Monday, 12 August 2013

[INTERVIEW] B.A.P, Conquering the World? Can’t Laugh About It Now

 

They put up a slogan of ‘conquering the world’ and ‘conquering the universe’. Although they left a fierce impression like the world ‘conquer’, but the large determinations of these rookies also brought laughter to people who heard it. It was even an ‘indefinite dream’ to them. From that a year and 8 months passed, and that indefinite dream slowly turned into a reality.

They held concerts in NY, Washington, LA, San Francisco, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and have their recently confirmed Japan Arena Tour ahead of them.

This is the results of the work of the male idol group, B.A.P.

"When we first debuted, we made a determination that we would ‘conquer the world an Earth’. At that time, we and the people who heard it laughed about it. However, now we can’t simply just laugh. While doing the Pacific Tour, I believe that we showed B.A.P’s possibilities. Rather than say it’s indefinite now, doesn’t it seem like we have gotten one step closer?" (Himchan)

- “We believed a change was necessary”

No group does the same concept or goes for the same atmosphere every time. Idol groups especially do that more often, and go for a quick transformation. B.A.P also followed a path similar to this.

"In this album, there are many various styles of music that we hadn’t tried out before. Under the concept of a triple title song, ‘Coffee Shop’ is a jazz song, while ‘Hurricane’ is the first electronic song we did since debuting. We wanted to show you something that would be done for the first time as B.A.P and things that we hadn’t shown before." (Bang Yongguk)

The reason for change was due to the worries about ‘fixed styles’. Truthfully, B.A.P left a deep impression as a group that went for a fierce, ‘warrior-like’ style. They were like that when they first came out, and they were also fierce enough to reveal that their determination was to ‘conquer’. Maybe it’s because of that, but people began to think that soft or emotional music strayed far from B.A.P. The members wanted to break that fixed thought through this album.

"It seemed like they had a prejudiced mindset. The thought that B.A.P wouldn’t suit well with songs that didn’t have a strong concept. That’s why we wanted to show ‘we can do this type of music well too’ (laughter). Jazz is a genre that idol groups don’t normally do. Through this song, we wanted to add onto our artistic side. While making it, we were also very content. The fans’ reactions were good too." (Bang Yongguk)

- “We improved while learning and feeling a lot of things”
Through their Pacific tour, B.A.P performed while going around 4 U.S cities and 4 cities in Asia. They piled up on stage experience through not only Korea, but on overseas stages as well.

"Although it’s still before we’ve finished, we’ve learned, felt, and saw a lot of things while going from the U.S to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. I think the members all improved while doing that. We will be able to show that we improved through the stages for this album. I’m looking forward to that." (Himchan)

Through their tour, they were able to feel different performance cultures. This is because the way the fans cheered differed for every nation. Through that, they grew a level more while thinking how they should liven up their stage performance and practicing for it.

From that, the members picked Jongup as the best.

"We believe the member that improved and upgraded the most in Jongup. His vocals improved especially, so his solo part amount increased. He was someone who was normally good at dance, but now even his singing improved greatly." (Daehyun)

Bang Yongguk and Himchan agreed. Jongup said, “It’s something that’s a given” before showing a shy smile to the members’ praise.

"When compared to the beginning, I believe that I improved a lot. However, if you look at it from another angle, I believe it’s something that’s a given. Also, I put in a lot of effort to reach this pointas well. I think I’m doing my best. Also, that’s the only thing to do (laughter)" (Jongup)

B.A.P also grew to the point where they could personally feel it. Wouldn’t their leader and eldest, Bang Yongguk, be the person who’s the proudest about the noticeable improvements?

"The skills of my dongsaengs all improved, and they’re actually better off than me now. Sometimes I want to rely on them. Also, they’re doing well without me having to specifically say anything, so I’m always thinking how thankful I am inside my heart." (Bang Yongguk)

The responsibility that their leader, Bang Yongguk, had in leading B.A.P was probably large. This is because the anticipation hung on him, who participated in music promotions prior to debuting, was large. However, the pressure on Bang Yongguk has become lighter now, and along with the members’ growth, their musical determination and greed has grown larger.

"I have more greed than I normally thought out in my head. All of the members improved to the point where we could do things that are larger than when I had normally thought of. That’s why we challenged the jazz genre for the first time. I normally wanted to do something jazzy. I think things that I want to do will always appear. Using this album as a stepping stone, I hope to make better music." (Bang Yongguk)

- “Our goal is to perfectly make it our own”
B.A.P definitely showed their improving sides through their comeback stage. Through their overwhelming performance, they grasped onto the attention of fans. They stamped a fierce eye stamp.

"For every album, we debate between songs we want to do and songs that the public wants to hear. However, I believe that if we continue to do the music that we enjoy, many people will one day recognize it and give us acknowledgement. I think we’re able to work harder, because it feels like that day isn’t so far off." (Bang Yongguk)

Their goals were also very definite.

"Because all of the things I dreamed of prior to our debut are coming true, I feel dazed and happy. This album especially has a lot of things that we personally did as we collected up everyone’s opinions. Because our participation level was high on this, I feel more affection for it and have more drive." (Himchan)

B.A.P is running forth again today in order to achieve their goals as soon as possible and emphasize their artistic sides. While doing their busy schedules, their practice studio lights don’t know how to turn off till late at night, and their passion for music and the stage also don’t seem to know how to cool down.

"As much as conquering the world, conquering the Earth are becoming dreams that aren’t indefinite and are turning into a reality, we will show an improving side to ourselves. Look forward to B.A.P that achieves their goals."

Source: herald news
Trans: akdongs on Tumblr

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