:: 20 Feb 2013
Special Interview
D-LITE BIGBANG
A wish for a solo album ties with the Japanese heart
Bigbang, the most influential group in Asia right now. The five talented members ended their world tour in 12 countries in January which made 800,000 fans go wild. However, they have already set their eyes into the future. Vocal D-LITE has set his eyes in Japan, by releasing his Japanese cover album on the 27th of February.
Why did he wanted to pursue his solo activities in Japan? He replied to this interview using his husky but warm unique voice.
Using music and humor.. I would like to transmit my voice to everybody, because bringing hope to others is my dream.
The secret plan
KFUN: Although Bigbang are regular customers of Korean fun’s cover page, but today it’s only a solo interview. There will be rows of D-LITE’s photo in Japan’s convenience stores!
D-LITE: Oh? Really? Thank you very much.
KFUN: At the start, why did you decide to pursue your solo activities in Japan during this period of time? Is it because of the dome tours you did in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka which mobilized 300,000 fans?
D-LITE: It has nothing to do with it. I have always liked J-pop since young. 4 years ago, DAISHI DANCE san produced “Haru Haru” and “My Heaven” for Bigbang. It was when I began having more interest in Shibuya-Kei and I went to search more and listen for it.
KFUN: Did you long for J-pop?
D-LITE: When listening to J-pop, I did hope to perform on stage on day. However the plan was only executed in July after the company discussed it with me. I think this is a good opportunity, thus it has such a result.
KFUN: Any secret plans while carrying out your solo activities?
D-LITE: It was just nice that V.I was also carrying out his solo activities in Japan, I was also recording for my album. Nobody knew about it! (laugh)
KFUN: When V.I san appeared in Japanese TV programs it was last year’s summer. I really did not notice.. What is Japan to D-LITE san?
D-LITE: In my heart, Japan is a very huge “stage”. For this, I have always held thanks in my heart. Korea and Japan has a near yet far relationship. However I like the culture in Japan and also the food. Also, the fans here like our music and our live, this is what I am most thankful for.
KFUN: It is a really happy thing looking at other people’s happy faces.
D-LITE: Because I have always wanted to be a person who can bring hope to people, this is my dream. Being a singer now is my most important job. Using music, my voice, to bring hope to listeners. When appearing on variety shows, I will use jokes to bring hope to people. My dream will never end. I have to work harder.
KFUN: Bigbang had a total of 48 performances in 12 countries from March last year to January this year. Amongst it was a performance in front of 50,000 fans in one of the dome tours. Is that considered special?
D-LITE: How we feel while standing on stage is the same regardless of where we are. However for the dome tour, our fans supporting atmosphere and warmth is different. They were really passionate and the energy felt is also different.
KFUN: When you are so excited on stage, will you be unable to fall asleep at night?
D-LITE: I sleep very well (laugh). Each member has their own way of getting over it, however there are many times where we will have a show the next day, so I will always sleep early.
KFUN: Won’t the 5 of you get to the pub or club together?
D-LITE: When the concert ends we will eat dinner together and drink alcohol too.
KFUN: Are all of you good at drinking alcohol?
D-LITE: Sol and me are good. However TOP likes it a lot too. He loves red wine. V.I loves sakae.
KFUN: Will there be any changes after consuming alcohol?
D-LITE: Compared to Sol and me, the other 3 will get drunk first. Normally I don’t drink alcohol, however after drinking I will still behave myself. I have not drank till I forgotten my memory. I am able to control myself.
Using gut feelings to select J-pop famous songs
KFUN: Very good alcohol tolerance. Now, about your solo activities. “D’scover” album that will be released n 27th February has 10 cover songs. The title track “Singer’s Ballad” by Saito Kazuyoshi and other tracks can, it can be said as a new J-pop album.
D-LITE: Amongst the 200 J-pop songs, I trusted my gut feeling towards the song. I selected it based on how much warmth the song can send to the listeners. When listening to the songs in the album, I think even your inner heart can be warmed up. This is an album that can bring you happiness.
KFUN: Inside the album there are also songs like “Like Overflowing With Kindness” by JUJU, “Missing You Now” by MISIA, songs from female artists. Is it because of your famously known wide range of pitch which is why you are able to sing it smoothly?
