Interview: RUDE PAPER2
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With their recent release Radio, RUDE PAPER’s Koonta & RD are stirring up the airwaves and banishing the monotony of mainstream K-pop. With elements of reggae and electronica, hip-hop and R&B, this unique pair is moving towards a new horizon in the Land Of The Morning Calm. But for fans who are not familiar, RUDE PAPER seems to be much of an enigma. Who are these two creative young men? Well, they took some time out of their busy schedule to answer some questions with me, here for CrayonBeats. Read on for one of my personal favorite interviews, and get to know a little more about the guys behind RUDE PAPER.
Tiffny: For those who may not be familiar, please introduce yourselves?
RD: Hello~ This is RD from Rude Paper.
Koonta: I’m Koonta. RD+Koonta Siddarta = Rude Paper
Tiffny: How did the two of you come to form Rude Paper?
Koonta: We had similar thoughts on making music. We were not big fans of making music for someone else. So by trying to find new things, we figured if we worked together we could find something big So that is why we collaborated.
RD: We had different tastes in music. But we had similarities for the big picture, the goal on what we wanted to achieve. We never talked about forming a band, but as we worked with each other, we became colleagues.
Tiffny: Your first EP, Radio, took about two years to develop. What was your favorite part about creating the album?
RD: Well all of our work starts with me drawing a big picture and talking with koonta. Later we develop everything together. Personally, while composing for myself, seeing the big picture was the hardest part, but working with Koonta was my favorite time.
Koonta: We start with something that is ridiculous and develop that sound so that people can enjoy it. Even though we interrupt each other’s work, we accept that, and I think that’s why working together is the best part.
T: My favorite song on the EP is the title track “Radio”; it’s so surreal sounding. Which song on the EP is your favorite to perform?
K: We both like Radio the best. Hahaha But since every other track is our child too, we try to love them equally. Because our fans might like other tracks more. We try not to think about those questions.
T: The video for Radio is really funny (in a dark kind of way) and at the same time chill. Who came up with the concept?
RD: The music video came out really well. And all concepts were (as) intended.
K: The concept came from the director. The music video was made by digipedi team.. I saw their work in Lee-Juk’s “With You” music video and thought they did their work really well. And I found out RD has worked with them before. So we made our music video with them this time.
RD: This team digipedi is a team with diversity of character. So while we were working with them we were laughing all the time and drinking and playing a lot.
T: There’s been very good feedback and buzz surrounding the EP, and you two as a group in general. How does that make you guys feel, knowing you have fans across the globe?
RD: To tell you the truth, we have expected it little bit. Before we released the album lots of foreign musicians have given us good feedback. But we didn’t expect it to be this much. It was really surprising.
K: We are thankful. I have been making music like eating a lunch just because its lunch time but everyone is loving it. I still don’t know what is happening. hahaha
RD: But one thing is for sure, more good things are coming so expect more from us!!
T: What can fans expect when exploring your music?
RD: Our goal is to make good street music. Not the music that you can hear easily outside. But we also don’t want to say our music is experimental music. But we want to try to make something that only Koonta and I can make, and work hard to inspire people with our music.
Tiffny (To RD): The “RD” stands for “Real Dreamer” correct? Why that name?
RD: It is a really old name. I have been going by this name since high school when I started to compose music. I always have been dreaming about my future. I have been drawing many futures for myself during classes. When I first started in music I wanted to keep this dream forever and never change it, so that is why I made this name.
T: You’ve produced for a lot of really good artists. What’s your creative process when working with different talent?
RD: Well, I never produced the music by artist’s style and talent. So most of my outside work was with people who liked my tracks. For production I stick with my style. But for the recording I try to embrace the artists style.
T: Random Question: Since you’re “Real Dreamer” have you seen Inception? What did you think of it?
RD: Hahaha! I have never related my name with the movie Inception! I love the movie so much I have watched it three times in theater. It is a mind blowing movie.
Rude Paper – Joy by Rude Paper
T: What’s it like working with Koonta? Is he as crazy as he seems?
RD: Koonta is like an animal. When I’m working on music, I tend to use my instincts a lot but compared to Koonta, I’m nothing. When Koonta is making music he rarely thinks or wastes time. He has already done that during his daily life. He doesn’t even get hurt if I say during production that I don’t like the style that you are making. Why? Because he can make another style easily.
