In view of the long -awaited concert in Singapore of the Pop Leenalchi group, we deepen the creative process and the inspiration behind their music through an exclusive interview.
The inspiration behind the unique sound of Leenalchi
Leenalchi boasts a unique sound that blends traditional Korean elements, in particular the traditional art of the musical narrative “Pansori” with modern pop, funk and electronic music.
Pansori was the popular music of the Joseon dynasty. Although the traces of it remained in the commercial market until the 1980s, he began to gradually disappear from the 90s.
However, Leenalchi believed that there were still compelling elements in Pansori who could resonate with contemporary popular music and, based on this, they began to work there.
Pansori is more closely related to literature than to the musical form. First, a rhythm is established and then, while singing Pansori, the executor selects parts that find attractive. These selected parts may vary from a single beat to different sizes. Subsequently, the considerable effort goes to the reconstruction of these parts in a structure to which the contemporary public can refer.
The three singers from Leenalchi are all experts who graduated in Pansori and have trained widely for many years.
Exclusive interview
1. Can you disclose what prompted you to select “Sugungga” as inspiration for the reinterpretation?
There are five main stories of Pansori that have been handed down: “Chunhygga”, “Simcheonggga”, “Jeokbyeeokga”, “Heungboga” and “Sugungga”. Among these, “Sugungga” has the most playful and mischievous atmosphere.
Since Leenalchi’s music is designed to be something that people can have fun with a smile and dance, there was not much hesitation in the choice.
(“Sugungga” tells the story of the king of the Dragon of the Southern Sea, which can only be treated by his illness consuming the liver of a rabbit. A terrapine, one of the king’s servants, has volunteered to make the task of finding the Living rabbit. Then he deceived the rabbit in the building, but the rabbit quickly realized the truth and deceived the earth.)
2. Do you have any further plans to reinvent other traditional stories such as “Sugungga”?
There are no plans to work on a complete album with traditional stories such as “Sugungga”. However, we are open to events -based projects. For example, the song “Bird”, which was described in the recently transmitted drama “Jeonggyeon: The Star Is Born”, and the next performance of “Jebinojeonggi” (The Swallow’s Journey – Bidan Nanjang) at ACC (Asia Culture Center) in The second half of this year can be seen as projects in that context.
3. Are there any particular songs or artists who inspire members? Which are some of Your favorites?
Yi-h: Changes from time to time, but lately I have been to Sanullim. I love their eccentric but heavy atmosphere. I helped with lyric writing for the second album and every time I hit a creative block, I tend to revisit the songs of Sanullim.
Hyo-Jeong: An artist who really inspired me is the Grandmaster Pansori im Bang-Ul. In particular, I love the version of Jeokbyeokga published by Oasis Record Music Company – is simply fantastic !! The artists I constantly listen to and I love are Rhcp and the prodigy. These two always make me happy, it doesn’t matter when I listen to them. Recently, I really enjoyed balm Tiger. The more I listen to them, the more I think of a band called The Garden (to me too), and in a certain sense, Ethan also remind me, so they are really within them these days.
Yong-jin: It is a difficult question because from time to time it changes, but I imagine that the Beatles are the artists who inspire me most.
NODDY: In these days, I mainly listen to the playlists edited by Spotify and sometimes I like to discover new sounds from lesser known music.
6. How do you feel to perform in a foreign country like Singapore? You do have concerns and expectations on the difference compared to a servant concert?
There is really no “special” preparation to perform abroad. The challenges and joys of the stage are the same, whether they are in Korea or abroad. What we can offer is good music and a great performance. The show will go well until we practice and if the performance is fine, the tour will be comfortable. This simplifies the adaptation to a new environment and we can also enjoy this process.
7. What is your most memorable experience while you perform so far?
Hyo-Jeong: I can’t exactly remember if he was in Australia or New Zealand, but happened at the Womad Festival. While singing “Yaksseongga”, there was someone in the back who started dancing spontaneously. It was so well combined with the song that it looked like a perfect mixture of vocal, instrumental and dance art. It was a great feeling, as if we had created the stage with the public.
Yong-jin: Performance in Australia and New Zealand last year stands out. We performed at the Womad Festival and the way the public immersed in the festival was really impressive.
Su-in: The most memorable performance was our first tour abroad in Australia. I was so nervous for our first show that I finished to keep the microphone support as if it were a bus handrail for almost the entire 50 -minute set. Everything was so unknown, but it was a raw and honest moment of which they are both embarrassed and proud. It was a precious first experience in which I really felt that music could communicate beyond the language.
NODDY: The festivals abroad have certainly left me a strong impression. The public is always ready to have fun and each region has its unique culture, so I can experience something new every time. Among these, the performance at the Fusion Festival in Germany stands out. The atmosphere was so unique and of free spirit that seemed almost unreal.
8. Are there experiences that you can’t wait to have while in Singapore?
NODDY: It’s so cold in Korea right now, so I’m really happy just thinking of going to warm up Singapore. I want to enjoy time and clean air, swim and even tan.
Yong-jin: I hope we will have fun dancing and playing together with the audience in Singapore, losing ourselves at the moment!
Hyo-Jeong: I want to experiment with Singapore firsthand. If I can travel the paths that walk, eat the food you eat, listen to your language and communicate through our music, it will be happiness. I want to immerse myself in this and be a briefly part of your life. I think it is what is true communication and unity.
Su-in: Since it is a country that has endured the flow of dynamic history and is known for its culinary delights, I am excited to enjoy the vibrant culture of Singapore and make a delicious meal! ❤
Yi-h: Sing!
Future plans for Singapore
On the other hand, Since the end of last year, Leenalchi has gradually released singles from our next second album. We left “look at me, look at me” and “look at your step” in November, followed by “hihiha” in December. Our last track, “The God of Mud”, will be released in early February, with another new song scheduled for the end of the month. Their next performance in Singapore will offer a unique opportunity to experience the past, present and future of Leenalchi, all in a show.
In addition, the Singapore concert of Leenalchi will be the first live performance of the two new songs that will be released in February.
