favourite
moment of each show – it can be a song or an interlude?
"Last year when we started the first tour, I liked the
moments preparing for the stage after finishing all the rehearsals. I felt so
excited waiting to meet the fans. I go over the show in my head once more,
study about the city that we are performing in and look forward to the show
every time, thinking, ‘what will the performance be like today?’. People may
think that performances are familiar, daily happenings for B.A.P but as every
performance is live, it’s a series of new moments. But as we started this
year’s tour I felt happiest after finishing a performance well and seeing the
smiling fans. It’s probably impossible to express it in words how moving it
was, I guess it was like an exhilarating moment? That I was able to give the
gift of a having good time even if only for a short while, I mean, I realised
the fact that we, the fans and us as B.A.P together, have made a time that will
be remembered as an amazing moment. It’s why during this year’s tour as I
finish each performance I look carefully at the faces of each fan, one by
one."
JONGUP
Your vocals have come a long way and your performance has become
far more confident. How did you feel when you heard your parts on First
Sensibility, particularly that sustained high note on ‘Body & Soul’?
"While working ‘First Sensibility’ I felt the need to
strengthen my vocal abilities as a singer, even though my main role was focused
on dance and performance in the past. So I listened to Daehyun and Youngjae to
practise and learn. ‘Body&Soul’ was a challenge for me. The pitch was a lot
higher than what I was used to and on top of that, I took on an important part
for the flow of the song so I felt the pressure to do well. It’d be a lie if I
said I hadn’t worried but I tried hard and experimented to do my best. There’s
still a lot to be learned, but I was extremely happy to hear people say ‘I can
see how much you’ve grown’ after listening to the album."
Even as you improved vocally were you at all nervous by the
thought of having more parts written for you? How did you deal with that? In
fact, how do you deal generally with things that make you nervous?
"I don’t think the amount of parts or performance that you
have affects the amount of contribution you make in a song but I know how much
influence it could have on the listeners and so I think having more parts, in
that sense, is important. So when given more parts, I do worry and tense up but
the feeling of excitement is actually bigger. When I’m standing in front of the
mic in the recording booth, when I’m checking the mic before going up on stage,
my heart starts to beat. In a song with more parts, this feeling of excitement
lingers on for longer. I’m a very optimistic person so even in a nerve-racking
situation, I feel stimulated more than nervous or worried. If possible, I try
to keep calm and devote myself to each moment."
The difference between performing and off-stage Jongup is
startlingly. When you’re on stage what goes through your mind? How do you tap
into that powerful, sexier side of yourself?
"On stage there is no ‘NG’ and the attention of the entire
audience is centered so I believe it’s the moment to show our most perfect
image. That’s clearest when it’s my part as well as when I’m doing the
choreography at the back with the other members. When I get on stage my entire
head is filled with the thought of the song and I have no room for any other
thoughts.
Before we get on stage, we tell each other to ‘do well today’.
That might be when I am hypnotised as ‘Jongup of B.A.P’, or even the ‘lead
character of the song’. When I’m completely absorbed in the song there’s no
need to concern myself with other thing and as my image is not forced, my style
and character remains. And I think that image of me is what the fans love
most.”
ZELO
You’ve re-done three singles for the Japanese fans. When you have
to focus on re-recording and doing new MV’s for them do you begin to see them
differently? And which feels the most re-energised or new?
"I felt that it was more like recording and shooting a new
song than ‘re-recording’ or ‘re-shooting’ due to the fact that it was in a new
language and it had to be styled completely differently to fit the Japanese
culture. When we worked on the Japanese versions of the songs, the atmosphere
was naturally different from the Korean version. Perhaps it was because we’d
grown since we first released the Korean version. The fans will probably find
that the songs seem fresh as well. Mmmn, if I had to choose, I would say it was
‘No Mercy’. The Korean version of ‘No Mercy’ was fun in that it was the first
time using saturi rap. It was hard to save that in the Japanese version and it
was a shame. However, we were able to use traditional Korean instruments to
create music and show traditional choreography. Through that, we received a lot
of love so I was extremely happy."
©Taylor Glasby
To celebrate the launch of our new Korean sister site which went live this weekend, today we're investigating the cultural influence and innovation of the country's most exciting creatives. Explore the world of K-pop with new interviews with B.A.P, Taeyang and 4minute, meet Snowpiercer actress Ko Ah-sung and get a furtive glimpse at North Korea's life online. Check back here for more throughout the day.
Bang Yongguk is attempting a behind-the-back pool table shot in the Brixton Academy green room. It doesn't quite go to plan but his fellow members of B.A.P – Korea's most progressive hip hop boyband – make encouraging noises anyway. The six-piece are in town to play the 5000-capacity venue and shoot the video for their new single "Where Are You? What Are you Doing?"along the Thames. They got soaked, but, as 20-year-old Youngjae says, they weren't bothered but excited.
