Q. Please briefly introduce yourself.
Hello, RAKUNELAMA (hereinafter referred to as ‘Ra’). This is Kang Min-seok (hereinafter referred to as ‘R’) and Kim Min-woo (hereinafter referred to as ‘L’) from RAKUNELAMA.
Q. Let me start by asking you about your recent situation. You held a showcase at JJ Mahoney’s on August 16th, right? How was the atmosphere on set?
R I was surprised that more people came than I expected, and I was really grateful that everyone enjoyed it so much.
Q. What music did you often listen to during your school days?
I listened to a lot of emotional and sensuous pop from artists like R Lauv and HONNE, and I also listened to a lot of R&B and hip-hop music from Fanxy Child members. But I think what I listen to most often is K-pop. After discovering and listening to EXO’s music through my older sister, who I liked in elementary school, I started to like groups such as BTS, Red Velvet, and Twice. I listened to a lot of their music too. I especially remember really liking Red Velvet.
L I grew up with music-obsessed parents from a young age, so I grew up listening to a variety of genres of music. I especially remember asking them to play “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, and “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. Even during my school days, I listened to their music like it was a textbook. At the same time, I think I listened to various genres of music with an exploratory mind. But what I listened to the most was hip-hop and R&B, both domestically and internationally. When I was in high school, I remember liking alternative artists regardless of genre, such as Frank Ocean and Radiohead.
Q. What made you decide that you wanted to make music? Is there an artist or music that inspired you?
In my middle school science class, class ended early so I had time to listen to song requests. At that time, my friend played Dean’s “D.” When I first heard that song, I was very shocked. Later, as I began to look for and like an artist named Dean more, I thought to myself, ‘I want to make cool music like this, too.’ I think I began to seriously think about a life in music.
L Rather than deciding one day to make music, I think I just naturally wanted to make music. I remember the most decisive event that started it all. When I was in the 6th grade of elementary school, I enjoyed listening to hip-hop the most. I remember seeing producers on YouTube sitting in a studio messing around with a laptop with an apple logo on it, and I wanted to get into producing. So, when I went on a trip to New York, I asked my father to buy me a laptop in front of the Apple store. How dare a 6th grade kid. At that time, my father said he would buy it for me if I went into the store alone and talked to him in English. In good conscience, I couldn’t buy an expensive one, so I bought the cheapest 11-inch MacBook Air. I discovered Garage Band and started playing MIDI as if it were a game. In terms of time, it would have been around 2015.
Q. Minseok, what year did you start making music? Did you start with sequencing? Or did you start out a different route and end up in R&B?
R I started playing music in earnest while attending academy in my first year of high school. Actually, I had a lot of realistic thoughts in the process of deciding to pursue music. At first, I thought it would be impossible to become an artist who makes my own music, so I set my goal as a “game music composer.” So, naturally, I started using computers and sequencing, and later my detailed goals changed to becoming a beatmaker, K-POP composer, and producer. Now, I happen to be making my own music.
Q. There are few people who know the position of producer from the beginning, right? When did you find out there was a person called a producer?
R Actually, I don’t remember exactly, but I think I got to know FANXY CHILD and CLUBESKIMO when I was in middle school.
At that time, I was into offonoff’s music. At the same time, I learned about the existence of a producer called 0channel (currently EOH), and I think I gained an understanding of the position of a producer. While listening to Millic’s album [VIDA], “I think I found out that music could be made in this direction and became interested.
Q. Minwoo, is there a producer you have liked since you found out about the existence of producers? What appeals do you have as a producer?
L There are so many producers I like, but if I had to pick just one, I would choose Pharrell Williams. When I later looked up the songs I liked as a child, I found that many of them were his works. He is the producer and artist who impressed me the most, not only as a producer, but also as a player. The biggest appeal of Pharrell is that he understands his role perfectly. They have the ability to accurately distinguish between when to reveal their colors and when to hide them, and to perform that role at the highest level. I think he is a person with the best virtues.
