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“The launching of PREME MAGAZINE WAS developed through the REALIZATION that many creative individuals lack the recognition that they deserve. PREME MAGAZINE is created to give light to individuals from beginners to professionals to behindthe-scenes creatives. This includes photographers, singers, models, stylists, designers, songwriters, record producers, makeup artists, directors, musicians, and more. Our mission is to provide a platform and opportunity for individuals to showcase their work and talent.”
CO N TEX T 6 SAINT JHN
14 TRAVIS SCOTT
20 FINESSE RECORDS 28 SALMA SLIMS
GROWING UP MUSLIM IN ATLANTA 40. J.COLE
46 QUINCY
52 SID SRIRAM
62 ON TOUR WITH RAE SREMMURD 82 BABY GOTH 96 SMINO
100 COLDE
114 DJ KHALED
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SAINTJHN IN EGYPT BYANTHONYSUPREME
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Carlos St. John, better known by his stage name Saint Jhn (stylized as SAINt JHN), is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and rapper. He released his first album under the Saint Jhn moniker 12
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Travis Scott one of the most electrifying performer By ANTHONY SUPREME
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Travis Scott’s previous tours have conjured peyote-induced desert imagery and featured the rapper riding a huge mechanical bird — a knight perched atop his avian steed. His latest jaunt, in support of his third and strongest album, “Astroworld,” reimagines the defunct Six Flags AstroWorld theme park of Scott’s native Houston, but skewed perfectly to his liking. His carnival of oddities sold out Capital One Arena on Thursday night, thrilling fans during roughly 80 high-octane minutes. The carousel and roller coaster affixed to the two stages communicated an explicit message true for every Travis Scott show: You’re in for a ride. A screen at the far end of the arena became a portal into Astroworld, the gateway into Scott’s mind. The quick introductory montage was interrupted by none other than Scott himself, who emerged on the opposite stage to “Stargazing.” As both an album and live experience, “Astroworld” has the raw energy (and slight terror) of a hallucinogenic theme park — hence why Scott fastened himself into the carousel to perform “Carousel” and allowed fans to ride it throughout the evening. Scott has a very clear idea of the world he wants to create. A digital butterfly with flaming wings? Check. Screens surrounding the stage with the words “Look mom, I can fly” in flames? Check. Aerial views of the heartland, oceans and volcanoes? Check. Even the most seemingly minute details can seem major at a Travis Scott concert. With a lot of ground to cover with respect to his catalogue, Scott jumped between snippets of beloved older songs, such as “Quintana,” “Mamacita” and “Skyfall,” and used
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the instrumentals of others, such as “Lose,” as segues between action. Pyrotechnics emphasized the four of every four-count during the hook of “No Bystanders,” while the video-game-like, post-apocalyptic carnage onscreen was the perfect visual companion for the hellish surge of “Don’t Play,” from 2014’s “Days Before Rodeo.” In his music and during his shows, Scott acts as the maestro directing the chaos. “I just wanna take you on a trip through my city,” he said before a three-song stretch honoring his hometown: “Astrothunder,” “R.I.P. Screw” (a tribute to the late pioneer of the chopped-and-screwed remix method) and the breezy “Houstonfornication.” And whenever it seemed like Scott had leveled off, he went a step further. “We’re trying to shake the Capitol tonight,” he said ahead of the explosive “Upper Echelon,” from his 2013 debut, “Owl Pharaoh.” Scott demanded the maximum from his audience, so it was only fitting that he exuded the same energy. Strapped into a roller-coaster car crawling back and forth between stages, his performance of “Antidote” got so intense that his voice, sans autotune, grew hoarse. Undeterred, he unleashed a scream of adrenaline just moments later. As impressive as his endurance was to behold, it was outshined by the closer: “Sicko Mode.” The three-part record has snowballed into one of his highest-charting singles, and Scott, ever the provocateur, matched it with animated images of children vomiting. “Y’all know I don’t follow suit,” he said during the song’s second act. And it’s that sense of rebellion, coupled with his penchant for crafting beautiful mayhem, that has cemented him as one of the most electrifying performers of the moment.
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INESSE RECORDS STORY BY NIKOLEENO PHOTOS BY Alan Villanueva
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Nikoleeno - Lets jump right in, give me a little back story labels origin and the name?
