Taeyang recently released his music video for “Eyes, Nose, Lips“, and Jaeki Cho of noonchi managed to get an exclusive and extensive interview with Taeyang, in which the star opened up about a bunch of things ranging from the idol label to his frustrations with creative limitations.
—–
On The Idol Label
You and G-Dragon were in a hip-hop/R&B duo called GDYB5. When you realized that both of you would join a boy band called Big Bang, how did you feel?
Taeyang: I probably shared the same sentiment that Ji-yong [G-Dragon] had. I wasn’t too fond of it. I was a little annoyed. I wasn’t upset because we were debuting as a group, but it was more so skepticism on whether or not we’ll be doing music that’s too pop-friendly.
So you didn’t want to be an idol.This was an interesting answer because of what he says in a later comment.
Taeyang: For me, just because you’re an idol, I don’t think you have restrictions on what you can and can’t do. People often ask, “Because you’re an idol, you shouldn’t be doing this, no?” That never crossed my mind. The reason I became a musician is because I wanted to do what I always imagined. I don’t think there should be a preconception of what an idol is.
On Taboo Topics In Korea & The R&B Market
I feel like people that have an ear for R&B music really liked Solar. But I also feel like that the R&B market isn’t as big in Korea as in other parts of the world.It sucks that R&B isn’t more popular in Korea, cause I think there’s a ton of potential there.
Taeyang: There are certainly constraints for expression in Korea. Personally, I’d like to make an album without having any sort of restrictions, but realistically speaking, that’s very difficult. The type of topics I can discuss are limited.
As for the other answer, while I understand what Taeyang means in terms of cultural/societal limitations, to an extent that IS buying into what an idol is. If he truly didn’t think he was boxed in a bit, he’d try to push that envelop and YG Entertainment would allow it instead of just caving to not wanting to deal with the backlash and bans or whatever else. It’s an understandable position, of course, but I think that’s where the idol label part comes in and it also sort of explains why he drifted from R&B.
On Having To Do Big Bang Singles He Didn’t Like
I think the music you’ve released as Taeyang is slightly different than what you release as part of Big Bang. Did that ever become an issue?I loved the honesty, as he’s basically making it clear that he prefers solo work to Big Bang promotions … at least before backtracking a bit.
Taeyang: Yes, it did actually. A few years ago, it was a big concern of mine. It was very difficult for me. As a solo artist I’m a certain way, and as a member of Big Bang I have to be different. There was this gap. I had to participate in singles that I didn’t necessarily agree with creatively. Solo albums are my passion. Although I love doing music with members of Big Bang, there were many things I had to do as obligation. But even that gap disappeared after a while.
I use quotes like that to mock those delulu fans who think corporations operate like families, but I also appreciate them giving honest and blunt responses as opposed to keeping up the pointless facade.
On His Worst Breakup & Thoughts On Marriage
What’s the worst breakup you’ve ever had?Translation: “Can’t get married, too busy collecting all the vagina being thrown at me.”
Taeyang: My first love. This is before my debut. I think that feeling still lingers. Even now, when I’m sick, or in pain, or tired, I still see her in my dream. It’s a long story of how we broke up. It’s not that I can’t let her goI still think about her, and I’m not sure if I could meet someone like her, again. I’ll probably get older, and eventually marry someone. Actually, I don’t even know if I want to. Even if I have a girlfriend, I think the person I truly love will always be my first love. I can tell you.
Probably.
Thoughts On The Hallyu Wave & Companies Using Idols For Money
I use quotes like that to mock those delulu fans who think corporations operate like families, but I also appreciate them giving honest and blunt responses as opposed to keeping up the pointless facade.
On His Worst Breakup & Thoughts On Marriage
What’s the worst breakup you’ve ever had?Translation: “Can’t get married, too busy collecting all the vagina being thrown at me.”
Taeyang: My first love. This is before my debut. I think that feeling still lingers. Even now, when I’m sick, or in pain, or tired, I still see her in my dream. It’s a long story of how we broke up. It’s not that I can’t let her goI still think about her, and I’m not sure if I could meet someone like her, again. I’ll probably get older, and eventually marry someone. Actually, I don’t even know if I want to. Even if I have a girlfriend, I think the person I truly love will always be my first love. I can tell you.
Probably.
Thoughts On The Hallyu Wave & Companies Using Idols For Money
How do you perceive this K-pop phenomenon?
Taeyang: To be honest with youI’m not saying that our group is so great, or I’m great. But it’s like, “Why? Why do people like K-pop?” I’m curious. Baffled. Amazed. I feel like it’s a great opportunity. The world is interested in K-pop and Korean music right now. I wish that people in Korea who are widely known and recognized understand that this is our time. I’m not talking about skilled indie artists like Jinbo; I’m talking about those who are overseeing entertainment companies and pretty much directing these idols. Many of them are using this opportunity to make money. And I hate that. But do idols realize it? I think they’re just happy because they’re popular.
But you’re part of that system, no?
Taeyang: Well, I feel like YG doesn’t really give into the standardized norm of how K-pop labels operate. They don’t send us out to random music festivals. In that regard, I really love my company. A lot of so-called idols partake in this created movement without really knowing what it is. It’s unfortunate. If it doesn’t come from a genuine place, people are going to check you. It’s too bad. Because there are so many great artists in Korea who make great music, but those people don’t get the recognition as much as others that are using the genre as a moneymaking tool.
About 
0 komentar:
Post a Comment