D-LITE: Totally impossible!! I did not care about the pitch problem, I merely chose songs I liked. During recording, I was really frustrating over the high key. I was trying out again and again to find the key that is suitable for me.
Singing while looking to the left is a habit
KFUN: Speaking of that, when I saw D-LITE’s live photos, I noticed that whenever you sing high notes, your face tilts to the left very frequently. Is it because you are able to sing it more smoothly when you look to your left instead of looking straight?
D-LITE: Actually it doesn’t matter (laugh). It is my little habit. It is because I use my left hand to hold on to the microphone more frequently. I will change (laugh).
KFUN: No, you don’t need to change. Fans on your left will be especially happy. Famous producers such as Kameda Seiji, VERBAL (m-flo), Matsuo Kiyoshi and Sasaji Masanori was working on your album.
D-LITE: To re-arrange all the songs, I told the producers during discussion about how I felt after listening to the songs. For example, one of the song gives me a “There is warmth, warmth like cherry blossoms floating in the sky” feeling. It is difficult to express music via phrases, however the producers are all able to show the feeling that I want nicely.
KFUN: Your album title “D’scover” can also mean “discover”. When trying out J-pop what new discovery have you made?
D-LITE: For the 10 songs I’ve chosen, all 10 were actually famous Japanese songs. I discovered the different points in music that will make people happy. There are actually similarities between Japan and Korea.
I would like to show more colorful side of me during my first live
KFUN: You will start your one man live tour in March starting from Kobe World Memorial Hall and Nippon Budokan. Will the songs in the album be the main attraction?
D-LITE: As a solo concert for the first time, I would like to show everybody all sides of me. I hope fans feel the same way and we can both create a beautiful stage. I would prepare for the live in the mindset of letting people who don’t know D-LITE think that “Ah, so D-LITE is a person like this”.
KFUN: Speaking about D-LITE’s solo songs, “Look At Me Gwisoon” is a very popular song in Korea and Japan. Will you be singing trot this time too?
D-LITE: This is a secret (laugh). This time there are more band formations, however the setlist is not decided yet.
KFUN: Band? I heard that you’ve tried out guitar before, do you know how to sing and perform together?
D-LITE: I did practice guitar. However it is too difficult, I don’t think I might know how to play it..
KFUN: Other than guitar, you still have to spend time to train your muscles. During Bigbang’s live, SOL tore his clothes and revealed his muscular upper body. Will D-LITE strip during the solo live too?
D-LITE: In the past I have already started training muscles. However I don’t really like to strip. I can only show people my arm. I am quite shy..
KFUN: Your voice will be the main point. Who did you inherit your powerful voice from?
D-LITE: When I was young my parents will sing trot frequently. They sing when they are cooking at home, so I will listen to them every day. Our whole family will go to karaoke frequently too.
KFUN: Are you the type who wins singing competition in the streets?
D-LITE: During middle school while on a school retreat, I will sing karaoke occasionally with the teachers. At that time one of my teachers persuaded me to join the singing competition held by the school, which I won in the end.
KFUN: Were you scouted to join the industry?
D-LITE: When I was in middle school, I had a successful audition at “MBC academy” (which was built by a celebrity. After that for Bigbang, I had a successful audition as well in YG.
5 people who exchanges opinions in the chatroom
KFUN: Are the other 4 members of Bigbang so talented back then?
D-LITE: Gdragon and SOL has already been in YG a very long time ago. The people in the office told us “The two of them are already professional, the three of you (D-LITE, TOP, VI) must work hard and chase up to their standards.”
KFUN: So at the beginning you already wanted to chase up with them?
D-LITE: At the start when we all began our dance lessons, I will be at the back looking at the members movements. For me, it is my first time learning dancing. When I saw G-dragon and SOL’s moves, I thought that “Ah, they are really professional”.
KFUN: Starting from April, Bigbang’s leader G-dragon will also be starting his tour in Japan. Before that, when your leader knew that you were going to have your solo activities, did he say anything to you?
D-LITE: Definitely yes. We have a chatroom within ourselves. When the other members have solo activities, all 5 of us will give our opinions in the chatroom.
KFUN: For this promotional period, did you rest well and relax in Japan?
D-LITE: I am still working in Korea, so I am always flying back and forth. A few years ago I have already wanted to visit Japan’s hot spring and ski resorts but the only member to have visited the hot spring is SOL. I have really no time..
