While it is becoming more common, idols producing and composing their own music is still a pretty rare occurrence. Probably more uncommon than idol’s singing their own song’s is having songs they have composed sung by others.
Well Yonhap News found three talented idol composers who have done both of these and sat down with them for a joint interview.
February 12 at a recording studio in Seoul Block B’s leader Zico, B2ST’s Yong Junhyung and JYJ’s Kim Jaejoong shared their time and spoke about being composers in the music industry.
Starting the interview out with a laugh Jaejoong commented “My stylist dressed me younger-looking today. In case I looked older than these guys….”
Not missing a beat both Junhyung and Zico were both quick to point out that they didn’t have young looking faces.
Continuing the upbeat atmosphere the three pointed out that since there was a singer and 2 rappers that a group could be formed “Jaejoong, Yong Junhyung, Jiho (Zico’s real name) initials together make JYJ. Hahaha“.
The reason the three idols were brought together was that they are all “copyright idols“, idols who have the ability to not only sing or rap but also compose. Their names end up in the credits of their albums because they can “compose-write-edit music” not just for themselves but others as well.
According to the Korea Music Copyright Association, Kim Jaejoong composed/wrote 37 songs, Yong Junhyung 60 songs, and Zico 46 songs. An achievement for any composer let alone these three young men.
The three looked very close during their interview which was no surprise seeing that Junhyung had had a rap feature in Jaejoong’s song “Don’t Walk Away” and Zico, prior to his debut with Block B, had worked with Junhyung on an album.
Zico was slightly in awe at being included in the interview, he remarked “It’s crazy that I’m here right now. I remember being in a talent show during grade school with the song “The Way You Are” and during my second year in middle school with the song “Rising Sun”. When I was studying abroad in China, DBSK popularity was so big.”
The trio discussed how they had each started composing. Jaejoong revealed that he had been composing since back in his DBSK days. His very first composition to make onto an album was,“Love Don’t Cry” which was placed on DBSK’s 4th album in 2008. As for Junhyung he started writing songs way back in his trainee days. The suffocating dorm life and repetitive days made life hard he revealed, “I would ask to for permission to visit Shinsadong Tiger’s studio and leave.” Zico just wanted to be a “high technician” rapper and had no dreams of being a composer. His past company unfortunately did not have a producer so Zico decided to take charge himself.
They all have different ways of composing as well, from going home to think alone working with a piano, to heading to the studio to be with friends, to heading to the studio and worrying about the lyrics last. They all agree though,“The order might be different, but the process we go through is the same. Even though it might be really good song written by a different person, we don’t get tempted to just simply work off it. We have an open mind.”
After complimenting each other’s composing styles and pointing out the facets they each were jealous of the conversation turned to the potential for a collaboration between the three. Jaejoong said, “I am totally honored and welcoming of this,” while Junhyung commented,“One person can make the track and then the three of us can make the melody and rap. Or we can all just meet to work on the track. I think it will be really fun.”
To read the rest of the interview and to see what these three composer idols had to say you can check out the translated version here at yongism tumblr or you can head over to Navar to read the original.
What do you Officially KMusic fans think, would you like to see these three work togeather?
Original Article: Navar
Translation: yongism
Photos: Yonhap News
Article by: Angelspatience
Edited by: Karolina
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