Henry Lau (Super Junior-M) dives into new solo career with Trap

When it was announced that Super Junior-M‘s vocalist, Henry Lau, would be venturing into the realm of a solo career, ELF‘s worldwide were set into a frenzy.

After the release of his first official solo album of the same name, Henry Lau and SM Entertainment unleashed the MV for his title track Trap on their official YouTube channel.

Moments after its release, reactions and comments from the worldwide fans began pouring in at a record rate.  After only a few hours after going live, the MV has received over fourteen thousand comments, and growing. Comments such as: “ This is the best song that SM Entertainment has released in 2013″, “Such an amazing song.”, and “Now everyone knows how truly talented Henry is! This is amazing.” are just some of the fan reactions to his new track.

Check out the MV for “Trap” below featuring Kyuhyun and Taemin and tell us what you think of Henry Lau’s solo debut.

You can pick up Henry Lau’s new album on the US, Japan, and Hong Kong ITUNES now.

Sources: Photo: SM Facebook (1,2), Video: SMTOWN

DJ Yup, Korea’s #1 DJ, says, ‘My shows are like my life, LIVE!’ and reveals the ‘real’ Brian Joo

They call him Korea’s number one club DJ, but to Jeon Sang Yup  (DJ Yup), that is nothing but a minuscule title. The decade-plus veteran of the DJ scene has performed at massively popular venues all over the world, collaborated with trendy and well-known K-pop artists, and has accumulated not only a highly dedicated domestic fan following, but also an international following that spans the globe. With fans from countries like Japan, China, the Philippines, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the US, DJ Yup has become a widely sought after fan favorite at clubs the world over.

We at hellokpop, recently sat down with DJ Yup in Washington, D.C., before his very first performance in the city, to discuss how he got into the business, how the club scenes differ between the U.S. and Korea, how the PSY Phenomenon has affected the outlook on Korean artists, and what it was like working with Brian Joo from Fly To The Sky.

We first met up with DJ Yup and his good friend, translator and MC, Tony Henderson (Crazy T), at their hotel in Hanover, Maryland early in the day. After an impromptu photo shoot, several hours of casual conversation, and getting to know one another personally, we sat down together in their hotel room for a fun talk that felt more like “two friends catching up,” than it did an official interview.

Could you tell us a little about what made you want to be a DJ?

[DJ Yup] ”As I was growing up, I was always been in to music–mostly old school Hip-Hop and rap. I used to get recordings of music videos on VHS tape and watch them secretly. I have cousins that live in the States, and they would send me tapes to listen to. I’d watch MTV, record it, and listen to them over and over and over.”

His love of music is what compelled him to start a career in the field. When he was twenty, he started DJing in Korea under the tutelage of seasoned DJ’s. While he was learning the trade, DJ Yup worked long hours for little or no pay.  He was content with just learning.

[DJ Yup] “Korean clubs close at six in the morning. So, I would be there at 8 p.m., setting, and finish up around six. I did that for almost a year without any pay. It was hard, but I learned a lot.”

What is it about DJing you like the most?

[DJ Yup] “When you become one with the crowd and the crowd becomes one with you. It feels great. When I throw my hands up, the crowd does the same. We become in tune with one another. It’s beautiful.”

When you DJ, do you have a set list, or do you just make it up as you go along?

[DJ Yup] “Some DJ’s make a playlist beforehand, but I don’t. It’s live. A playlist is a good thing sometimes–it’s safe. But for me, free-styling is more exciting. My shows are like my life, live!”

Do you think the art of live DJing is more popular in Korea or in the US?

[DJ Yup] “It’s very popular in Korea. One thing is different though. In Korea, DJ’s only DJ. When I’m asked what I do for work, and I answer “I’m a DJ,” eighty-percent of people ask me why. In the States, if you’re good at something, people give you credit and respect. So, I don’t get that question.”

What are the latest trends in Korea when it comes to live DJing?

[DJ Yup] ” Electronic music is really hot right now in Korea. Korean DJ’s don’t usually play Korean music, but remixing Korean songs has become very popular now also.”

How has the DJ scene changed in the last five years or so?

[DJ Yup] “Hip-hop was very popular five years ago, but right now electronic music is in. Hip-hop DJ’s are hungry right now. They can’t spin big festivals or clubs, only smaller ones, because of EDM‘s (Electronic Dance Music) popularity. A lot of DJ’s change their music to fit trends, but with me, I play everything, because it’s the music that I like.”

We wondered how the explosion of PSY’s Gangnam Style and its global popularity has affected the DJing scenes both domestically and globally. So, we asked DJ Yup what he thought about the “PSY Phenomenon.”