KFUN: What is your impression about Japanese females?
D-LITE: Their gentle impression is very strong. They have a pretty smile too and a very feminine impression.
KFUN: How do they look like when they are angry?
D-LITE: For that I am not sure (laugh).
KFUN: As the comedic person in Bigbang, you have a vast experience in Korea variety programs. It seems like you have a lot of requests to appear in Japanese variety programs as well.
D-LITE: I watch the Japanese variety shows frequently and I really like it. However I do not have a good grasp of Japanese language. Although only VI and I appeared on variety programs, but actually the 5 of us together is very interesting.
KFUN: When listening to the content of all 5 of your conversations, fans will definitely be laughing. Then during the January Osaka dome concert, you mentioned that your goal this year is to have your eyes grow 2cm bigger, is that really your goal?
D-LITE: Half of it is true (laugh). During the student life, there are a lot of complicated feelings..
KFUN: As a member of Bigbang, what is your goal for this year?
D-LITE: This year we have plans to release a new album. If there is a good opportunity, we might have a bigger scale world tour.
KFUN: European Bigbang fans have also recommended another world tour!!
D-LITE: In different countries there will be a different atmosphere and response, so I am really happy during world tour.
KFUN: Lastly, please give a message for your Japanese fans!
D-LITE: Although I have done activities in Japan for 4 years, but I still thank all of you for your support. For last year’s ALIVE tour and DOME tour, it has become our precious experience. Thanks to this experience, I have further improved while on stage. I hope “D’scover” can be an album where everybody wants to place the CD beside them. I hope people who are sick can recover from their sickness when listening to this album and I also hope that people who are enjoying the moment right now can be even happier.
6 questions for D-LITE
1. What kind of character do you have?
Afraid of new things.
2. What must girls say to make you happy?
Very awesome! (yabai)
3. When you shower where do you start from?
Head
4. The Japanese artist you like?
Mana Ashida, after watching Beautiful Rain
5. The place you frequent the most in Japan?
Shibuya
6. The type of girls you like?
Girls who are feminine. When together, I can relax. Someone who gives me inspiration.
D-LITE BIGBANG
A wish for a solo album ties with the Japanese heart
Bigbang, the most influential group in Asia right now. The five talented members ended their world tour in 12 countries in January which made 800,000 fans go wild. However, they have already set their eyes into the future. Vocal D-LITE has set his eyes in Japan, by releasing his Japanese cover album on the 27th of February.
Why did he wanted to pursue his solo activities in Japan? He replied to this interview using his husky but warm unique voice.
Using music and humor.. I would like to transmit my voice to everybody, because bringing hope to others is my dream.
The secret plan
KFUN: Although Bigbang are regular customers of Korean fun’s cover page, but today it’s only a solo interview. There will be rows of D-LITE’s photo in Japan’s convenience stores!
D-LITE: Oh? Really? Thank you very much.
KFUN: At the start, why did you decide to pursue your solo activities in Japan during this period of time? Is it because of the dome tours you did in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka which mobilized 300,000 fans?
D-LITE: It has nothing to do with it. I have always liked J-pop since young. 4 years ago, DAISHI DANCE san produced “Haru Haru” and “My Heaven” for Bigbang. It was when I began having more interest in Shibuya-Kei and I went to search more and listen for it.
KFUN: Did you long for J-pop?
D-LITE: When listening to J-pop, I did hope to perform on stage on day. However the plan was only executed in July after the company discussed it with me. I think this is a good opportunity, thus it has such a result.
KFUN: Any secret plans while carrying out your solo activities?
D-LITE: It was just nice that V.I was also carrying out his solo activities in Japan, I was also recording for my album. Nobody knew about it! (laugh)
KFUN: When V.I san appeared in Japanese TV programs it was last year’s summer. I really did not notice.. What is Japan to D-LITE san?
D-LITE: In my heart, Japan is a very huge “stage”. For this, I have always held thanks in my heart. Korea and Japan has a near yet far relationship. However I like the culture in Japan and also the food. Also, the fans here like our music and our live, this is what I am most thankful for.
KFUN: It is a really happy thing looking at other people’s happy faces.
D-LITE: Because I have always wanted to be a person who can bring hope to people, this is my dream. Being a singer now is my most important job. Using music, my voice, to bring hope to listeners. When appearing on variety shows, I will use jokes to bring hope to people. My dream will never end. I have to work harder.