David : Nice! Well the label was founded in Monterrey, Mex 2012. Comprised of DJs and Producers from the local scen Urban and Contemporary R&B music. The name really d the grind and “Finesse” it took to create a name on the fo on the urban scene in Mexico.
Nikoleeno - How many artist are currently signed to the lab
David : Right now 6. Nan de Miguel also known as Girl U Casino” which is a group featuring Roque Ferrari and Santa Bandida , Adrian Be, Phynx and Teen flirt. We’re loo more artist and creatives in the near future. 22
Nikoleeno - I was really blown away by the prod arrangements of the music and artist I listened to. How describe the method or inspiration used to create these vib
David : Ahh thanks, well the inspiration really comes from o following of R&B music old and new. Studying technique greats such as Timberland and Pharrell. We always attention to the way they created their own sound to sound structures with cool melodies and chords.
Nikoleeno - So what software do you guys use for your pro
David: Ableton, and Protools primarily. We also like to inco instruments as well.
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Nikoleeno - How did the core group of producers meet? Seems like the chemistry is strong. David: Most of the producers were DJs on the local scene, so them having similar taste in music made producing it. Nikoleeno - How is the support from the Latin American community? David: Its Great!! We get a lot of support from the Latin American community. They embraced us with open arms. Nikoleeno- What makes different from other labels?
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David: We take pride in artist development and curating high quality content over quantity. Meaning we wont drop the most content but we strive to deliver the highest quality of production and artistry. Nikoleeno- What can we expect in 2019 from Finesse Record? David: We’re currently about to go on a US tour in Los Angles, New York, and Miami. We’re really looking forward to bringing our artists to these great fun cities followed with new music and possible new label signees.
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GROWING UP MUSLIM IN ATLANTA
PHOTOS BY DREW CASTA
WORDS BY GREG GAGLIARDI
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Why did your parents disapprove of your music? Do they still feel this way why or why not? Music is “haram” in Islam !! Pretty much “bad” and not holy . The religion is strict and you have to be modest. My music isn’t that modest I was going in rapping at a young age doing cyphers and all. But now they support me and see the bigger picture and they know I’m not put here on some bullshit . 30
What would you say to kids who want to pursue music even if it goes against their parents' preferences? Keep going lol . Your parents will support you when they see how hard your going . It’s like playing an instrument once they see you taking it serious they will support you eventually.
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Could you tell us a little about you? Who is Salma Slims, both the musician and the person? What details do people not know about you? Im THAT BITCH lol !! Nah but when it comes to the music and these bars I am !!! I am queen as a women ! Im here to empower and uplift other women/ girls across the world. I am RUNWAY RAPPER. A lot of people don’t know I speak another language “Wolof” which is the native language in Gambia ! Both of my parents are Gambian 32
You grew up in Atlanta to Muslim immigrants. Could you describe your childhood and early relationship with parents? Omg my parents were so strict growing up lol . It’s not that they didn’t support me or my dreams it’s that they wanted me to always finish school and go to college in hopes of having a career that would help me take care of my self as an adult. So much was more of a hobby in their eyes .
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What is it like being a woman in a maledominated field? Have you faced unfair criticism from your peers or labels? It’s hard I’m not gonna act like it’s all easy . But my squad makes it easier for me. Private club records always hold me down and make sure I’m straight . I’ve faced many situations where i wasn’t taken seriously and even disrespected a few times. I’ve had to check so many niggas before because enough was enough i deserve the same respect as any other artist because i go hard I’m not just a cute face to try and get with. Who are your musical influences and how have they impacted your sound? Da brat , left eye, TI, and I’m a new j cole and sza fan . I’m a fan of real hip hop and R&B I’m fans of artist who write their own music and take the art seriously because i am a writer.