[DJ Yup] ” We give thanks to PSY for being that first person to open that door, to give Korean artists the opportunity to become ‘known.’ He showed the whole world what we can do. He did it. He made it happen.”

We were curious as to how the views on nationality and race have changed since PSY’s historic rise to global fame. Music transcends all barriers of ethnicity, nationality and language, and has become a place where people from all walks of life intermingle happily together. However, Korean artists, unfortunately, still find that they are being discriminated against due to their nationality, and they are not always received with open arms. We asked DJ Yup how he handles these types of situations.

[DJ Yup] “I get it sometimes, but I don’t sweat it. The funny thing is, I usually just smile at them when I get comments like that and just show them what I can do. Afterwards, they become a fan and want to friend me on Facebook. [laughs]“

After discussing such a serious topic, we wanted to delve into something a little more fun and lighthearted. We asked DJ Yup about his experiences working with Brian Joo and sought out the answer to the burning question, “What is Brian really like?”

In 2011, You were the opening DJ for Brian Joo’s Unveiled Tour in the US. How was is like working with him on the tour? What is Brian really like in person, and would you be willing to work with him again in the future?

[DJ Yup] “Brian and I have a good relationship, so I asked him if I could be his opening DJ and he said yes. We toured together. It was great, and that’s how I met IAMMEDIC and New Heights as well. Brian is a very nice and kind person. He takes very good care of his family and works really hard. He’s a very private person by nature, and even though we respect each other’s privacy, he and I are always there to talk if one of us needs to. He’s a very humble person and I respect that a lot. As for working with him again, I’d love to.”

We then turned our attention onto the fans. While every fan is different, and subsequently, every fan of a specific genre is also different, we wanted to discuss with DJ Yup what his fans are like and how they treat him around the world.

How does your experience with fans differ between Korea and America when you’re performing? Do fans treat you differently here than the fans treat you in Korea?

[DJ Yup] “Yes. The crowds are different. American clubs are smaller than Korean clubs. The bigger the club, the harder to get into. In Korea, crowds come for the show and leave right after, where as American crowds stay around outside waiting to meet me and thank me for the show. They want to get to know me better.”

[Crazy T] “People in America are more free-spirited and friendly.”

You have garnered a substantial amount of fans worldwide with your tours, performances, and collaborations. How does it feel to have so many fans, and what are some of the things you do to show your appreciation to them?

[DJ Yup] “It’s great. I just try to keep traveling to different countries, like the Philippines, Japan, China, for the fans. Promoters sometimes don’t even have the money to pay for my plane ticket, but I come anyway. I pay for it myself, so I can perform for the fans. I really like to meet new people.”

As our interview was nearing its close, we talked a little bit about the night’s upcoming performance.  DJ Yup and Crazy T told several fun stories about their time as friends, but when it came to the final question of our interview, we were in for quite an interesting answer, as Crazy T volunteered to field the question first.

How does it feel to be considered/labeled Korea’s #1 DJ?

[Crazy T] “Can I answer this question? Working with DJ Yup, he always finds ways to improve himself. Even though people label him as the number one DJ from Korea, to him its just a title. In his mindset, there are a lot more DJ’s in Korea better than him. So, when he’s given that title, he really just brushes it off, because to him, he’s still not at the level that he wants to be yet. He’s always learning.”

[DJ Yup] “Unlike many DJ’s that spend their pay on clothes and things, I invest it back into myself. I travel a lot for shows, and oftentimes pay for the trips myself. I pay to market myself. I am very confident in my DJing skills, but I want to continue to improve as time goes on. DJing is my life and I never want to stop.”

DJ Yup recently released his first single, A-Bomb, with Soulte and Crazy-T.  The single became available for download on both Junodownload and Beatport earlier this week.  He is currently shooting the music video for the track.

For more information on DJ Yup, check out his official Facebook, follow him on Twitter, catch his videos on YouTube, and check out his mixes on Soundcloud and Mixcloud.

We at hellokpop would like to thank DJ Yup, Crazy T, and their crew for giving us the opportunity to meet and work with them, and for their much appreciated hospitality. We look forward to watching your careers with great interest and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Check out our gallery below for some of our shots from the photoshoot along with photos taken during the performance at Capitale DC, in Washington, DC.

Sources:
PR/Interviewer: nicole@hellokpop.com
Photos: hellokpop

Korea Rocks set to invade the UK with Tour + Exclusive Interview

Korea Rocks is set to invade the UK with tour, and an all-exclusive interview with Park JongHyun of Galaxy Express, Kim DaeInn of Apollo 18, and Yeom SeungShik of Gate Flowers, to open up about the upcoming tour.