Q. I’m also curious about what happens after high school graduation. Did you major in practical music? If you came out, I’m curious about how you spent that time.
R I am taking a leave of absence after enrolling in the Department of Applied Music and attending the first year. Until high school, I always loved making music alone in the corner of my room, but at school, there were only people who played music. Thanks to you, I got to talk about music with a variety of people. I think that time was very precious. And thanks to my school friends, I learned more about and liked the R&B and Soul genres of music that I like the most now. Personally, Minwoo told me about Earth, Wind & Fire at the toast shop in front of the school, so I listened to it. I can’t forget the moment I was shocked when I first heard that team’s music.
L I also used to play music alone in a corner of my room, but I was happy when I went to a place where only musicians gathered. It was also a time when I thought about what kind of music I really wanted to make. I think the experience of performing with musicians while only making music on the computer is still of great help.
Q. What music have you listened to most often since graduating from high school?
R I listened to a lot of Earth, Wind & Fire’s music mentioned above, but I think the artist I listened to the most was Mac Ayres. From the time I was in college until after I took a leave of absence, I had a long period of wandering and thinking about my life and music. At that time, I think I listened to Mac Ayres’ music a lot because the lonely, yet leisurely and warm emotions that it conveyed really touched me. I got to know Mac Ayres through the song “Easy” when I was in middle school, but I think the song I listened to the most was “Get away.” I still listen to it every time I go for a walk.
L I was also curious, so I went to Apple Music All-Time Play and found that I listened to RAKUNELAMA’s “GOSU” the most.
Q. Was there a producer you liked during college? What is the producer’s charm?
If I had to limit myself to my time at L University, I think I would choose D’Mile. I learned that he was the person who produced Silk Sonic’s album, which I enjoyed listening to at the time, and Victoria Monét’s [Jaguar II]. After further digging, I found out that he has been writing songs for world-renowned artists such as Janet Jackson, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber since his debut. Recently, you also produced all of Lucky Daye’s album. Every time I listen to his music, I feel that there is nothing missing in the composition, sound, or performance. I think he is a producer who creates music that is truly close to perfection, and I have always wanted to be able to use music like him.
R I’m also a producer named D’Mile. I first heard about it through Silk Sonic’s album. After that, I looked further and found out that he also participated as a producer on albums by other artists I really like (Lucky Daye, Joyce Wrice, etc.). After that, I listened to all the songs produced by D’Mile, and I think he became my favorite producer after Victoria Monét’s [Jaguar II] album came out. I think the biggest advantage of producer D’Mile is the groove that comes from elaborate drum sequencing and bass playing. Since I used to be a bassist, I think my ability to play instruments that are responsible for rhythm is really excellent. In particular, I am often impressed by the licorice-like bass lines or fill-ins that pop out every now and then.
Q. How did you two meet? I’m also curious about why we formed a team together.
R As briefly mentioned above, we met as classmates in college. By chance, we ended up working together on a group project team. We got along so well that we decided to take a break from school together and pursue music.
Q. What does the name mean?
L It was a name suggested by Minseok. We thought about the team name for a year. Minseok likes raccoons, right? I often hear that I look like a llama. They kept pestering me to combine the two and make it ‘Raccoon & Llama.’ I said it wasn’t good, but I think Minseok felt unfair. As we were moving around after the ensemble performance, I asked the drummer about the team name ‘Raccoon & Llama’. But the older brother misheard and said, “What? RAKUNELAMA?” But the name RAKUNELAMA sounded good, so I kept it in reserve and ended up here.
Q. I feel like I can’t help but talk about RAKUNELAMA’s debut single, “GOSU.” It’s different from the South American music released this time, isn’t it? I’m curious about the working process behind “GOSU.”