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. How would you describe your music and what do you want listeners to experience? New music is on the way. My single “Seasoning” is on the way and my debut project Runway Rapper is finally about to drop. My music is a vibe , hard , and definitely fun at the same time. I make songs that you could potentially hear in the club and on radio and i also have songs that just showcase my bars also What is your best musical feature (flow, wordplay, tone of voice)? My best musical feature would be my new song with kap g and slim jimmy both are on my project Runway Rapper set to drop end of Feb ! If i had a song with jcole and sza that would be a fire feature also
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Describe your recording and writing process? It’s different each time Depending on the beat of the song my creative process isn’t something that I can explain because it changes every time. Sometimes I might get on the mic and freestyle and sometimes I like to sit down and actually write a song or vibe to a beat until an idea comes to me. Aside from music, what are your hobbies? I love taking pictures, and watching movies. I go to the skating rink a lot too ! I’m from Atlanta do cascade on a Sunday is always the move Why is fashion important to you? Fashion is life. reflects every culture In world. more than self-expression fashion is a way of self-empowerment and confidence. I literally put on my heels, Strut down the street like it’s my runway everyday.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? "The life expectancy for a rapper is rather short. Longevity is the ultimate goal." Yes I agree. All the clout shit doesn’t last Real music last a life time . Follow-up: If longevity is not the ultimate goal, what is? Health and happiness 38
You are married to a fellow musician, and you're on the same label. How do you balance business and matrimony? It is very hard, not as easy as it looks but we make it work . Why ? Because we have the same dream and we love each other. We have to balance responsibilities and cut each other some slack 90 percent of the time . But it works out
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J.COLE HALFTIME SHOW (CHARLOTTE, NC ) PHOTOS BY ANTHONY SUPREME
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX HARPER WORDS BY GREG GAGLIRDI
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Q+A I've been listening to your single "It Isn't True," who/what influenced this song, and could you describe the writing and recording process? I wrote that song in 2015. I was at the tail end of a relationship. The initial seed to some songs comes to me effortlessly. When it does, I know it's grounded in something that's very real in that specific moment. There was a lot of pain that went into writing that song. I was in the studio with a long time friend and collaborator, Sean Tracy. He was playing around with some chords and I think I hummed the hook melody. We both latched on to that, and start letting the song flow from there. Along with "It Isn't True" you released "6 Weeks." Sonically it's much different. What is the song's back story? Yeah, I feel like “6 weeks” shows another side of the spectrum that makes up the album. I'd made the “6 weeks” instrumental back in December 2015. I was in Chennai and there were these crazy floods happening at the time, so I was stuck indoors. I had an audio note of me playing a rhodes keyboard and humming some stuff on top of it. I chopped that up and that set of samples formed the bed of the production. At the time, I was making mostly ambient music, so to contrast that I wanted to make a piece with some driving drums. It's funny though, the instrumental starts with driving drums and chaotic layers, and then transitions into this second half of ethereal, soaring music. When I sat down in early 2018 to write the lyrics and melody for the piece, I wanted to match the varying energies and dynamics of the instrumental. It was like taking this time capsule from 2015 and breathing new life to it in 2018. The first verse is about the chaotic nature of existential crisis. The second half of the song moves on to describe a point in my life that snapped me out of the existential thought.
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Your album "Entropy" is released, Could, you describe the sound of "Entropy?" Based upon your two singles you seem to be playing with many sounds.I describe the sound of “Entropy” as being a cross section where pop/soul, my Indian classical roots and lo-fi/ambient electronic music all collide vibrantly. I started learning Carnatic (South Indian Classical) music from my mother when I was 3. That discipline of music raised me and is my fountainhead to this day. When I was around 9, I discovered Stevie Wonder and fell in love with soul/R&B. As I grew older, I got into Hip Hop and a lot of experimental music. With “Entropy”, I surrendered and let myself channel inspiration from a subconscious place. It's manifested in a body of work where all the different shades of my personal and artistic identity swim together freely. From a conceptual perspective, the album is me being super honest and raw with myself. So as an overall tone, I wanted the album to have a raw, lo-fi sound. From my understanding when you attended Berklee College of Music, you expanded your listening palate with the likes of, Kanye, Bjørke, Radiohead, and Lil Wayne. Did these artists influence the sound of "Entropy?"
