[EXCLUSIVE]: Into the Creative: An Interview with Bang Yongguk
Fresh off the release of his latest album, 2, Bang Yongguk has returned to the music scene and reintroduces himself to the world as the artist he is. His latest release is an accumulation of snapshots into different parts of his life and experiences and is one of his most impactful releases to date. Ranging from the good, the bad, and the in-between, Bang Yongguk doesn’t hesitate to deliver a meaningful and moving album. 2 is worthy of all the praise and accolades it’s been receiving thus far and is a well-recommended album. It goes to show that Bang Yongguk hasn’t changed much in his two-year hiatus, rather he has recognized who he is and has come into a space that he, too, is proud of.
Please keep reading below in our interview with Bang Yongguk to learn more about himself, his creative process, and his story.
Q: For our readers who are getting the chance to know you for the first time, can you please give a little introduction about yourself?
A: Hello, I’m Bang Yongguk, and I produce music in Korea. Nice to meet you!
Q: Congratulations on the release of your EP, 2! Can you please tell us more and the meaning/inspiration behind this album?
A: This album represents the second page or turning the page in my life. I’m glad to be able to continue music with this EP, so I really wanted to share different styles of music than my last release.
Q: This is your first album since BANGYONGGUK. How does it feel to be releasing an album again, especially under your own label?
A: Thrilled. It means a lot because it is the first release since I started my label, CONSENT. I hope everyone keeps an eye on my label’s growth in the future.
Q: This album showcases a lot of emotion and different moments of going through life. What is something you’d like listeners to take away while listening to your album?
A: Honesty, I wish the listeners to feel the power of being able to shout any unspoken statement or expression to the world.
Q: You have never hesitated to talk about serious and real topics in your music and art. Is there a particular lesson or message you have when creating work like this?
A: I think someone should be able to say and express whatever they feel. Reality is something that exists closest to us, and I don’t think only artists can express reality. When we are living, anyone can be honest, therefore creating artists every day.
Q: Each song from 2 was carefully chosen when creating this album, but do you have a favorite song from this album?
A: Except “UP,” I like “OFF." This track represents myself working lonely in the studio. Loneliness can be the source of creativity, and I think it’ll feel amazing to perform this song in front of a crowd.
Q: While preparing for 2, what has been your favorite part of the process?
A: Working on tracks, because I really focused on utilizing different sources and genres than the ones from my last release. It was a fun process, and I enjoyed working with great artists. In the studio, I was dancing while making tracks.
Q: How has your creative process changed from before you enlisted pre-COVID-19 to now, two years into the pandemic?
A: I try to work on my music more lightly, and I try not to be too stubborn. I recently realized that thinking lightly lessens the stress level from the creative process and brings more fresh ideas.
Q: How do you keep your love and passion for music alive without losing interest due to burnout? How do you overcome any challenges when they arise?
A: I feel burnout more frequently than other people, so I’m not sure how to overcome burnout. I actually try to feel it in the studio when I face burnout. No matter where I try to escape, I always come back to my studio. If someone knows how to deal with burnout, I’d love to learn.
Q: From starting as an underground artist as Jepp Blackman to becoming a member of B.A.P, to now getting to flourish as a solo artist, what is something you learned in your years of experience that you’d tell your younger self that was about to start his career?
A: Rather than giving advice, I want to cheer my younger self by saying, “You’re doing great, you’re awesome.” I think I distressed myself too much when I was young. I want to send as much support as I can and let him know compliments and support actually help in many positive ways.
Q: With all the years of experience, how do you define who Bang Yongguk is now?
A: Someone who never changes. Looking back at myself when debuting and myself now, I don’t see too many differences. I tried to change, but I always come back to being this person, Bang Yongguk, like a boomerang. Can’t change that.
Q: What kind of music and art are you looking to explore or try this year? Is there any genre you’d like to try for your next projects that you’ve not yet tapped into?
A: I always crave something new, something that has never been done. If I can, I want to work and express more on tracks like “CODEX GIGAS” from my last release. Tracks that are related to human nature.
Q: Is there anything else that we can expect in the future from Bang Yongguk?
A: I’m always thrilled to imagine how I will present myself in front of fans. But first of all, I want to meet many people with great performances. Please look out for me.
Q: Many fans of yours have expressed how proud they are of you and how far you’ve come. Do you have any special words you’d like to tell them? Additionally, are there any last words you’d like to tell our readers who are currently reading this interview?
A: I’m very thankful to know that someone finds me proud. To all my supportive and loving fans, I’d like to say that I can continue music because of you, so you can be very proud and loving to yourselves as well. Thank you for listening to my story.
On behalf of The Kraze, we thank Bang Yongguk, CONSENT, and Helix Publicity for the wonderful and inspiring opportunity to have this interview. Please continue to support Bang Yongguk by listening to his latest album and keeping up with him on social media.
All media courtesy of CONSENT and Helix Publicity.
Edited by Vivian N.