This is my interview from Japanese magazine, Nikkei Entertainment. Available on this July. Even though I was raised in Korea & America and I don’t have anything relate to Japan but it was my pleasure to have an interview with them through our musical senses. They do not have an issue/copy for English/Korean speakers but Nikkei translated my interview and sent it to me so I can display it on my website/blog. I hope you enjoy reading this and find more interesting about myself. Music connects everyone.
MUSIC ARTIST : COMPOSER : NEW (Interviewed by T. Murakami)
Nikkei Entertainment July Edition (Print) - Interviewed on June 27thPhotography - Photo by Aileen
Here’s my conversation with an 18 years old Korean, Korea & California-based musician, Dong Joo Hwang known as D.J. Hwang and Supreme D. Keep your eyes on this talented man. His album “It Was Only Yesterday” is available for free on his website SUPREMETEAMX.TUMBLR.COM/SUPREME (June 19th)
How did you discover your passion?
- When I lived in Korea, I was a vocalist and I did pretty well. I’ve won many trophies from the competitions and I was on national television shows too. I also joined my elementary school’s choir and involved in every singing competitions and activities. That’s how I first discovered my passion for music
Where did you learn your skills from? Self-taught or education route?
- I’ve learned everything by myself at first. I downloaded a whack, free music production program when I was in 6th grade. I played around with it and I really enjoyed making music. My 26 years-old cousin Aaron was interested in making music at that time, so I shared my musical interests with him. Also, my dear friend, Heather heard my music through her tumblr and made me to join her “high-end” production team and learned how to make a quality music from her and co-workers from my production team.
You’re very young. How many years have you contributed in your production team?
- About 4 years. When I turned 14-15, I knew what I was doing. I still had a lot of things to learn about, but my mentality in age of 14-15 was like “I need to compete with these old scumbags”… I didn’t contribute in any of their official projects until 2 years ago.
How’s high school? Are you involve in any musical activities?
- I really love being around with people. I consider myself as a quite guy. I was a flutist in elementary school’s orchestra and did one concert as a flutist with my church orchestra during my middle school years.
What part of the production process do you find the most challenging?
- It depends. Since I’m a producer, communicating with artists is probably the toughest progress. Sometimes, I need to deal with them through Skype, email, and internet so I can’t deliver my message clear enough. When I actually work in the studio, I demand more and more from the artists. I get frustrated too. I always feel like I’m a douche [bad guy], but in order to make a quality tune, it’s necessary. It’s hard to be an asshole [bad guy]. It requires a courage to do it (laughs). Speaking of school activity, I was actually involved in one of our school’s hip-hop crew since freshmen year. It didn’t go well. We had different visions. I guess.
Can you please tell us about your vision then?
- I always want to create something without any limitations. I want to do anything that I like and what I enjoy the most. I don’t want to make what others make. Sometimes, I need to compromise with my production team, in order to make a song. You know. It’s also a business… I want to build my own genre. Also I want to work with people that I love and people that I enjoy listening to. Whether it’s vocalists, rappers, or producers.
Let’s talk about your interests and inspirations. If there was one famous album that you could’ve produced in the past 10 years, which would it be?
- Tough question. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. I’m a huge fan of Kanye West.
Is there any artist you want to work with?
- I don’t really care. But it would be my pleasure to work with artists like Kanye West, Madlib, Paul… List goes on and on. I want to work with artists who cares about textures, designs, stage set ups, fashion, art, color… Not just music itself.
Oh are you interested in Art?
- Not a “big fan” of it but yeah. I think design and art are important in our world. Our lifestyle is designed by the designers. House, clothing, buildings, school, books, sofa… Everything. I love French baroque paintings too.
You’re from Korea, are you familiar with K-POP? And do you like K-POP?
- My sister is obsessed with EXO. When I was in 4th grade, I really liked Big Bang. They’re still cool. I think YG Entertainment makes some quality music in KPOP industry. I don’t listen to K-POP though. I don’t hate it either.
Let’s talk about your album, “It Was Only Yesterday”, where’d you get the title?
- My album consists of melancholy tunes. It’s more of a compilation album but I had a strong concept for my EP. The whole concept of “It Was Only Yesterday” is that we live in agonies of a broken heart. Heartbreak shows through a song about racism, songs about breakups, songs about a cultural conflict.
"The whole concept of "It Was Only Yesterday" is that we live in agonies of a broken heart. Heartbreak shows through a song about racism, songs about breakups, songs about a cultural conflict."
So the idea of cultural conflict is about Hippies in the sixties?
- Correct. That’s why I included Timothy Leary’s interview. I don’t think it was a cultural conflict. I don’t have a hatred feelings against the movement. Music from its era still inspires me.
What was your favorite song from your album?
Every track has its own speciality. Well, I loved working on KKK, the guy, 1200 [Jecorey Arthur] is a genius. He delivered his messages in a provocative way. Also Wildest Moments is one of my favorite track of all time. Kid & Heather are amazing songwriters…. Brady Vans’ verse was the last-minute decision, he murdered the track with his verse.
What’s your future plan as an artist?
- I want to focus more as a producer. I have a production team to take care of, first. That’s my profession and number-one priority. Also, since this year, I became a member of the collective called “United Legion Of DOOM” by my dear friend, 1200 [Jecorey Arthur]. I’m working on something with him right now and planning to work with other artists from the team. Everyone is super talented.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We wish you all the best.
- I appreciate it. Thank you for listening to my album too.
D.J. Hwang/Supreme D’s official album is available on
unitedlegionofdoom.com/hwang
SUPREMETEAMX.TUMBLR.COM/SUPREME (June).