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Welcome to The Chain G’s Musical World
K-rap and K-hip-hop artist The Chain G describes the musical influences and thematic layers that make up his stellar album, WICKED NIGHT.
Note: This was originally published in March 2021. Although I will still be releasing new content this week, it is also Archival Week! I am re-uploading interviews from many months ago and releasing curated guides to past episodes, so it’s a great week to subscribe and catch up on episodes and interviews you previously missed!
What words or phrases best describe your music?
The words that best express my album are "beautiful sadness," because most of the music in this album seems bright and exciting, but in the lyrics, I express a lot of my sadness.
If someone only had time to listen to one song from WICKED NIGHT, which song would you recommend to them?
I would like to recommend track eight, "Diving,” because it was the first song written for the album and is the best song for the theme of "beautiful sadness."
Where did you find inspiration for this album? Did any specific musicians influence the sound you wanted your album to have?
[The album was] mostly inspired by music from the eighties and nineties. I heard a lot of music by Michael Jackson and eighties artists, and I referenced their sounds a lot.
What was the making of WICKED NIGHT like?
I tend to create almost all songs by myself. I create melodies, write lyrics, compose and arrange tracks, record, and mix on my own. Every part of the process has a special meaning to me. Although it takes a long time, the attachment to the album grows.
Who are you interested in collaborating with in the future?
I want to work with many old artists. These days, I have a great desire to work with Japanese artist Anri. Among the young artists, I want to work with Korean artist 박문치 [Park Moonchi].
How did the process of making your new album differ from making an EP or a single?
I think that making one big theme and expressing it through many songs is the most different [aspect]. EPs and singles are also fun work, but it was a really wonderful experience to express my deep inside through [more] songs.
Each song on this album flows so well into the next song! Was adding an interlude important for you to keep this continuity? In other words, did you intentionally make the album so it would sound like one continuous story, or did it just end up that way?
Yes, the interlude track plays a really important part in this album. It is intended for each song to naturally continue into the next song, and it is highly likely to be structured like that in the future.
What is the meaning behind the album cover art?
It has many meanings, but I wanted to express that I wanted to be free from something that was pressing me. It also has hints about the next album.
What is the meaning behind the “Wicked Night” and “Love Again” music videos?
The secrets of it will be unlocked in future albums. I want people to focus on how everything is repeated and continuous.
The “Love Again” music video picks up right where the “Wicked Night” video leaves off. Did you always plan to tell a story that way, in two parts? And will there be a part three someday?
Initially, three music videos were going to be produced. However, it was decided to produce only two for the next work. In the next album, [my music video character] will try more and more, and it will be repeated and continued.
What has the reaction been like to your new album and music videos? Has the reaction been surprising?
I'm working as an independent musician in Korea, so I didn't think the response from overseas fans would be better than in Korea. The reaction of the fans from each country was good and it was a special motivation. It surprised me so much.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you can give hints about?
In future work, I will show a lot more unusual directions than in this album. It might be a little scary. I want people to remember repetition and continuity.
Stream WICKED NIGHT here!
Answers have been edited and condensed for clarity. Photo credit: Instagram.