In April, DAY6 will be arriving in the U.S. for the “DAY6 First Fan Meeting in USA 2016.” However, Officially Kmusic was able to exclusively speak to DAY6 before they set off on a new and exciting journey to see their U.S. fans! Let’s see what Young K, Wonpil, Jae, Sungjin, and Dowoon had to say!
Q. What are DAY6’s goals for 2016?
Young K: “Taking up on new ‘challenges.’ The goal is facing up to new challenges in terms of music, stage[s], and a team.”
Wonpil: “The goal is to make good, timeless music.”
Jae: “To keep busting out good music ‘till Korea can’t help but acknowledge us.”
Sungjin: “Our 2016 goal is to release 2 or more albums and raise awareness about DAY6!”
Dowoon: “Our goal in 2016 is to move our team forward by building our skills and techniques to musically express things further.”
Q. If you had to switch instruments/parts with any of the members, which would you want to switch to? Why?
Young K: “Of course, the guitar. Once, the guitar was my part.”
Wonpil: “The drum. I’m always interested in it, so I want to play just one song!^^”
Jae: “Brian wants the guitar. I ain’t switching.”
Sungjin: “Young K’s bass. I’ve always longed for the one playing the bass.”
Dowoon: “I want to switch to Wonpil’s piano. Maybe because I play the drum, I want to try a melodic instrument.”
Q. How many instruments does every member play? When did each of the members start their instruments, and when did they decide they wanted to become a musician? Did everyone always want to be a musician/part of a band?
Young K: “I can play only the guitar and the bass. It was three years ago when I buckled down to them along with the start of our band. I was dreamt of [being] a singer, but that dream has expanded to [being] a musician. Since the beginning of the band as I started to write songs and lyrics and we play together.”
Wonpil: “Other than the keyboard part, I can only do bits and pieces! ^^ I’ve banged on the keys since I was young as my parents run a piano academy. It was my second year in middle school when I decided to be a musician. I’ve never know I could be a member of a band, but now I’m singing and taking [care of] the keyboard part. ^^”
Jae: “I play the guitar and sortttaaa play the piano…? Well not really the piano…. But sorrrrta. It was what I always daydreamed about, but I never actually thought it was possible.”
Sungjin: “I can play the cajon, drum, guitar, and piano, but what I’m best at is the cajon. When I first came to the agency, what I was able to do was singing a song and play chords on a piano. I’ve learned other instruments after my entering to the agency. When I was young, I just wanted to be a singer who can only sing. But learning instruments, being a member of a band, and writing songs and lyrics broadened my horizon, and now I want to be good at everything!”
Dowoon: “I cannot play other instruments, but I’ve played the drums since I was at third grade in middle school. My dream was [to be] a drum teacher.”
Q. How would you describe DAY6’s sound/color?
Young K: “All five of us have grown up hearing different types of music and have varied tastes of genres. But now we are brought together under a band named DAY6. The combination of the variety of each of our color turns into a complete song, and which builds the musical color of the DAY6 band.”
Wonpil: “I am going to roll out thoughts in our age and feelings from our experiences. Maybe the color of the sky?”
Jae: “I’d say rather than being defined as one color, we’d just be colorful. We all sing so different it’s kinda hard to think we’re in a group working together. Haha. We make the kind of music we feel like at the moment through our own interpretations. So…..yeah haha colorful.”
Sungjin: “We are pursuing different styles of music all the time instead of being stuck in one style.”
Dowoon: “We are standing at the fine line between popular music and the one outside the mainstream.”
Q. You had your first solo concert November of last year in Korea and have also met fans in Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Canada. Seven months after your official debut, you’ve been to a lot of places and have done a lot of things! What are your thoughts and feelings about the first Fan Meeting U.S.A? Anything we should anticipate/look out for on this fan meeting? Any sights you want to see or foods you want to try?
Young K: “I’m expecting fresh responses from American audiences. I want to eat some hamburgers and chickens.”
Wonpil: “Thank you for your keen interest given the fact that there was no television appearance of us, DAY6. I am sincerely honored to hold the first US fan meeting. I want to walk the SOHO streets and try some pizzas! ^^”
Jae: “Mannnnn I’m so excited. Like I said before, I’ve been dreaming of standing on that American stage and being able to say “What’s good” on mic. BOILING CRAB. Need I say more?”
Sungjin: “Performing in the US is another adventure for us even though we’ve already toured throughout pretty many places during the short period of time. [I’m] looking forward to this particular show since we are performing live with new songs. Since I’m always curious about the American culture, taking this chance, I’m hoping to experience it much.”
Dowoon: “Wherever I go, I’m always nervous as ever. I want to see the Statue of Liberty.”