I liked the drums that Minwoo recorded so much that I added the bassline and chords to it. RAKUNELAMA is a group that came together under the guise of being a producer duo. So, until I started making the beat, I had no intention of singing it myself. So I looked for someone who would fit the beat. At first, I contacted brother matt matt. But he refused because he didn’t have a schedule. I tried to look further, but I couldn’t think of anyone who seemed like a good fit for the beat. So we just did it.
Q. [LUCHADOR] is an album that beautifully combines South American music, right? I’m also curious about why you decided to release an EP combining South American music and R&B.
L I became interested in jazz around high school. I got introduced to Brazilian music through the music of Antônio Carlos Jobim and Sérgio Santos Mendes. During my college years, my interest in such exotic sounds turned to the Afro genre. Since the year before last, I started going to record shops and wanted to explore not only bossa nova and MPB, but also Latin music itself, and I also learned about Brazilian funk through the Soulection playlist. I think these charged inspirations started to melt into the colors of RAKUNELAMA from the beginning of this year, and naturally led to the current EP.
Q. Minseok, what made you interested in South American music?
R I think I started becoming interested in Antônio Carlos Jobim through his album [Wave].
Q. Would you recommend some South American music that you like?
L This is a song recommended on our R+L radio. We recommend “Copacabana” by Eliane Elias, which once made us feel like a big wall.
Q. What is it about Eliane Elias that drives you up the wall?
L I’m a producer, so I have a habit of naturally analyzing and thinking when I listen to a song. However, some songs go beyond such analysis and end up just repeating exclamations of ‘good’ or ‘so good’. Eliane Elias was such a case.
R - From the first time I heard the song “Copacabana,” I thought every part of it was perfect. I was especially shocked by the sound aspect, and as I compared it to luchador songs, I really felt a sense of relative deprivation.
But now I’m grateful that I have a new point I want to reach.
Q. What genres did you delve into while digging South American music?
L - There are many genres in South American music, such as samba, bossa nova, salsa, tango, and cha-cha-cha, but I didn’t feel the need to delve into a specific genre. Instead, I think I tried to understand the emotion and atmosphere. But if I had to pick just one, I think I was immersed in Brazilian music such as samba and bossa nova.
R - I delved into bossa nova and samba. However, like Minwoo, I thought that understanding the emotions unique to Brazilian music was more important than the theoretical aspects. So, I think I tried to get that feeling by listening to albums by various Brazilian artists.
Personally, I think the album that I felt best captured that unique emotion was Elza Soares’ [Lição De Vida].
Q. You pre-released “YARR” as a single. There are many other good songs, so why did you choose “YARR”?
R - Actually, up to this point, we had been confined to our identity as producers. Although we did the vocals ourselves on “GOSU,” we wanted to appeal to the fact that we were part of a production team for the upcoming single. So we were going to release “Dubby,” which we didn’t sing on. However, “GOSU” received more attention than expected. Afterwards, we were contacted by Seol Kwon, who was in charge of A&R, and we were even allowed to perform at Hens, so we were no longer confined to being producers. As the team’s direction changed, we decided to release a song where we sing ourselves as our next single. As summer was approaching, we decided to release “YARR,” which has a strong seasonal feel.
Q. How would you sum up “YARR” in one line?
- Everyone, it’s hot, right~? Listen and cheer up~!
Q. I am curious about how Woojin Chang, yobas, Jaewoo Kim, and Logan Miro, who participated as performers and arrangers, came to join.
L Woojin is my middle school junior. When I was writing a song that involved a lot of playing, I thought there was no one better than Woojin, so I asked for help. I’ve known it since I was young, but I never really worked on a song, but I got to do it through RAKUNELAMA. It’s nice that someone with incredible talent is a junior in middle school.
R - yobas, who played the bass, had already worked with us on “GOSU”. At that time, I already felt how good this friend was, so I immediately asked for “YARR” without hesitation.
