In the middle of April, we finally got ahold of Californian producer named Hwang while he was spending his break at Vegas. Hwang premiered his second project, BLUE, in a kingdom by the sea through his bandcamp account hwangx.bandcamp.com and his associated collective, unitedlegionofdoom.com. The Seoul (Korea) born, California-bred Hwang doesn’t have his specific genre but he proved he’s the expert of every genre through his first project, It Was Only Yesterday, where he showcased his style of music. His production team, CRT has been collaborating with Britpop artists like Jessie Ware, Ella Henderson, and other mainstream vocalists for a few years. The following are highlights from our discussions on his latest project, music, life, and himself.
On BLUE, in a kingdom by the sea
- I wanted to try something different than my last project, It Was Only Yesterday. This album really shows who I am. My own definition of “fine music”. I did not include many pop materials just like my last project for this BLUE album. I don’t want to say that this is experimental album since I’ve been doing this for a while. This album defines what my favorite music is. Despite the fact that I couldn’t release some of my original work due to my contract between my production team, I tried my best to showcase my originality and unconventional works to the listeners. I don’t have many opportunities like this to share my music with many people. It’s really awesome how I can connect with so many people around the globe through my music.
Insight of His Latest Album
- I worked alone in my apartment most of the time. I didn’t really collaborate with other artists unlike my first project. I could manage to work with a few artists for its necessity but I decided to work everything by myself. I had to email so many artists for their appearances and I had to book so many recording sessions for my last project. But this album is simply from my empty room. Just myself, my midi keyboards, my drumpad, my laptop, and my ears.
On His Contribution On Britpop Artists And His Strategy
- It’s my pleasure to work with talented artists like Ella Henderson and Jessie Ware. I always try to learn from many artists that I work with and that I like. We first started working with Britpop artists when Harpoon and Ware’s camp contacted our production team and we worked on songs like “Widest Moments” and “110%” and we mixed a couple of other singles from her first album. And then other artists hit us up afterward. I’m so glad that I had a chance to work with so many talented Britpop artists. To me, every recording session is like a lecture to me. I take notes in my head and I always apply someone’s best quality or strength to my music. I’m not copying them or anything, my mentality is like that. I love learning from the industry’s experts. Not everyone has an opportunity like me. I’m trying to take an advantage. When I’m in the studio with my team, I frequently ask myself “If Emile Hyaine or Rick Rubin was here, what would he add or reduce?”. I love working with UK artists, their contrasting styles of music really inspire me. Thankfully, I’m continuing my aesthetic relationship with Britpop artists, soon you will hear our crew’s production on many Britpop artists’ albums often.
Being A Student Producer
- I go to school 6 AM through 12 PM. Recently, I’m really stressed out because of my college plans. I don’t want to talk about that (laughs). My friends at school have better music taste than me so whenever we hangout we just share our favorite new artists and eat chicken wings together (laughs). People are often surprised that I am a high school student. It could be my great factor of mine but I don’t want people to judge my music just because I’m still a high school student. Sometimes people criticize my work and don’t take my work seriously because I’m a “baby”. When I first experienced people like them I was obviously hurt but I don’t give a fuck anymore. Nathan Chapman and Heather (CRT head producers) liked my music when I was in 7th grade!
On His Next Move
- You can expect some visuals from my album. I’m trying to promote my album and share with many people possible. My production team and I are working on two more major projects this year. We have already worked on two major albums and we have planned to turn in our final products by the end of this month. Starting from May, we’re refreshing our brain until June and taking a break from each others. Meantime, I’ll be working on new Brady Vans’ album with my closest friend, Jeremy Fuentes. And I’ll be working with artists from United Legion of DOOM as well.