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| ▲This photo, shows artist Kim Jong-jin of SSAW. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲This photo, shows artist Kim Jong-jin of SSAW. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲This photo, shows artist Kim Jong-jin of SSAW. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲This photo, shows artist Kim Jong-jin of SSAW. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL February 20 (Yonhap) -- “Being forgotten as time passes on by, as a musician I feel like I need to recognize all the values of the past in order to create a better world.”
Kim Jong-jin of South Korean band SSAW (Spring Summer Autumn Winter) participated in an interview at a café in Gangnam district, Seoul on February 14, addressed his interest lies on trading vintage music gears.
Throughout the press conference held on October of 2022, artist addressed the SSAW withholds the value of sustainable growth. This showcases Kim Jong-jin’s love and care for the band SSAW where he hopes to continue on with the band.
“The inevitable truth is that we will be forgotten someday,” adding “Being forgotten by the audience should not stop us.” addressed Kim Jong-jin during his interview.
The artist continued on by stating “Stick could be used to beat people, at the same time, it could be used as a seedling. Being forgotten to somebody could be a very cruel reality, however it can serve as a foundation for other people to grow. I personally picked to become the foundation where more artists can grow upon us.”
Kim Jong-jin who is currently planning on hosting a concert in May of 2023, will be showcasing the track list which consists of those which has passed away through time. This will be the artist’s first Los Angeles concert in 13 years since he last performed in August of 2010.
“As the K-Pop continues to attract global fans and has become the sensation of the world, I would like spread out what the foundation of Korean Music are to the global fans,” adding “We were able to host a concert which will present the foundation and roots of K-pop” addressed Kim Jong-jin throughout his interview.
“Music of SSAW does an interpretation of the blues and jazz music which is based off from the North American region, therefore United States for us is a scary place for us.” artist chuckled throughout his interview.
As K-pop artist are at its peak of fame throughout the world, Kim Jong-jin showcased little bit of disappointment regarding the industrialized aspect of K-pop industry which only pursuits after the success instead of the artistic aspect of music.
Artist addressed that the good example of meaningful track which incorporates meaningful lyrics and messages is “Just Like That” by singer songwriter Bonnie Raitt who recently received the “Song of the Year” award at the Grammy Award. Lyrics to the track “Just Like That” depicts a story of a mother who meets a guy who received a heart transplant from his son in order to listen to his deceased son’s heart beat.
“If the roots of the K-Pop is not solid, the current trend in K-pop music will die out very quickly.” adding “I feel like we should think little bit more about the lyrics we incorporate within our tracks.” addressed Kim Jong-jin throughout his interview.
Moreover artist touched on the subject matter of open trade and connection between the main stream music and underground music scene in order to lay the solid foundation of K-pop music. The reason being, the minor genre of music eventually becomes the main stream music after going through the process of modification and after touches.
“SSAW and Kim Jong-jin’s mission is to lay a bridge between the minor genre of music and the main stream music.” artist chuckled.
Although the artist is doing his best by continuously releasing tracks, and participating in concerts domestically and abroad, however specific dates and news regarding the comeback of SSAW is still under a mystery. After the release of the album “Beautiful Beautiful” in 2008 the group has not released any full length album.
When asked of the reason for taking a long time to come up with the new album, artist addressed “My perfectionist traits are holding me back from releasing new tracks.” adding “I do not want to release a track which might be forgotten after being listened to for a short period of time.”
“Even if it’s a single track I want it to make an impact and make a statement.” addressed the artist throughout the interview while chuckling.
(This article is translated from Korean to English by Joonha Yoo)
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