The three-man group, Epik High (Tablo, Mithra Jin, DJ Tukutz), has experienced many changes over the past year. Tablo and DJ Tukutz married and DJ Tukutz was drafted into the army. They also left their agency, Ullim Entertainment, and established their own record label, “Map the Soul.” However, they returned to Ullim Entertainment last December.
Epik High released the special album “Epilogue,” and Tablo and Mithra were interviewed on March 9. DJ Tukutz is still in the military. They said they accumulated precious experience by forming their own label. Tablo said, “I don’t think we failed in the business. We made a direct dealing with music fans on the Internet and introduced Korean music to the whole world through YouTube and iTunes. I realized the power of media and importance of different methods in order to meet music fans' expectations."
By their own estimation, they gained some positive results by announcing their music to the world. The group had concerts in Japan and the U.S. last year and opened a showcase at the International Media Music Exhibition held in Kahn, France in January. In addition, they recorded for a later broadcast of the CNN program “Talk Asia” last month. They said, “We were surprised that the CNN anchor said Epik High is popular in Europe and the U.S. The anchor asked us how we develop marketing strategy overseas.”
However, they said they returned to their previous agency because they also knew the importance of traditional media such as TV and radio. They said, “It was not easy for us to sing songs as well as operate the company. After we returned to Ullim Entertainment, we felt relaxed again and now realize the importance of the agency.”
This latest album by Epik High consists of light music, like their 4th album. They did not receive a good response from music fans when they released their 6th album. The two members said, “At that time, we were confused because of the sudden change. There was a lot of pressure because it was the last album before DJ Tukutz entered the military.” They said they realized that music would need to give hope to people after releasing their 6th album.
Tablo said, “I had recorded the narration for the documentary of ski jumper Kang Chil-gu, who had been sidelined in the Olympic Games. There are many athletes who have devoted themselves to the Olympic Games even though they are sometimes invisible to us. However, we resolve that we will also do our best in our lives through their lives. I hope my music gives hope and life energy to people like those athletes."
In this album, Tablo wrote all of the songs and Mithra Jin wrote the lyrics and arranged the music. They named the album “Epilogue,” which signifies a wrap up of their music for the last year. They included songs that they had written three years ago in the album. Epik High’s unique style was expressed in all of the songs in the album. The title song “Run,” mixes speed and rhythm with literary lyrics. The song encourages people who can’t move forward to take one step at a time with all their might. Tablo, who married actress Kang Hye-jung, wants it to be the first song his baby listens to.
They said the song “Coffee” might suit female fans’ tastes, and the song “Wordkill” portrays how people sometimes say the cruelest words to their loved ones. The songs “Blossom,” which compares a blossom with playing the piano, and “Forest,” which contains the sweet and mellow tones of the harp, feature oriental melodies. “Over” is a song that has words in English. Tablo said his marriage did not change his music life, but he made music with a warm heart due to his wife and his baby on the way.
Tablo added, “I love my wife very much. We named the baby inside my wife’s womb “Bolt,” which signifies a fight for justice. I would like to help my kid to be creative and free instead of putting pressure on my kid. I will encourage my kid to play independently and freely such as making toys his or her own toys. My wife and I have very similar opinions regarding raising children."
Epik High is making another album after finishing this album. In particular, Mithra Jin is working with enthusiasm. Mithra said, “I am directing the recording of the raps for the idol group Infinity, which will be debuting sooner or later. Tablo and I will teach them to make their own music by themselves. The group is going to become a great group different from other idol dance groups."
KBS Global