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Definitely. So many artists influenced the sound: Kanye, AR Rahman, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, MIA, Sigur Ros, Bjork, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, MS Subhulakshmi Entropy means, "lack of order or predictability" how does this tie in with your record? What does Entropy mean to you? I was introduced to the concept of entropy when I was a sophomore in high school, in chemistry class. It basically states that the universe is constantly tending towards a higher state of chaos. Each song on the album is a snapshot to a specific point in my life that was profound to me in some way. The songs actually range a span of about a decade. The last song on the album, “Limitless” was written back in 2009. That's around the time that I first started consciously grappling with existentialism and my purpose, shit like that. The title track “Entropy” and another song “2am Prayer” were written in 2011, after I lost close family members for the first time. When I was assembling, producing, recording and arranging the album back in March 2018, I realized that each piece in some way explored my relationship with chaos. Songs like “Paper Plates”, “Eyes Open” were written last year, and to me it's apparent that my relationship with chaos has evolved tremendously. I'm way more at peace with it now. I think working on and completing this album played a huge role in my being more at peace with chaos, myself and the universe around me.
I'd like to discuss this quote with you. You said, “this whole notion that music must be dumbed down for a bigger audience is flawed.” Why do you feel this way? Could you elaborate on "dumbed down?" What exactly do you mean? Something that I believe in deeply is the universality of human experience. We're all connected in some way, and we're all going through shit. The spectrum of human experience is infinite, but I do believe that there are some fundamental emotional textures that everyone feels through. When I say dumbed down, I'm specifically referring to the process of grounding intention in numbers and reach, instead of grounding the intention human connection. Music is a profoundly powerful tool. With music, you have the opportunity to put forth sonic energy that can literally shake people's souls. So, being lazy with the intention of the music is irresponsible. The relationship between an artist and the listener is like any relationship/energy exchange. If you respect the people that are going to listen to your music, you're not going to question their emotional intelligence. Staying on this theme lets discuss your upbringing. You're from San Francisco, but your mother taught you Carnatic music. You seem to be very rooted in your history despite growing up elsewhere. Could you talk about why it is essential to understand your heritage? Not just musically but beyond. I was born in Chennai in 1990, and my family moved to Fremont in 1991. My mother started her Carnatic music school in 1992 and I started learning from her in 1993. I was always surrounded by Carnatic music, so it quickly became my portal of deep connection with my culture. From early on, I did this thing where I silo'd the different parts of my identity. At home, I was Indian and at school I was American. My musical evolution was very reflective of this, where my growth with Carnatic music and my growth with Soul music moved in parallel but never intermingled. When I started studying at Berklee in 2008, I was alone for the first time and slowly started experimenting with bringing together my Indian classical roots with my love for R&B and alternative music. My culture is one of the most integral parts of who I am. This was something I knew on a subconscious level but my conscious would question it, fight it at times. From the music, to Hinduism, to the film and art, and so many other nuanced aspects of the culture, it's always been deeply embedded in me. I just had to spend more time in my motherland to truly uncover and embrace it all. In 2016 my career really took off in India, and I started to spend half my year there. This was when I really was able to strengthen and give life to my Indian roots. Before, my relationship with India was secondhand in a way, experienced through my parents. Once I started spending a substantial amount of time in Chennai, the relationship with my culture became my own. The sense of inner strength and calm that came with this was profound. It really pushed me to continuously uncover more aspects of my identity that had been dormant. Not like grandiose things, more subtle understandings of myself that all started adding up. My epiphanies with regard to my identity really came full circle through the process of me working on “Entropy”. I channeled it all into the music and created a sound that allowed the full spectrum of my identity to honestly manifest in my music.
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After the album releases, you'll be going on tour. What should fans expect when they come to see you perform? The live space is where I feel most at home. I first performed on stage when I was three, and I fell in love with it immediately. This album is super personal and vulnerable. I can't wait to bring to life that same energy on stage, and to share it with the fans. Each venue will be like a sacrosanct space, where we'll all share in some honest, positive and genuine energy. The band and I have been working on the set for a bit now, and I can't wait for everyone to experience it. You've been very involved in the Telegu Film Industry for some time now. After this album do, you plan on returning to playback singing or strictly pursuing a solo music career? I've been deeply involved with Tamil and Telugu Film Industries for a while now. Tamil is a South Indian language and my mother tongue. Telugu is another South Indian language, from a state close to the one I was born in. My work in Indian film music never stops really. The same way my work with Carnatic music and my original music never stops. I'm deeply entrenched in all three streams of music, they all feed into each and make up who I am as an artist. Americans may not be aware of how the Indian Film Industry works. For those who are not mindful, what is Kollywood? Could you describe your time working in Kollywood and have you wanted to work in Hollywood? In India, popular music exists through the medium of film. AR Rahman (he won the Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire) is the largest figure in Indian music and he gave me my break back in 2012 with a Tamil song called Adiye from the film Kadal. The song was a really unique mix of the blues and Tamil folk music, it became a cult hit. Since then, I've had a lot of really big records in India and it's given me a huge platform and fanbase. The Kollywood industry has been super kind to me. I grew up listening to AR sir's music, he's a genius and a guru to me. Working with him and getting advice from him has been a dream come true. My original music is very cinematic, I love playing with different sonic textures. I'd love to score a film one day. It's one of the many goals I've set for myself.