The enthusiasm of the six is infectious. They're still as wrapped up and creatively hands-on with B.A.P as ever, unusual for a boyband regardless of nationality. They debuted in 2012 with the electrifying, aggressive stomp of "Warrior", and after a relentlessly productive couple of years, the band scored their first wins on Korea's music shows with the soaring midtempo "1004 (Angel)" earlier this year. Cut from a similar pop-hip hop cloth to boyband's BIGBANG's anthemic "Monster", the track broke B.A.P into public consciousness, and propelled First Sensibility, their first full-length album, to number one on the Korean charts.
A hectic schedule means that getting in front of B.A.P – whose leather-clad limbs squeak across a leather couch – has been a herculean task. Even now we're being filmed but the six members are grounded, shy and easy-going with flashes of self-deprecation. Daehyun, who fell over spectacularly on stage in NYC during "Punch", shakes his head. “I was too excited,” he says dolefully while Himchan and Youngjae suppress grins. “It was really embarrassing.”
Zelo, who will later confidently wiggle his butt at delirious fans, is quieter. “I'm not good with my words, when I’m talking I miss my point. I end up talking about something else!” Meanwhile Yongguk discusses art, the Picassos and Gaugins he saw at MOMA. “Their personal influences and way of expressing it is all helpful to me. And when I get tired art and film relaxes me,” he explains. Photos are taken, time skips past, the screams from the teenage girls (and handful of fanboys) in the main room intensify. There's a perfect, though simplified, set – dancers, video backdrops, multiple costumes, no pyrotechnics – to be delivered, but over the next few days they want to talk again.
Bang Yongguk: Daehyun is an irreplaceable, talented vocalist. On camera he's very upbeat and cheeky so people think he's noisy and playful but that's not all of his personality. Daehyun matured early, he's someone who'd care for those around him by giving everything and trusting completely. Although he has a tender heart, when he acts strong I feel proud but also sympathetic. Daehyun doesn't like to appear weak so this sensitive side of him may only be seen by us but with our support I hope he'll be as strong as his powerful voice.
B.A.P work hard to achieve their dreams but it's non-stop, even if one of you are sick or exhausted. Does the thought of burning out ever cross your mind?
Jung Daehyun: With a tight schedule I can be very tired and feel physically unwell but I don’t get stressed or feel pressured. On stage I feel energised, it's a place to show our existence and conviction and we want to do our best. I have a responsibility to the people who come see us, and the cheering and energy after a perfect performance is the biggest joy I can have!
You've said that your first single "Warrior" was most representative of B.A.P. – but we didn't really see something like it on the album. Is that a style you'd like to return to? Or is progression more important?
Yoo Youngjae: I still feel “Warrior” maximised B.A.P in terms of music and message but since then we've learned and matured. Music and society constantly change so the stories we tell and the people listening will change as well. I don’t want to repeat a similar concept with the excuse of holding onto my style but instead sing songs of love, joy, anger, sadness and yearning that anyone can identify with.
Daehyun has hinted that you dream noisily but is there a recurring dream or nightmare you have?
Kim Himchan: When I’m tired I sometimes get nightmares. Recently I had a scary dream that we were all running away from something chasing us. In the dream the dancers and our staff were running away with us. It might be because I see the younger members reading comic books or watching animations with frightening characters in them. (laughs)
Your love of manga/anime is well known. If you had the chance to voice one character from any of your favourite stories or films who would it be?
Moon Jongup: Olaf from Frozen! His positivity is similar to mine and not knowing the concept of the impossible is very attractive. I was into the film for so long I even tried imitating his voice. In the past I tried to imitate Haunter from Pokémon. It’s a shame that most of the Pokémon don’t have lines and only certain noises. I can try my best to imitate them if you’d like me to! (laughs)
Though you're nearly 18 there's some BABYs (B.A.P's fan army) that would like you to remain the innocent Zelo of your debut forever. How do you hope fans treat your transition into adulthood?
Zelo: Being the youngest and getting all the hyung's (Korean term for older males) adoration means mostly I don’t feel like I’m growing up. For a long time I think I've been in between the stages, looking at the professional world through a boy’s eyes. Sometimes I worry if I'll make the right decisions but I want to be a good adult, to give back all the love I've received. The nature of me won't change so I don’t think there’s anything for the fans to worry about. It'd be great if they can watch me grow and be proud.
You've been writing lyrics but we're yet to see them emerge...
Zelo: I'm still learning to find my own style! I'm inspired by new environments but on tour I don't really have time to write. Normally I show them to Yongguk who helps. I took his advice on keeping memos when composing. Sometimes everyday thoughts can inspire you and I'd forget them if I didn’t keep memos! They might not seem anything special but to me they're like a treasure box. I can't yet write lyrics that I’m satisfied with so I’m leaving them behind but I believe it won’t be long until you can listen to my words.
Your hyungs would often tease you in the early days and you'd take it but you now tend to give as good as you get...
Zelo: Normally the members make jokes by pinching my face or trying to lift my shirt up on stage, but nothing serious. When I’m not in a good condition or in a bit of a mood to get back at them, I tell them honestly so there's no misunderstanding. The hyungs only play with me because they find me cute, they care for me more than pulling pranks all the time. Actually we don’t hide anything from each other. We're so close that we just know when to be considerate of each other.
©dazedigital.com
fancy B.A.P! all of them are cuteeee! ♡♡
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