[BrazilKorea] Entrevista com Love X Stereo (2017.2.16)

Love X Stereo é dupla de eletro, baseada em Seul, capital da Coreia do Sul. Eles já tocaram em diversos festivais ao redor do mundo e participaram do K-Rookie 2014, no qual ficaram em segundo lugar.

Love X Stereo portrait / Korea photographer Manchul Kim

Love X Stereo is an electro duo from Seoul, Korea. Consisting lead vocalist and synthesizer, Annie Ko and guitarist and producer Toby Hwang, the duo debuted in 2011, releasing an EP album called Buzzin ‘. The duo took second place at K-Rookie 2014 and has participated in several international festivals such as: K-CON 2016 in Los Angeles and South by Southwest 2016 in Austin.

1. What was the formation process of the Love X Stereo? How did you two meet? How you came up with the name?

Toby was originally in his own punk band called Skrew Attack. I joined the band around 2005. We were together since then, and we started Love X Stereo in late 2011. We always liked the word “stereo”, and at that time we were listening to The Cardigans’ “Love Fool” and instantly wanted to add the word “Love”. We put “X” in between so it gives more collaborative meaning into it. “Love X Stereo” means, love goes both ways.

2. How is your creative process?

It depends on the song really. Sometimes the lyrics come out first, sometimes the rhythm comes out first. And sometimes, we just start from a cool sound or riff we made up with our synthesizers.

3. How do you analyze the scene of electronic music in South Korea?

Electronic music is evolving for sure – in many different ways. There are djs doing EDM style music and there are artists doing electronic/synth pop style music as well. Great electro bands out there. You should check them out – find them on bandcamp: best way to find good music.

4. How was participated in K-Rookie 2014 and getting the second place?

Well, honestly, we don’t consider ourselves as “rookies” because we’ve been making music since 1996. And while we were on competition, other bands like LudiSTELO were also “not rookies”. So, it was not so much about the competition, it was more about the perks 😀 But still, we were very flattered to be the runner-up. We finally bought a mini van because of it. (Not a fancy one, but works just fine.) Trying to grab a cab in the middle of the night in a snowy day for 2 long hours – those days are gone, so can’t complain.

5. You have participated in several international festivals and perform in different countries. What was difference between the public reception in each place?

Our fans in Korea are usually very shy. It’s because of the music, I think. Lyrics written in English, abnormal presentation, unpopular music genre – all these things create distance between us and the audience. But whenever we perform in front of an western crowd, the reaction is totally different. They dance, they sing back, they cheer, and really get our music and relate to it. More vibrant audience – and we like that so much.

6. Which country would you like to perform again?

Any country is cool, actually. We never got to perform in Europe and South America, so hope that happens soon.

7. How did the idea of “37” project come about and is the project developing?

After 6 years of doing what we were doing, we realized more than ever, that our true fans are out there, not here. We decided to stop trying to fit in, and accept the fact that our band really doesn’t belong here. So, how do we reach our fans out there? We thought the best way to do so, is by doing the things we do best – which is making many, many, damn good songs. Since we have our own studio, making music isn’t really much of a problem, but making 37 videos is definitely challenging. But we’ve already released two of our DIY style videos only to our patrons, and the feedback is awesome!

Also, we’re 37 years old. No time to lose, seriously. After watching Bowie, Prince, Cohen, and Princess Leia passing away, we felt like it’s now or never. We know 37 songs in 1 year is completely a mad idea, which makes more sense to us, ironically.

(New music and videos will be released to the public later on – starting around late March.)

8. The songs and videos ideas are finished or are you doing them during the year?

It’s an on-going project, so we’re doing all of ‘em during the year. Which is more fun! Instant feedback is always fun and motivating.

9. What inspires you?

Lyrically, everyday stuff that’s happening around us. Stuff that affects us directly or indirectly. Stuff on the news, stuff that happened to us or our friends. Stuff we see in the movies or magazines. Music we listen to at the moment.

Musically, have to say that “instruments” really inspires us. We like to blend analog and digital instruments, so what we come up with those instruments at that time inspires us the most.

10. Is there a possibility of you come and perform in Brazil?

We’d love to perform in Brazil. You help us out with our project “37” on Patreon, and watch or listen to our new songs as many times as possible, we’ll be able to get there in no time 🙂

11. Now a question about tourism. What places do you suggest to people who are visiting South Korea and want to know more about indie music and art?

If you’re an indie music lover, you have to go to Hongdae area where all the live clubs are located. I’d suggest you to experience the “Live Club Day“. One ticket will give you full access to many live clubs that particular day – which is the last Friday of every month.

If you love art and history, just go to the National Museum of Korea. Massive building with full of treasures. And the best part is – admission is free. (Except special exhibitions.)

12. For those who are new to Korean electronic music, which songs do you suggest?

I’d say just listen to the whole album, not just one song. Listen to artists like, Neon Bunny, Aseul, LudiSTELO, HEO, From The Airport, Glen Check, and many others.

13. Is there anything you would like to say to your Brazilian fans?

Feliz Ano Novo. Espero conhecê-los em breve! [the answer was in portuguese, means “Happy New Year. I hope to meet you soon]