RK : Say something about you.
A-Yeon : Hello guys~~ I’m drummer A-YEON from Korea.
RK : What inspired you to play drums?
A-Yeon : Heavy metal music has always inspired me. I like heavy metal music and I have always wanted to play it. So I’m practicing harder to digest difficult music.
RK : What do you personally consider to be the incisive moments in your artistic work and/or career?
A-Yeon : When I listen to music, I sometimes find a song where drum beats deeply into my heart. At that time, I want to play the song, and I think about what kind of costume I would wear, how I would perform, and what facial expressions I should make. The thought of creating work makes me happy again.
RK : Let’s talk about your earliest influences and what led you on the path to where you are today.
A-Yeon : I first played the drum on the street and it spread on the Internet. Many people liked the scene and shared the videos. So I thought it would be nice to make my YouTube channel, and until now I’m uploading some videos of my performance. Because of these, I am involved in various activities.
RK : Is there any one particular drummer that you would love to emulate or just really look up to?
A-Yeon : When I started playing the drum, I looked up videos of many drummers. I was impressed by Travisbaker's video then. So I thought that I wanted to play powerfully even though I am a woman. I began to practice my movements very loudly. Actually I can't just choose one person I admire. I respect all the drummers.
RK : How long did it take for you to finally feel comfortable behind a kit?
A-Yeon : It took about three years. At first, I lacked of my skills and made many mistakes. But now I have been on many stages and have a way to deal with emergencies.
RK : Why did you pick the drums as your favorite instrument? Was it a natural process? Did you ever consider to play another instrument instead?
A-Yeon : I played the keys while preparing the idol band. Because I have played the piano since I was 6 years old. Then, the member who used to play the drum left. Since then I started practicing the drum that I have been interested in, and I fell in love with it. I became a drummer naturally.
RK : How do you feel when you walk into a club and you see a drum set composed of 12 or 15 drums? What are your first thoughts?
A-Yeon : I'm excited to show the audience what I've been working on. And I'm thrilled to see it's my seat and get them excited and wild.
RK : Can drummers learn anything from beats composed on computers or drum machines?
A-Yeon : These days, we can get a lot of information and data on the internet. Also, music programs are so advanced that we can easily work on the computer and apply or edit with various drum sounds and rhythms. So I listen to samples and get ideas and play them.
RK : What are you working on right now in your studio .
A-Yeon : Of course, I’m practicing the drum. Here I work on music, record and shoot videos. Sometimes I watch movies on Netflix, play Playstation. I also get delivery food. It is a place where I can do many things.
RK : Let’s talk about ‘Midsummer Night’, your first single album. How different was the whole process of recording your own album as a singer rather than a drummer? What was your inspiration?
A-Yeon : I wanted to give myself a chance. So I thought that I should sing a song that matches my voice and summer season, so I sang many songs and recorded. After all, I thought <YOU&I> was the best match for me and made a release. I’m also looking forward to preparing for my next album.
RK : Do you recall what it felt like the first time you heard it all the way through?
A-Yeon : I had a lovely feeling. And I thought it would go well with the upcoming summer.
RK : Where do you think you are all happiest: In the studio recording new music, on stage performing or elsewhere?
A-Yeon : I feel happy when I show people something I have prepared. For example, when giving the drum performances on stage, uploading drum videos to my YouTube channel, doing modeling and acting. I think building up each part of my work is my goal and the most enjoyable for me.
RK : If you had all the money and time in the world, what song either yours or someone else’s would you love to re-create? What the video be like?
A-Yeon : I love my songs and music videos as they are. If I have money and time, I want to release more songs and try various things. If I‘m going to make something new, I would like to cover my favorite songs with my own style. So that’s why I am uploading the cover on my YouTube channel these days, and many people like it.
RK : How has 2018 been treating you so far? What is one musical goal that you have had for this year and how close are you to reaching it?
A-Yeon : This year, I released my first single. I was very satisfied and achieved a my goal. And another goal is to increase the number of YouTube subscribers. I hope more people enjoy watching my music and videos.
RK : What are your future plans?
A-Yeon : I will continue to upload drum videos to my YouTube channel. And if I have a chance, I will have more performances. I am also planning to shoot a movie in the U.S.. I'll do my best in everything.
RK : If you could influence people in one way…in what way would you hope to influence them?
A-Yeon : Sexy Korean female drummer is the modifier that sticks to me. I'm satisfied and I’m trying to make people more feel enthusiastic about me. I want to make people look up for me more and show them exactly what kind of musician I am. In fact, I would like to be someone who is not ordinary but intriguing to people.
RK : Have you ever been to India and anything you know about Indian Art & Culture?
A-Yeon : I'v never been to India, but I am very interested in Indian movies and music. I'm a fan of Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. I really want to wear Indian traditional clothes . If I have a chance, I want to wear saree and play the drum for my fans.
RK : We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to make a bridge between National and International Art & Culture By featuring some National & International personalities who already have made their own path in their respective fields and we think your story and tips might help the newcomers to build their career. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your Indian followers.
A-Yeon : I was very happy when I got this interview as I have been interested in Indian music and culture. I want to know more about India, and I hope this interview will let people know more about me. I hope the day will come soon when I can try my favorite Naan and Curry in India. And someday I'm going to cover up some Indian music on my YouTube channel, and I'll be very pleased if you introduce me to India again. I hope the day of performing in India will come soon. Finally I wish all the best to you and hope things go well ♥.
