Renowned South Korean rapper, singer, and songwriter, Bang Yongguk, has impressed many fans around the world with his artistry for the past decade. After recently releasing his EP, The Colors of Love, Yongguk continues to evolve as an artist. Before his show at Dingwalls in Camden Locks, London, we had the opportunity to sit down with the talented musician to discuss his creative process, motivation, and the impact his fans have in shaping his music.

The Journey into The Colors of Love: 

Yongguk’s latest EP, The Colors of Love, marks a departure from his previous work as he dives into the theme of love as the main focus. The artist mentioned that this decision stemmed from his desire to explore new territory and share his personal experiences through music. “I’ve never released an album that features ‘love’ as the main theme before. I just wanted to release music that centred around love, which is how I came to make The Colors of Love. I also used my personal experiences as an approach to writing the lyrics”, Yongguk revealed.

The Excitement of the European Tour: 

Having just concluded his successful US tour, Yongguk expressed his excitement for the European tour. Beyond the joy of performing on stage again after a long hiatus, he highlighted the special connection he shares with his fans, emphasising that their presence gives meaning and happiness to his work as an artist. “It’s been a long time since I’ve performed on stage so that alone holds a lot of meaning. Also, the ability to spend time together with my fans is special; I feel like I can do my job as an artist, and [on top of that] it provides me with a sense of purpose and happiness”, he explained. Throughout the tour, Yongguk also added that he hopes to strengthen this bond and create great memories with his fans.

The Evolution of Music and Performance: 

With over a decade of experience in the music industry, Yongguk’s approach to music and performing has evolved significantly. His music has taken on a more cheerful tone, and he now feels more confident in creating music that genuinely represents him as an artist. “You might have noticed yourself, but my music has become a lot happier, and it has changed over the years, for sure. I’m now able to comfortably make my own music that I can proudly present to my fans”, he shared. Furthermore, Yongguk also told me about the impact his fans have had on shaping his approach to music, emphasising that their support forms an integral part of his creative process.

Choosing Songs and Staying Motivated: 

In regards to selecting songs for recording and release, Yongguk candidly admitted that he relies heavily on his personal feelings and intuition. The most crucial factor is for the music to echo with him, ensuring that the final product is authentic and true to his artistic vision. “In all honesty, I don’t really choose songs based on criteria or anything. It really goes by feeling, so I am not able to answer this question. The most important thing to me is that it must sound good to my ears”, he confessed. As for his motivation, Yongguk admitted that, “Being alive is one of the main reasons that I stay motivated. The time that I’m breathing and living well keeps me going”. It is this zest for life that fuels his creativity and allows him to express himself through music and lyrics.

The Connection with Fans: 

Yongguk emphasised the immense role his fans play in his creative journey. He sees his listeners as active participants, completing the story behind his music. While he acknowledges that releasing music leaves it open to judgement, his primary focus remains on connecting with his audience. “I am only the producer of the music, it’s the listeners who finish the story behind it. My sole goal is to make music, even if it’s just one person that relates to my songs, that is my main motivation”, Yongguk confessed. Yongguk cherishes the bond he shares with his fans, and their experiences and support are an essential part of his artistic process.

The Creative Process and Improvisation:

When it comes to his creative process, Yongguk’s approach is characterised by spontaneity and a preference for improvisation. He thrives on the freedom of allowing ideas to flow naturally and organically, shaping them as he goes along. One of his recent songs, Ride or Die, perfectly exemplifies this approach.

“I don’t really have a set system while making music. I tend to improvise more, and then I clean up the music later. It’s more about being very organic and natural. For Ride or Die, I didn’t plan it out or envision it like, ‘This is how the song is going to turn out exactly’. I just made it almost on a whim and went along with the flow, and the melody came first”, Yongguk explained.

This freestyle method allows Yongguk to tap into his creative instincts, letting the music guide him as he creates. By prioritising melody and embracing improvisation, he allows himself the freedom to explore different sounds and ideas, resulting in a more authentic and fluid medium of artistic expression. Yongguk’s willingness to trust his intuition and embrace the unexpected enables him to create music that captures the essence of the moment. The organic nature of his creative process reflects his desire to stay true to himself as an artist, allowing his emotions and experiences to shape the direction of his music.

As Yongguk embarks on his European and Asian tour, many of his fans patiently await the opportunity to witness his passionate performances. Those attending The Color of Bang Yongguk shows will, without a doubt, connect with the artists on another level. One thing that I noticed throughout his London performance was that Yongguk’s strong connection with his audience was what made his music truly come alive, reminding us of the power of embracing the moment and allowing creativity to flow freely.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Interpreter: Sarah of KEvents

_{View of the Arts is a British online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}