Q. If you did a world tour in the future, what cities/countries would you want to visit?
Young K: “Someday, I hope to perform in the UK, the hometown of the British rock. It would be a great honor if we are recognized by the audience there.”
Wonpil: “[I] want to visit the UK.”
Jae: “England Forsure! Why? Cause MAN CITY BABY.”
Sungjin: “Wherever across the world if there are fans of our music.”
Dowoon: “The festival site, Brazil.”
Q. This Fan Meeting you are doing in the U.S. will be a three stop performance. When do you think we might see another DAY6 Fan Meeting in the U.S. with stops in several more cities?
Young K: “Want to be back as soon as possible.”
Wonpil: “Possibly~?^^ We are doing our best to make the next not too far.”
Jae: “I might be a little too hopeful…. But I’m hoping within a year we’ll be back with even better music.”
Sungjin: “Whenever; if there is a chance. Next time, we will definitely be a better band than now.”
Dowoon: “I’m not sure, but whenever you guys call for us.”
Q. Being from and traveling to different countries has probably introduced you to a wide variety of new music. What genres, music styles, and/or artists have inspired you and how?
Young K: “Whenever I go to a new country, I’ve covered the songs from the nation. This deepened my understanding about the country’s music.”
Wonpil: “Frequent changes in genres and styles of the music I listen to seem to affect in various manners. My new favorite is the music of Nothing But Thieves.”
Jae: “Lately I’m digging English musicians….alot. Nothing But Thieves has been killing it on my playlist. I think I’ve listened to “If I get high” a thousand times. Haha.”
Sungjin: “I personally like a song starting from an acoustic guitar to a full band such as “Congratulations” which deepens emotions as it advances and [is] characterized by a modern rock style. I am heavily influenced by the music of Cold Play and love the songs [that are] emphasizing [more on] voice rather than extravagant instrumentation.”
Dowoon: “Journey’s rock spirit, melodic moods, and powerful drum stimulate me.”
Q. You have a song titled “Habits.” What are some of the habits that the members have?
Young K: “Jae shakes his leg when he’s focused. Dowoon lifts his shoulders.”
Wonpil: “Sungjin is always cleaning up.”
Jae: “Sungjin, the perfectionist, can’t stand it when everything isn’t just right. Brian wakes up in the middle of the night to do sit-ups…. Like…. 3am middle of the night.. bro no one’s gonna sneak up on you in the middle of the night to snap pictures of your abs.. Dowoon’s probably the only normal one, and Kim One Peter….. Don’t even get me started.”
Sungjin: “Jae plucks out his beard, shake his legs, and even talk in his sleep. There are still a lot, but I am going to stop here. Young K eats a lot when he eats and never eats when he doesn’t. He’s kind of a guy who [easily] gets the hang of a diet. Wonpil considers himself as a very funny person, in fact he’s not. I sometimes don’t understand him, but he’s kind of cute. Dowoon talks first and thinks later. It would be better if the opposite.”
Dowoon: “I bite my nails. Well, Jae’s lips quiver when he’s nervous. ^^”
Q. You guys have a song titled “Freely.” If you had a week of free time to do whatever you want, what would you do?
Young K: “Want to sleep all day long. Or go on a one-day trip to the beach.”
Wonpil: “Just imagining makes me happy. If I have one week, I will meet my friends and go travel alone.”
Jae: “SHOP. EAT. STARCRAFT. PS4. BASKETBALL. BADMINTON. SLEEP. SLEEEP. SLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP.”
Sungjin: “Traveling for sure. I have a lot of counties that I want to visit.”
Dowoon: “Want to take a trip to the Jeju Island for a week.”
Q. Has there been a moment in your career as a musician that you felt like you deserved “Congratulations,” a moment that you’re most proud of?
Young K: “One of the moments I’m [most] proud of as a musician was when we debuted with our song. It felt like we were finally recognized, and I was overwhelmed by the fact that we were not covering other singers but singing our song in front of audiences.”
Wonpil: “I’m very pleased when JYP admires our songs.”
Jae: “Mmm not yet. I feel like we still got a long way to go ‘till we can be satisfied with ourselves. We got time; so were trying to take everything slow.”
Sungjin: “Umm… The debut moment…? It was all the more meaningful that we debuted with our own song. The most proud moment was that my parents recognized my efforts.”
Dowoon: “Two moments that really touched people’s mind during university festivals.”
Q. Your lyrics are very heartfelt and sincere. What is the composition process like? Do you just get inspired during jam sessions, or do you throw around ideas? What inspires you the most to write music/lyrics?
Young K: “During our usual process, inspiration may come first from a track, a melody, or a lyric. Our members or composers build upon it to make a complete song. I am inspired by my direct experiences or stories of others, as well as indirect experiences via films, books, or art works.”