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EMMURD BY MITCH LOWE
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Stop two of the FOMO 2019 tour landed me in Adelaide, Australia. This years lineup consisted of Nicki Minaj, Amine, Kali Uchis, Mura Masa and many more though one act’s energy stood above them all, Rae Sremmurd. Id seen them the previous day at the Brisbane leg and knew I needed to run out with my Mamiya RB67 and grab a portrait!
I introduce myself to the guys who a idea. We are all set when the Mamiy Dark slide is out, shutter is cocked, f what is the problem but I run with it taken the shot instead of wasting th
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are friendly and open to the ya has a moment and wont fire. film is advanced. I have no idea t and thank the guys as if I had heir time.
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I head back to our media office and take the back and lens off and fire the camera to release the shutter. Now we are back in business but there is no way I am asking for a portrait again. I head out and decided to shoot some BTS style shots on the roll instead.
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Some of these images are what came out of this roll. I also learnt a simple lesson of taking a few BTS style shots before setting up a portrait to be 100% that the camera is on my side on the day. 73
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ARTIST TO WATCH
OMEN
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PHOTOS BY ANTHONY SUPREME
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Photos by : maddie Cordoba STYLING BY: Vosi_chic Assists: Adam Kargenian, River Harmony WORDS BY GREG GAGLIARDI
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"Music, art, and poetry became an emotional outlet for me."
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Q&A I understand that due to your father's job you've lived in various places. How did the constant change of surroundings affect you? Were you able to have close friends? I moved around so much due to my dads job in the construction business that it was difficult to establish long term friendships. Which only demented my social anxiety. Things like music, art, and poetry became an emotional outlet for me. In high school, you were in a band, when did you transition from a group to a solo career? In high school I was in a band with my friends, very Bob Dylan inspired. I played keys and sang backup vocals. My solo journey started when I recorded a duet cover of “a million kisses” by Romance on a Rocketship with the lead singer, Ryan. The cover quickly became the most played song on the bands myspace music page. They’re still making music and touring today as Crypt Trip.
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How have you used to social media to bolster your career? Social media became an important part of my early career. I developed a schedule and guideline for my instagram that would increase my reach and views. I posted cover videos frequently in hopes that someone with more connections in the music industry would find me and reach out. About a year ago Hitway contacted me, flew me out the same week, and we had the ep done within a few months. Social anxiety is challenging to deal with, could you explain what social anxiety is and how you cope with it. I understand your love of music has helped you. Anxiety and depression often come hand in hand, It effects everything from my social interactions, stage 88 performance, it follows me from my first to my last thoughts of the day. I used to pass out from my panic attacks but have since then learned to cope with them using medicinal marijuana. What advice would you offer to those who struggle with anxiety? I like to think of my anxiety and depression as my superpower as well as my darkness. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to emote or create art the way I do. I’ve lived my whole life fighting my disorder and am now learning to accept it as apart of me. I say, let your flaws be your strengths.
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My lyrics, sounds, and visuals all from a vibe I like to call “baby go
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I enjoyed your feature on the Trippie Redd song A.L.L.T.Y 3. Your lyric, "I got an Uzi filled with candy" summarized your image quite well. You appear to mix bad girl vibes with loud fluffy colors. Why is this? What inspires your appearance My lyrics, sounds, and visuals all stem from a vibe I like to call “baby goth”, aka “pastel goth”. Which to me, is everything with a light and dark contrast; pink and black, broken dolls, dead roses ect. I love Disney movies and horror films. And whenever you can see the beauty in something dark, that’s my favorite.