Presented by Hyundai Card Music, Korea Rocks has announced that it will be holding a tour in the United Kingdom in late April.

While Korean rock music doesn’t quite have the international following as Kpop has amassed over the years, the genre has become popular with Kpop fans worldwide. The tour will headline some of Korea’s most influential and well-loved rock bands and will hit seven venues from April 24 to May 4.

Our good friends Galaxy Express and Apollo 18 will be joined by highly impressive rock bands, Goonamguayeoridingstella (Goonam) and Gate Flowers, and are poised to bring one of the most explosive and high octane K-rock performances ever seen in the UK. The groups will not only be performing at two of the UK’s highly popular music festivals, Focus Wales and Liverpool Sound City, but will also perform three free club shows during the tour.

Check out the tour schedule below:

• April 24: Kent, England at Tunbridge Wells Forum
• April 26: Wrexham, Wales at The Bank (Focus Wales)
• April 27: Wrexham, Wales at Yales Café Bar (Focus Wales)
• April 28: London, England at Barfly
  
• May 1: Manchester, England at Night & Day Café
  
• May 3: Liverpool, England at Studio 2 (Liverpool Sound City)
• May 4: Liverpool, England at Kazimier Gardens (Liverpool Sound City)

Galaxy Express

Award winning South Korean rockers Galaxy Express was formed in Seoul in 2006. Members Park JongHyun (main vocals/guitar), Lee JuHyun (bassist/vocal) and Kim HeeKwon (drummer) bring to the stage with an infectious blend of high octane garage rock and punk, that wows the crowd with every note. Galaxy Express has released seven albums in total, one being a co-album with K-Indie superstars Crying Nut, and have garnered accolades such as winning the Best Rock Album in 2009 at the Korean Music Awards.

The group just concluded their third highly successful tour in the US, once again performing at major music festivals such as SXSW and The Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival. Galaxy Express recently released their new self titled album in late last November and is receiving high praise from fans all around the world. With their infection rhythm and explosive stage performance, Galaxy Express truly epitomizes their title of Kings of Korean Indie.

Apollo 18

Formed in 2008, Apollo 18 blends a mix of post hardcore rock with screaming guitars and driving downbeats that just leaves the fans in awe. Members Choi HyunSeok (guitar/vocals), Kim DaeInn (base/vocal) and Lee SangYun (drummer) bring to the stage a performance like no other with a high adrenaline energy that is sure to suck you into the euphoric bliss of some of the best Korean rock on the planet.

Since their formation, Apollo 18 has released five albums, won awards such as Rookie of the Year at the Korean Music Awards, and have regularly graced the stages of some of the world most well-know music festivals such as the Jisan Valley Rock Festival, Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, SXSW, Valley of the Vapors along with performances at Japan’s famed Fuji Rock Festival and Taiwan’s Beastie Rock Festival. Apollo 18 has been praised by numerous outlets during their career for producing some of the most exciting and intense rock stage performances in the world and are considered the rock band to watch if you’re looking for an amazing performance both vocally and musically.

Gate Flowers

With a eclectic mix of alternative and hard rock in their repertoire, Korean rockers Gate Flowers, are definitely one of the best Korean rock bands in the market to date with their Pearl Jam-esque sound. Lead singer, Park KeunHong, vocals draw you in with a melding of both a soulful groove and hard-rocker screams that are so impressive, you just can’t help but be enthralled.

Yeom SeungShik (guitarist), Ryu Jaein (bassist) and Yang Chongeun (drums), produce some of the most head-banging-ly addictive arrangements in the business to date. Gate Flowers’ ballads are definitely not something to overlook either, songs like  Between the Leaves and Night Night (which was nominated for Best Rock Song in 2013), shows off the bands soulful and softer sides while still sticking to their alternative roots. Their talents have not gone unnoticed.

In 2010 Gate Flowers pulled in not only the government sponsored Hello Rookie prize for being the most promising new band in 2010, but also landed both Rookie of the Year and Best Rock Song at the Korean Music Awards in 2011. Gate Flowers’ participation in the 2013 Korea Rocks tour, will be the first time which the band will tour internationally and are sure to impress even the most wayward fan.

Goonamguayeoridingstella (Goonam)

Known for their hard-to-nail down style, Goonamguayeoridingstella (Goonam) utilizes and combines a multitude of musical genres, to produce some of the most entertaining and unique songs in their field.

With influences of rock, blues, reggae, psychedelic  and even dub-step all at their creative fingertips, Goonam members have solidify themselves as one of the hottest rock acts in today’s market. Goonam’s We Are Pure (2007) album placed on 100beat.com‘s Best Korean Albums of the 2000′s at number seventy and their Woojung-Motel album (2011) was nominated for Best Modern Rock album at the 2012 Korean Music Awards. Goonam has also hit the international stages at events like Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival, SXSW, and Canadian Music Week in Toronto.