T: How do you feel Rude Paper stands out amongst the plethora of groups in K-pop right now?
RD: Haha~ We just released our debut album it is hard to say where we stand out amongst other groups, but we have felt that other groups were checking us before our debut.
T: Random: You mentioned to me that you visited Six Flags in St. Louis before. What’s your favorite roller-coaster?
RD: Sorry, it has been a long time I don’t even remember the name but it was roller coaster made out with wooden rail and it was extremely fast. It was really fresh and fascinating experience.
T: How does Six Flags compare to say…Lotte World?
RD: Lotte World is in middle of Seoul, so it feels like we are still trapped in the city. But wow, you really know a lot about Korea I’m really amazed.
Tiffny (to Koonta): Your previous work with Nuol (as Koonta in Nuoliunce) was very reggae and hip hop influenced. As a reggae artist in Korea, how have audiences received the type of music you make?
K: Korean people are not really interested with reggae music. They are interested in what the famous celebrities are making. And few Korean people have such a strong pride so they even tend to say that anything different than what they like is wrong. I have heard many people saying I need to change my voice tone. And I also heard not to sing reggae.
T: With this new project, do you feel you’ve grown as a musician?
K: I don’t really care about those things. If I were to stop doing music because of criticism I wouldn’t have started it in the first place. I don’t really care if I die tomorrow because I’ve already had lots of fun during my life time. So I don’t really expect anything. Even estimations of music. Hahahaha “Musician” … What’s that? Something like a driver’s license? Hahaha
T: Random Question: You really like SpongeBob, and even have him (and Patrick) tattooed on your arms. What’s your favorite SpongeBob episode?
K: Yeah!! SpongeBob! My favorite episode is an old one… when SpongeBob gives chocolate to Patrick for Valentine’s Day. I like SpongeBob……but I actually like Patrick more. Hahaha
T: What’s the best thing about working with RD?
K: They say warriors give their life to those who accept them. We accept and respect each other. That is the best thing about working with RD.
Rude Paper – All together now (feat. Nassun) by Rude Paper
T: Random Question: There are a couple of very funny (but old) videos of you on Youtube: One of you demonstrating tremolo, a vocal technique very popular in Reggae…and another of you bugging out to a remix of Sean Kingston’s Beautiful Girls. First, how long did it take you to master tremolo?
K: Ah… I don’t really know. One day I just realized I could do it. Drink and meet hot ladies… and watch SpongeBob. Huh?
T: (laughs) Secondly, you’re hilarious. Not really a question, just an observation.
K: Hahahaha! You will see more of my strange side. I just like to have fun. I’m big fan of Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller. They are both hilarious. Soon or later I’m going to die, so I think there is no reason to be serious all the time.
Rude Paper – Hardcore Boy by Rude Paper
T: In regards to Reggae, who’s your favorite artist…aside from Bob Marley?
K: Hahahaha ! I have too many.Well, among those my favorite would be Wyclef Jean~ he is really cool guy. He is like my grandfather. My grandfather was really cool guy. He has always thought about our country. In the end it ended tragically… So that’s why I think I’m a little closer with him.
Tiffny: Last question for both of you: For new and old fans, is there anything you’d like to put out there into the universe for them?
Koonta & RD: Even though we just started, you guys gave a huge interest in us, Thank you very much.We are planning on performing lots of live concerts, and we might have (a) concert on foreign soil. Please keep an interest in us. And please love our next album too!
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Oh, we will! Thanks again to the guys of RUDE PAPER for the interview, and make sure you check out the links below for more information:
RUDE PAPER HIVE (Official Website)
Koonta @ Twitter & Facebook | RD @ Twitter & Facebook
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Great interview, Tiff! They both seem like really cool, good-spirited guys. Fresh music, too.
Hahaha, that roller coaster he's talking about is called the Screamin' Eagle. I went to that Six Flags when I was young, and was too scared to ride it BECAUSE it's made of wood… and because the speed scared me a bit. But my brother (who's a year younger than I am) and dad did. Next time though!
Thanks, Tiff! Yeah, that’s what I like most about them, their personalities really reflect in their music!