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Face tattoos are trendy, could you describe yours? Moreover, did Lil Wayne, who arguably started the trend before it was fashionable, influence you?
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All my tattoos are reflections of my personality, memories, and struggles. They serve as reminders and they boost my self esteem. My favorite face tattoo is my butterfly, it’s a symbol of finding the light in my anxiety. To me anxiety feels like you constantly have the butterflies in your stomach. I also have memories as a child watching butterflies from the fields of my grandmothers old house in Texas. This allows me to associate my disorder wit something positive, recognizing the beauty is my darkness. Travis Barker was the first person that inspired me to get my face tattoo as a child, but didn’t actually get my first face tattoo until I was 22 in fear of rejection from job opportunities as a young mother.
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"I’m in creative control of my project and image down to photo shoot concepts, video sets, merch, and even wardrobe and prop shopping."
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What is something people don’t know about you, but should? Also, outside of music, how do you spend your free time? Have any hobbies? People may not be aware that I write my own lyrics, video treatments, design my own merch, all due to circulating rumors that I’m an “industry plant”. I’m in creative control of my project and image down to photo shoot concepts, video sets, merch, and even wardrobe and prop shopping. I also want to direct my own horror films in the future. As well as write books, comics, animated movies, a bdsm kink inspired clothing line, a cannabis bakery, and eventually services and organizations to assist homeless people and animals, young mothers, children with disabilities, medicinal marijuana, lgbt+ rights among a few other issues that I feel are important and close to me.
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PHOTOS BY A N T H O N Y SUPREME
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COLDE WORDS BY GREG GAGLIARDI + Jennie Lee (Passport Seoul) PHOTOS BY KEUNDO SONG
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Q+A
Q1. What is the meaning of your name "Colde"? ‘콜드’ 라는 이름의 뜻이 궁금하다.
특정 단어들이 주는 고유의 느낌을 좋아한다. ‘Cold’ 라는 단어가 주는 특유의 느낌을 늘 좋아하 다 보니 자연스럽게 쓰게 됐다. I like how certain words give certain impressions. I always liked the impression of the word, ‘cold,’ so I took the name from it.
Q2. What was it like growing up in South Korea? Also, where in South Korea were you born? 한국에서 자라나는 환경은 어땠는지 궁금하다. 한 국의 어느 지역에서 태어났는가. 한국은 매우 빠르게 움직이고 변화하는 곳이다. 그 래서 어릴 때부터 많은 것을 빠르게 흡수할 수 있었 다. 나는 과천이라는 도시에서 태어나고 쭉 자랐다. Korea moves and changes rapidly. Growing up, I was able to absorb many different things in a fast pace. I was born and raised in a city called Gwacheon.
Q3. Did you always want to be a musician or did something, or someone influence you to begin your career? Also, did you face pressure from your parents to pursue a job that was not music related? 늘 뮤지션이 되고 싶었는가. 혹은 어 떤 일이나 누군가로부터 받은 영향 이 음악을 시작한 계기가 되었는가. 부모님이 음악을 반대하는 등의 갈 등을 겪은적은 없었는지 궁금하다. 늘 무언가를 창작하는 일을 하고 싶 었다. 그게 디자인이든 음악이든, 무 언가를 만든다는 것에 열망이 있었 다. 감사하게도 부모님은 그런 나를 늘 믿어주시고 응원해주셨다. I’ve always wanted to be a “creator.” Whether design or music, I aspired to creating something. Thankfully, my parents have always been supportive and had faith in me.