Wonpil: “Different from each process. Sometimes inspirations come during the writing process or build upon the idea [we] came up with before. Imagination inspires me the most when writing songs and lyrics. I am inspired by visualizing images in my mind.”
Jae: “Well, I feel like it’s different every time. For example, on this new album, we have a song, and while we were coming up with the lyrics, we looked at a lot of other songs and realized that, as simple as it was, no one had used the phrase as a title. And we felt like it was a strong word that left an impression, so we went with it. Other times, we’ll write out the lyrics and then come up with a title. I guess the writing process differs for what we want to achieve with that specific song.”
Sungjin: “It varies every time. But most of the time, I make a track first and then go on to write a melody and [the] lyrics. Inspiration comes mostly from both direct and indirect experiences.”
Dowoon: “As members are always saying, listening to the wide variety of music regardless of its genres inspires me.”
Q. What do you want DAY6 to be known for in the future?
Young K: “Want to be a band not just representing Korea but also the world; a band known for its music as well as its positive social effects.”
Wonpil: “A band of doubtless choice.”
Jae: “Coldplay’s little brother band.”
Sungjin: “A team that lives up to people’s expectations and makes our own way through our own music!”
Dowoon:” A band with a fun live show.”
What is a fan encounter that stood out or was the most memorable to you? What is the best way for fans to catch your attention?
Young K: “When my first busking, the song was just released, but fans sang together. Audiences enjoying the show without caring [about] others usually catch my attention.”
Wonpil: “Fans who are enthusiastically enjoying the performance remain in my memory.”
Jae: “I kinda like it when fans can joke around and still be genuine. I like to perceive all my fans as friends and treat them as so. I mean I guess you can already tell from my twitter or whatnot, but I don’t exactly get that whole “I’m a celebrity” thing. Kinda looks ignorant if you ask me. We’re all people, let’s get along.Haha.”
Sungjin: “The first busking in Korea. Try to remember every one of our fans, but the ones who are jumping and playing with us are much impressive.”
Dowoon: “The first concert in Korea. Everyone was jumping around. I remember those fans enjoying the moment with us, and it was the happiest moment on the stage.”
Q. What kind of message(s) do you want to convey with your music?
Young K: “All songs convey different messages. But what we always want to convey with all songs is the story and sentiment of each song. We will put more efforts to this end.”
Wonpil: “Want to allow them to experience various emotions, and deliver a positive energy.”
Jae: “I want to leave an impression. I want them to feel exactly what I felt as I wrote the songs. Whether it’s hurt or happiness, ride with me on the journey to moh(intentional spelling) success.” [Editor’s note: Thank you for the note of intentional spelling. Isn’t he the cutest?]
Sungjin: “Every song has its own message. What I want from audiences is that they feel those messages are like their own story when listening to our songs.”
Dowoon: “Our music is full of sentiments.”
Q. Does anyone have any interest in trying things outside of music, such as acting or radio?
Young K: “I am personally dreaming of acting.”
Wonpil: “All our DAY6 members can do anything very well only if we get a chance!^^”
Jae: “BRO i reallllly wanna host a talk show. In English, where anything goes. Not sure if people in Korea will think it’s appropriate, but what I have in mind expands the limitations of what people consider as idols. I mean, we aren’t idols, but people consider us so; so, guess you just gotta roll with it. Haha.”
Sungjin: “I want to try everything that I have a chance to do.”
Dowoon: “I want to be a radio DJ.”
Q. What kind of styles/sounds do you want to show fans in the future?
Young K: “Want to successfully bring more genres in a band setting. Want to show them DAY6 does not adhere to those general notions that all bands are rock.”
Wonpil: “Let them hear a very different music. We are always doing our best to make songs that satisfy our fans.”
Jae: “I kinda wanna try funk. I feel like we’d kill that genre, but it might be a little too far from what we usually do. We shall see…. Mehehehhee.”
Sungjin: “I am hoping to express thoughts and feelings to which many people can relate in our music. And thereby, more people become excited about our music.”
Dowoon: “Over time, want to try some painfully dark and gloomy music.”
We hope our readers enjoyed our exclusive talk and learned more about the talented DAY6. Make sure to show your love and support for DAY6 as tickets to their first U.S. fanmeet are still available. Head over HERE for more information!
We would specially like to thank Jazzy Group US and JYP Entertaintment for this opportunity.
Stay tuned to Officially Kmusic for all your exclusive K-POP news and the upcoming coverage from this tour!
Interview by: Lina Hung
Edited by: Ying Leung
- Excited
- Fascinated
- Amused
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- Angry
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