I met Jaewoo, who played guitar, in college. Even before “YARR,” I asked you to do a few guitar sessions. I felt sorry that not all of them could be released. Still, I am so happy and grateful to be with you this time.
Logan was a friend that Woojin became close with while jamming at Club Evans. Originally, the second half of “YARR” was structured to end with the chorus being repeated once more, but when I listened to the song as a whole, I needed a solo part to get the emotion I wanted. So we re-arranged the second half of the song, and while looking for a saxophonist to do a solo, Logan joined at Woojin’s recommendation.
Q. Since the performers also participated in the arrangement, I am curious about the work process. How did it come about? I wonder if it was a full session or if it was used with MIDI.
R: Minwoo and I completed the overall framework of the first song together, and the parts that required arrangement and detailed keyboard playing in the second half were created together with Woojin. After that, we recorded the guitar, bass, and saxophone in that order, and various ideas came and went until it was completed.
L We originally planned to release an album and join a military band. I learned the trumpet and Minseok learned the trombone. So, I played most of the trumpet on the album. “YARR” used a mix of samples and files I recorded. The triangle at the end is also the source I played myself.
Q. The album cover was created by Swedish Massage Boys. Can you briefly introduce who you are?
I think it would be good to explain that we are a creative team consisting of L Horori and Lee Jin-gyu. These friends are also my classmates from elementary school and middle school.
R - From the very beginning of the formation of RAKUNELAMA, we considered the direction and image of our team together with Smabo (Swedish Massage Boys). These are friends for whom I am truly grateful, who take care of all visual aspects.
Q. The title of this album is [LUCHADOR], right? I’m curious about the intention behind the album title.
L - Our reliable supporter Jingyu of Swedish Massage Boys pitched the idea of Lucha Libre one day. It is a word that refers to Mexican professional wrestling, but when translated directly, it means “free fight” in Spanish.
R - At that time, I was deeply immersed in Nietzsche’s philosophy. The word “luchador,” which refers to a lucha libre-style professional wrestler, felt similar to the concept of “superman” in Nietzsche’s philosophy. I think I was drawn to that point and decided to title the album Luchador.
Q. Why did you fall in love with Nietzsche’s philosophy?
(+I wonder what you learned from Nietzsche’s story.)
Deleted at the request of the artist who said it was difficult to respond.
Q. What was the message you wanted to convey through this entire album? Also, I am curious about what thoughts you had when creating the album.
L Actually, I didn’t make the album to convey any message. At first, I just wanted to make music that I liked in accordance with the summer season. However, there were many twists and turns in the process of creating the songs, and I think the situations and emotions naturally seeped into the songs and created meaning.
Q. How would you summarize track 1 “Cool Perc” in one line?
- Keep going on
Q. What was the message you wanted to convey with this song?
R - Sometimes, even though I’m working hard toward my goal, I still think, “What does it all mean?” Every time that happens, all I can do is keep moving forward. I think this song contains that content.
L - I wanted to do extreme musical panning more than conveying a message. Now it has been compromised to some extent, but in the beginning, I thought it would be nice if completely different sounds came out from the left and right sides of the earphones.
Q. How did you meet guitarist Tommy Lee and guitarist Junseo Hong? Please provide a brief introduction.
R - Tommy Lee and Sangwon are juniors who played in the band together in high school. My friend is currently active as a vocalist and guitarist in a band called MOWS. It just so happened that he played bass on this track. I found out about Jun-seo through Sang-won. I am active as a guitarist in the band Mowdle.
Q. Sarang Lee, who participated in the arrangement of track 1, stands out in the credits. Could the chorus be Sarang’s voice? Please introduce yourself.
R Sarangi is a friend I met through Lee Il-gu, who sang in “Dubby.” He’s a friend with a really unique voice. As soon as I heard this friend’s song, I knew I had to become friends with him. After finding out about it, I continued to work on it and was able to help with the chorus on tracks 1 and 3 of this EP. In particular, for the first track, “Cool Perc,” I had an MPB-like female vocal chorus in mind from the time I first produced the song. I remember asking for it right away because I thought Sarangi’s unique voice could add uniqueness to the song.