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Q4. Something I find exciting about you is that you're a part of a Lo-fi/PBR&B duo, offonoff, but your solo music is Hip-hop/R&B. Why is the music you make as a solo artist different than what you make as offonoff? 개인적으로 인상깊은 점은 Lo-fi/PBR&B 장르의 음악을 하던 오 프온오프 때와 달리, 콜드는 Hip-hop/R&B 장르의 음악을 한다 는 점이다. 솔로 아티스트로서 콜드만의 차별화된 음악을 하는 이 유가 궁금하다. 모든 사람들에게 여러가지 면이 있듯이 나 역시 아티스트로서 여 러가지 ‘색깔’이 있다. 오프온오프라는 하나의 팀일때의 색깔과, 나 자신을 표현하는 솔로 아티스트로서의 색깔이 다른건 자연스 럽다고 생각한다. I believe everyone is multifaceted. Likewise, I have many “shades” as an artist. I am one shade as a part of offonoff, and a different shade as a solo artist. The difference came naturally. 104
Q5. How do you balance a solo career and work as a duo? 콜드의 솔로 활동과 오프온오프로서의 듀오 활동 비중은 어떻게 유지하고 있는가. 지금은 솔로 활동에 집중하고 있지만, 항상 오프온오프를 생각한 다. 오프온오프는 나와 분리될 수 없다. 지난 3년동안은 오프온오 프가 큰 비중을 차지해왔다면, 지금은 각자 시간을 보내며 서로 다 른 경험을 쌓아가는 중이다. I’m currently focused on my solo career, but I always think of offonoff. It’s inseparable from me. If the past three years have been gravitating toward offonoff, we are now spending our time individually, building up different experiences.
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Q6. Could you talk about your creative process? How do you create a song and how do you repurpose an idea or a feeling as a song? 콜드의 창작과정이 궁금하다. 음악 작업은 어떻게 하는지, 떠오르는 영감이나 감정을 어떻 게 음악으로 승화시키는지 등을 설명해달라. 다양한 곳에서 영감을 받는 편이다. 영화의 한 장면, 사람들과의 대화에서 나오는 어떤 흥 미로운 이야기들이나, 평소 떠오르는 소재들을 생각날 때 마다 메모해둔다. 이렇게 영감들 을 모아두었다가 음악 작업을 할 때 꺼내와서 적용시킨다. I get inspirations from various sources - for instance, a scene from a movie, interesting stories from conversations, and random ideas that come into my mind - and take notes on those thought-provoking occasions. When making music, I go back to these archived inspirations and use them. Q7. Who are your musical influences? 콜드의 음악적 인플루엔서들은 누구인가. 쳇 베이커, 다프트 펑크, 퍼렐 윌리엄스, 카니예 웨스트, 너바나, 등. Chet Baker, Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Nirvana, etc.
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Q8. I understand you're based in Seoul. What is the music scene like in Seoul? Which genre of music is the most popular, and how do people listen to music? Are there night/dance clubs and famous venues people attend? 콜드가 기반을 두고 있는 서울의 음악씬은 어떠한가. 어떤 장르의 음악이 가장 대중적으로 인기가 있는지, 그리고 사람들이 어떤 경 로로 음악을 듣는지 궁금하다. 사람들이 많이 가는 유명한 댄스클 럽 혹은 음악 베뉴는 어디인가.
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서울 음악씬은 트렌드에 빠르게 반응한다. 다양한 장르가 대중적 으로 소비되지만, 젊은 세대에게는 힙합과 케이팝이 여전히 강세 이다. 간혹 사람들이 음악 스트리밍 플랫폼 차트에 영향을 받아, 따 로 취향을 두지 않고 음악을 듣기도 하는 기이한 현상을 볼 수 있 다. 이런 모습은 좀 아쉽다. The music scene of Seoul reflects trends instantly. While a variety of music genres are commonly consumed, Hiphop & K-pop continue to be the most popular genres among younger generations. Oddly, some people tend to listen to music according to charts created by music streaming platforms, rather than by their own taste. I wish there could be a better way. 요즘 내가 좋아하는 서울의 유명한 베뉴는 이태원에 위치한 Soap Seoul 이라는 클럽이다. 그 곳에서는 다양한 장르의 음악을 플레 잉하는 디제이들의 파티가 매주 열린다. 내한 공연과 로컬 이벤트 가 끊임없이 펼쳐지니, 서울에 온다면 꼭 가보기를 추천한다. The best club in Seoul right now – and one of my favorites – is called Soap Seoul in Itaewon. Every weekend, Soap hosts amazing parties with local and/or overseas DJ’s playing various genre of music. I highly recommend you to visit there when you are in town.