KFUN: Bigbang had a total of 48 performances in 12 countries from March last year to January this year. Amongst it was a performance in front of 50,000 fans in one of the dome tours. Is that considered special?
D-LITE: How we feel while standing on stage is the same regardless of where we are. However for the dome tour, our fans supporting atmosphere and warmth is different. They were really passionate and the energy felt is also different.
KFUN: When you are so excited on stage, will you be unable to fall asleep at night?
D-LITE: I sleep very well (laugh). Each member has their own way of getting over it, however there are many times where we will have a show the next day, so I will always sleep early.
KFUN: Won’t the 5 of you get to the pub or club together?
D-LITE: When the concert ends we will eat dinner together and drink alcohol too.
KFUN: Are all of you good at drinking alcohol?
D-LITE: Sol and me are good. However TOP likes it a lot too. He loves red wine. V.I loves sakae.
KFUN: Will there be any changes after consuming alcohol?
D-LITE: Compared to Sol and me, the other 3 will get drunk first. Normally I don’t drink alcohol, however after drinking I will still behave myself. I have not drank till I forgotten my memory. I am able to control myself.
Using gut feelings to select J-pop famous songs
KFUN: Very good alcohol tolerance. Now, about your solo activities. “D’scover” album that will be released n 27th February has 10 cover songs. The title track “Singer’s Ballad” by Saito Kazuyoshi and other tracks can, it can be said as a new J-pop album.
D-LITE: Amongst the 200 J-pop songs, I trusted my gut feeling towards the song. I selected it based on how much warmth the song can send to the listeners. When listening to the songs in the album, I think even your inner heart can be warmed up. This is an album that can bring you happiness.
KFUN: Inside the album there are also songs like “Like Overflowing With Kindness” by JUJU, “Missing You Now” by MISIA, songs from female artists. Is it because of your famously known wide range of pitch which is why you are able to sing it smoothly?
D-LITE: Totally impossible!! I did not care about the pitch problem, I merely chose songs I liked. During recording, I was really frustrating over the high key. I was trying out again and again to find the key that is suitable for me.
Singing while looking to the left is a habit
KFUN: Speaking of that, when I saw D-LITE’s live photos, I noticed that whenever you sing high notes, your face tilts to the left very frequently. Is it because you are able to sing it more smoothly when you look to your left instead of looking straight?
D-LITE: Actually it doesn’t matter (laugh). It is my little habit. It is because I use my left hand to hold on to the microphone more frequently. I will change (laugh).
KFUN: No, you don’t need to change. Fans on your left will be especially happy. Famous producers such as Kameda Seiji, VERBAL (m-flo), Matsuo Kiyoshi and Sasaji Masanori was working on your album.
D-LITE: To re-arrange all the songs, I told the producers during discussion about how I felt after listening to the songs. For example, one of the song gives me a “There is warmth, warmth like cherry blossoms floating in the sky” feeling. It is difficult to express music via phrases, however the producers are all able to show the feeling that I want nicely.
KFUN: Your album title “D’scover” can also mean “discover”. When trying out J-pop what new discovery have you made?
D-LITE: For the 10 songs I’ve chosen, all 10 were actually famous Japanese songs. I discovered the different points in music that will make people happy. There are actually similarities between Japan and Korea.
I would like to show more colorful side of me during my first live
KFUN: You will start your one man live tour in March starting from Kobe World Memorial Hall and Nippon Budokan. Will the songs in the album be the main attraction?
D-LITE: As a solo concert for the first time, I would like to show everybody all sides of me. I hope fans feel the same way and we can both create a beautiful stage. I would prepare for the live in the mindset of letting people who don’t know D-LITE think that “Ah, so D-LITE is a person like this”.
KFUN: Speaking about D-LITE’s solo songs, “Look At Me Gwisoon” is a very popular song in Korea and Japan. Will you be singing trot this time too?
D-LITE: This is a secret (laugh). This time there are more band formations, however the setlist is not decided yet.
KFUN: Band? I heard that you’ve tried out guitar before, do you know how to sing and perform together?
D-LITE: I did practice guitar. However it is too difficult, I don’t think I might know how to play it..