Goonamguayeoridingstella is comprised of  Joh Ung(guitarist/vocalist) and Eem ByungHak (basists) as the groups main members, with Park TaeSik  (drummer) and  Kim Naun (keyboardist) filling out the group for their live performances.

On the eve of their UK tour, we at hellokpop are really fortunate to be able to sit down with Park Jonghyun of Galaxy Express, Kim Daeinn of Apollo 18, and Yeom Seungshik of Gate Flowers, to discuss about their upcoming tour, what they hope to show the fans, how they feel about touring with each other, and what fans should expect.

*Goonam was unavailable due to a scheduling conflict.

With your upcoming tour in the UK just on the horizon, how do you feel about having the opportunity to perform there?

Park Jonghyun: “It’s going to be cool.  We just finished up a month-long US tour and only have two weeks off before the start of the UK tour.  I think Galaxy Express sound great right now after doing 26 shows in the States.  So hopefully that will carry over to the UK concerts, too!  This is our first time performing in the UK, so we’re excited to check everything out.”

Kim Daeinn: “Being able to share our songs with music lovers in different countries is always an awesome feeling.  We’ve had so many great experiences during our past tours in Japan, the United States, Canada, and Taiwan.  We can’t wait to head out on the road again and explore the UK and its music scene.”

Yeom Seungshik: ”We’re really happy about it!  This will be our first international tour, so we’re really excited to show people what we can do.  We admire how bands from the UK have helped shape the spirit and sound of rock ‘n’ roll, so it’s an honor to be able to play there.”

What should the fans expect at the concert?

Park Jonghyun: ”They should expect a great night of Korean indie music.  There are a lot of really good bands playing in Korea’s indie scene right now.  This is just a small sample of some of the talent in the scene.  Hopefully we can all inspire people to check out more Korean music after watching Korea Rocks.”

Kim Daeinn: ”You can expect our shows to be loud.  We’re so happy to meet everyone at the shows, but we want to try and burst their eardrums!”

Yeom Seungshik: ”They should expect to not stand still!  We hope people enjoy and move around to the rock ‘n’ grooves we’ll be turning out for them.”

For those out there who are not familiar with your music styles, how would you describe it (in 3 words or less)?

Park Jonghyun: ”Wild, noisy, psychedelic.”

Kim Daeinn: ”Loud, noisy rock!”

Yeom Seungshik: ”Energy, groove, harmony.”

What are you looking forward to the most with this new tour?

Park Jonghyun: ”Meeting new people and seeing new things are always are the best things to do on tour.  I hope to drink some good beer and eat fish and chips, too.”

Kim Daeinn: ”Getting to drink lots of good beer!  The beer in Korea is not very good.  But British beer is very tasty.  I’m hoping we’ll have time to visit Stonehenge too.  I’ve wanted to visit there for a long time, so it would be really cool to finally see it in person.”

Yeom Seungshik: ”We are looking forward to meeting new audiences and having a lot of fun together with them.”

How does it feel to be touring with the other groups in the lineup?

Park Jonghyun: ”It’s going to be like a big fun road trip with lots of our friends.  We’re fans of all the bands on this tour and are happy to be able to gig abroad with them.  We’ve been hoping to tour with Apollo 18 for a while now, so we’re excited to finally travel somewhere new with them.  We always have a lot of fun with those guys.  I’m a bit of a troublemaker sometimes and Apollo 18 can be too.  Hopefully that will lead to some good tour stories that we can share later on!”

Kim Daeinn: ”I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.  We’re really good friends with Galaxy Express and have gigged with them a bunch of times in Seoul.  Our musical styles are different, but I think we have a really strong impact when we’re paired together.  We played at Jeju Island’s Stepping Stone festival in 2011 with Goonamguayeoridingstella and they were cool to hang out with.  We don’t know Gate Flowers well yet, but we’re looking forward to experiencing some new things together with them in the UK.”

Yeom Seungshik: ”It feels awesome!  We are going to tour with some of the greatest bands in Korea right now. We’re very excited to hang out and travel with all of them.”

Do you have any message you’d like to share with your fans in the UK?

Park Junghyun: ”Come get wild and have fun at our UK concerts with us.  We’re traveling a long way to perform.  Let’s all work together to make these gigs amazing nights!”

Kim Daeinn: ”Come watch the Korea Rocks shows!  You’ll be very happy you did!”

Yeom Seungshik: ”We’ve waited a long time to be able to share our music with overseas listeners.  We plan to make the most of this opportunity and can’t wait to play for you.”