Q9. What is your dream venue to perform at and why? 꼭 서보고 싶은 꿈의 베뉴 무대가 있는가. 있다면 그 이 유도 궁금하다. 진짜 나의 노래를 진심으로 즐기고 좋아하는 관객들이 있는 곳이라면 어디든지 상관없다. 꿈의 무대는 따로 없다. As long as there is audience who truly enjoys and likes my music, it doesn’t matter where the stage is. There is no particular dream venue. Q10. What is the ideal way to enjoy your music? 콜드의 음악을 제대로 즐기는 방법이 있다면 무엇인가. 어떤 곡은 어두운 밤, 적은 불빛 아래에서 들으면 좋을 것이고, 또 어떤 곡은 강하게 햇살이 내리 쬐는 날에 들 으면 좋을 것이다. 정해진 정답은 없다. 그게 무엇일지 는 각자가 느끼는 대로, 분위기에 잘 어울리게끔 골라 서 들으면 더 재밌게 들을 수 있을 것이다. Some songs may be more befitting at dark night under a dim light, and some, on a sunny day with bright sunshine. There is no right or wrong answer. One could enjoy better by choosing the right song that fits the mood at that moment.
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Q11. More recently, K-pop/K-music has been well received by the global audience, transcending language or cultural differences. What do you think are some of the key elements about K-pop (including your own music) that makes it translate so well to other countries? 최근 케이팝(K-music)이 언어나 문화적 차이를 초월하며 전세계적으로 많은 팬들 에게 사랑받고 있다. 콜드의 음악을 포함하여, 케이팝이 국경을 넘어 사랑받는 데 큰 역할을 한 핵심적인 요소들이 무엇이라고 생각하는가. 한국 음악 시장이 전세계 팝 음악 시장에 내놓아도 손색이 없는 퀄리티가 좋은 컨텐 츠를 지속적으로 만들어 내고 있다. 특히 소셜네트워킹 프로모션 면에서 음악 팬들 을 생성하고 이끌어 나가는 파워를 갖고 있다고 생각한다. 나는 한국 음악 시장이 전세계 음악 시장을 이끌어갈 힘이 있다고 믿는다.
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Korean music market continuously creates unparalleled quality contents that prevail in the global pop music scene. Among others, its strength lies in the power of social media promotion that generates and drives music fans. I believe Korean music industry is capable of leading the global music industry.
Q12. Do you have any overseas artists that you wish to collaborate with? 함께 콜라보로 작업하고 싶은 해외 아티스트가 있는가. 기회가 된다면 IAMDDB, 골드링크, 퍼렐 윌리엄스, 프랭크 오션과 함께 작업해 보 고 싶다. If I get a chance, I’d love to collaborate with IAMDDB, GoldLink, Pharrell Williams, and Frank Ocean.
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Q13. Aside from music, what are your interests? 음악 이외의 취미는 무엇인가. 패션 , 요리 , 대화 , 독서 , 영화, 그리고 빈티지. Fashion, cooking, conversing, reading, movies and vintage.
Q14. You seem to enjoy fashion and have a great sense of style. What are some of your favorite brands and why is fashion important to you? 콜드는 패션과 스타일에 대한 감각이 굉장히 뛰어난 것 같다. 좋아하는 브랜드들은 무엇 이며, 왜 패션이 본인에게 중요하다고 생각하는가. 마르지엘라와 언더커버를 좋아한다. 패션은 자신을 표현할 수 있는 가장 원초적인 방법 이라 생각하기 때문에 중요하다. 112
I like Margiela and Undercover. Fashion is important because I believe it is one of the most fundamental ways of expressing oneself.
Q15. Last question. Your music has a warm, lush feeling of happiness perfect for a sunny day. How would you define ‘happiness’? 마지막 질문이다. 개인적으로 콜드의 음악은 따뜻하고 행복한 감정이 피어오르게 하는 힘이 있다고 생각한다. 콜드가 정의하는 ‘행복’이란 무엇인가. 나에게 행복은 항상 가까이에 있다. 그랬으면 하는 바람으로 노래를 시작하기도 했는데, 음악을 하다 보니 진짜 행복해진다고 느낀다. 그래서 다른 사람들에게도 그런 영향을 주 고 싶다. 행복은 정의하기 보다, 그냥 우리가 느끼면 된다고 생각한다. 모두가 행복했으면 좋겠다. Happiness is always nearby. I started music to be happy, and it makes me happier everyday. I want to share it with other people. Rather than defining it, I think we just need to feel it. I wish everyone to be happy.
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