Q. How would you summarize track 3 “”HUH” in one line?
-heaviness and lightness
Q. What was the message you wanted to convey with this song?
R There was no message I wanted to convey, and I think it is a song that reflects our conflicting attitudes toward life. Usually, I tend to think about everything in a very complicated way, but Minwoo often thinks cooler than me. Although we have opposing attitudes, I think the message is that we are all dreamers.
L - When Minseok wrote the lyrics for this song, he thought the song was becoming too difficult. When I thought about that, my verse stopped coming out. I tried asking Minseok for help, but I didn’t like it because it felt like the song was flowing too one-sided. So I deliberately tried to write lyrics with conflicting feelings. “Whoa, Minseok, it’s okay.” It feels like this.
Q. How would you summarize track 4 “InterRLude” in one line?
- R to the L
Q. What was the message you wanted to convey with this song?
R - First of all, I think I should tell you about how we work. We usually work in three main ways. The first direction is to complete the song starting from Minseok’s sketch (YARR, HUH), the second direction is to start from Minwoo’s sketch and complete the song (B, Dubby), and the third direction is to work together from the draft of the song. (Cool Perc)
Between us, we feel that the song that started from my sketch is emotional, and the song that started from Minwoo’s sketch is intuitive. So, I created it because I needed an interlude that would connect the emotions of tracks 2 and 3 and tracks 5 and 6.
Q. You capitalized “RL”. Is this by any chance RAKUNELAMA? I wonder what the hidden intention is.
La - RAKUNELAMA is correct.
Q. How would you summarize track 5 “B” in one line?
- B B B B
Q. What was the message you wanted to convey with this song?
L - This song talks about a situation that happened at a club. It’s a song about what happens as Minseok’s and my stories progress differently.
Q. The intro is really fun. Is this a sample? Or did you record it yourself?
L - There was a Portuguese sample in the demo I made. Minseok said, “We’re Korean, so shouldn’t we say it in Korean? We should say Assarabi or Colombiya,” so I recorded it myself. I was skeptical at first, but the more I listened to it, the more it suited me and was fun.
Q. You brought in dub for track 6, “Dubby,” right? I could feel a strange South American flavor in the reggae-based sound. Please briefly introduce what genre dub is.
L - Dub is a genre based on reggae that is characterized by strong use of spatial effects such as echo and reverb. I think it’s an attractive genre with a dreamy, spatial sound.
Q. What prompted you to use dub on track 6?
L - Actually, while exploring Latin music, I was also interested in reggae. While looking for something more interesting, I came across remixes that borrowed dub sounds from producer and DJ S!RENE, and as I started studying dub, I naturally sketched the main riff. I played it to a friend named Ilgu, and he liked it so much that he even picked the main melody on the spot.
R - At this time, Minwoo was into the culture of the sound system and showed related videos. I remember the vibe being so fresh and fun. After that, I think Minwoo studied these cultures and genres and came up with some great songs.
Q. I think it would be good if you could also introduce Lee Il-gu, the only featured artist in this album.
L - I first met him as classmates in college. In terms of discography, it shows calm indie music. I think this guy has musical ability that cannot be defined by any genre.
Q. I would like to ask about your future plans. Do you have any album-related activities planned?
R - I think we will continue to make music that we like and enjoy. I think the music was quite delicate in this [LUCHADOR]. These days, I want to make music that feels intuitive and ignorant. I think I’ll probably try that kind of music.
L - Since performing in clubs, I wanted to see people having more fun. Thanks to this, I think my desire to create exciting music naturally grew. Of course, it’s still just in the planning stage.
Q. Any last words you would like to say?
L - We ask for your continued interest in RAKUNELAMA!
R - Please listen to Luchador a lot!