KFUN: Other than guitar, you still have to spend time to train your muscles. During Bigbang’s live, SOL tore his clothes and revealed his muscular upper body. Will D-LITE strip during the solo live too?
D-LITE: In the past I have already started training muscles. However I don’t really like to strip. I can only show people my arm. I am quite shy..
KFUN: Your voice will be the main point. Who did you inherit your powerful voice from?
D-LITE: When I was young my parents will sing trot frequently. They sing when they are cooking at home, so I will listen to them every day. Our whole family will go to karaoke frequently too.
KFUN: Are you the type who wins singing competition in the streets?
D-LITE: During middle school while on a school retreat, I will sing karaoke occasionally with the teachers. At that time one of my teachers persuaded me to join the singing competition held by the school, which I won in the end.
KFUN: Were you scouted to join the industry?
D-LITE: When I was in middle school, I had a successful audition at “MBC academy” (which was built by a celebrity. After that for Bigbang, I had a successful audition as well in YG.
5 people who exchanges opinions in the chatroom
KFUN: Are the other 4 members of Bigbang so talented back then?
D-LITE: Gdragon and SOL has already been in YG a very long time ago. The people in the office told us “The two of them are already professional, the three of you (D-LITE, TOP, VI) must work hard and chase up to their standards.”
KFUN: So at the beginning you already wanted to chase up with them?
D-LITE: At the start when we all began our dance lessons, I will be at the back looking at the members movements. For me, it is my first time learning dancing. When I saw G-dragon and SOL’s moves, I thought that “Ah, they are really professional”.
KFUN: Starting from April, Bigbang’s leader G-dragon will also be starting his tour in Japan. Before that, when your leader knew that you were going to have your solo activities, did he say anything to you?
D-LITE: Definitely yes. We have a chatroom within ourselves. When the other members have solo activities, all 5 of us will give our opinions in the chatroom.
KFUN: For this promotional period, did you rest well and relax in Japan?
D-LITE: I am still working in Korea, so I am always flying back and forth. A few years ago I have already wanted to visit Japan’s hot spring and ski resorts but the only member to have visited the hot spring is SOL. I have really no time..
KFUN: What is your impression about Japanese females?
D-LITE: Their gentle impression is very strong. They have a pretty smile too and a very feminine impression.
KFUN: How do they look like when they are angry?
D-LITE: For that I am not sure (laugh).
KFUN: As the comedic person in Bigbang, you have a vast experience in Korea variety programs. It seems like you have a lot of requests to appear in Japanese variety programs as well.
D-LITE: I watch the Japanese variety shows frequently and I really like it. However I do not have a good grasp of Japanese language. Although only VI and I appeared on variety programs, but actually the 5 of us together is very interesting.
KFUN: When listening to the content of all 5 of your conversations, fans will definitely be laughing. Then during the January Osaka dome concert, you mentioned that your goal this year is to have your eyes grow 2cm bigger, is that really your goal?
D-LITE: Half of it is true (laugh). During the student life, there are a lot of complicated feelings..
KFUN: As a member of Bigbang, what is your goal for this year?
D-LITE: This year we have plans to release a new album. If there is a good opportunity, we might have a bigger scale world tour.
KFUN: European Bigbang fans have also recommended another world tour!!
D-LITE: In different countries there will be a different atmosphere and response, so I am really happy during world tour.
KFUN: Lastly, please give a message for your Japanese fans!
D-LITE: Although I have done activities in Japan for 4 years, but I still thank all of you for your support. For last year’s ALIVE tour and DOME tour, it has become our precious experience. Thanks to this experience, I have further improved while on stage. I hope “D’scover” can be an album where everybody wants to place the CD beside them. I hope people who are sick can recover from their sickness when listening to this album and I also hope that people who are enjoying the moment right now can be even happier.
6 questions for D-LITE
1. What kind of character do you have?
Afraid of new things.
2. What must girls say to make you happy?
Very awesome! (yabai)
3. When you shower where do you start from?
Head
4. The Japanese artist you like?
Mana Ashida, after watching Beautiful Rain
5. The place you frequent the most in Japan?
Shibuya
6. The type of girls you like?
Girls who are feminine. When together, I can relax. Someone who gives me inspiration.
Source: Korean Fun/KFun
Translated by: nakedae@SMILEHOLIC www.dsholic.com
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