[Interview] 'What the K-pop' : 'WTK's Exclusive Interview With Eclectic K-Pop Solo Artist 'ARTLOVER (아트러버)'

(Image. WTK)

WTK : How did you decide to transition from fashion to music? What inspired the change?

ARTLOVER : I always thought about becoming a musician, but I felt that it’s an unrealistic dream. At a certain point, I realised that I had learned enough from my make-up career and gained experience that I could use to help me navigate the world of music. It kind of happened naturally for me, gradually shifting. 

WTK : Do you find it easier to be in front of the cameras or more difficult? What are some of the specific challenges you have faced as you began your career with music?

ARTLOVER : At the first I was confused but soon I understood and I could focus on the camera and it became much easier.

 

My biggest challenge was having to depend on my ears rather than my eyes.

 

WTK : There are not many Kpop artists based outside of Korea. Do you think it's possible to become a hit in Kpop regardless of your location? What difficulties have you found being based in London?

ARTLOVER : I think it’s possible. There are K-pop fans all of the world. And in a city like London, people are very open mined when it comes to multi cultural aspects, including music.

 

Being in London has also helped me get in contact with various writers. One of them being Max Billion who has worked with a lot of electronic producers and artists, such as Mark Needham, Oliver Nelson, Krono and Ember Island. He brought some interesting influences to my music, if I had worked out of Korea my music probably would have sounded quite different.

 

I haven’t encountered any difficulties yet with my music outside of Korea. However it’s quite expensive and I constantly need to work hard in order to survive.

 

WTK : What advice can you give to other singers who are not located in Korea and want to pursue a career in Kpop?

ARTLOVER : Believe in yourself.

 

WTK : As someone involved in fashion, how do you think that assists you in your music career as well?

ARTLOVER : I have learned how to express myself as an artist, but also I have learned the practical tools for bringing a vision to life. A good example of this is my music video for “Want U Back” which required both a clear vision and a practical strategy in order to be able to complete it.

 

WTK : We heard a lot of the jewelry and aesthetic in your debut music video came from your own collection and influence. Let's talk fashion for a moment... what are your 3 favorite things in your wardrobe?

ARTLOVER : One of my favorite things for sure I have a ring that my grandmother gave me a few years ago. Sometimes the value of something may exist because of the person who gave it to you.

 

Secondly, another favorite is a pair of diamond earrings from 18th century France. I call myself the queen of retro, so naturally I love antique jewelry with history and charm. I used this in the styling for the “Want U Back” music video for the black and white flashback scenes.

 

Thirdly, I found one amazing vintage blue dress from the 80’s, I will use this for my next music video. I can’t wait!

 

WTK : Fashion is a huge part of Kpop and what appeals to many people from the beginning when they first see a Kpop video. What do you think is the biggest trend right now that people should include in their own wardrobe?

ARTLOVER : I’ve started loving waist belts a few years ago. I like to collect all different kind of belts and mix and match with the garments. And now it has become popular as a retro fashion trend. Now is the perfect time to try it out!

 

WTK : Who is your favorite artist(s) in Kpop and Korea?

ARTLOVER : I like Kim Kwang-Seok who is a folk rock musician from 80’s.

 

WTK : Who is your favorite fashionista in Kpop and Korea?

ARTLOVER : Ohhyuk, I think he’s dresses cool.

 

WTK : If you could collaborate with one Korean/Kpop artist, who would it be and why?

ARTLOVER : People may guess my answer would an indie musician but even though my music is a bit more indie, I still like to do more of a melodic rap and from that perspective it would be amazing to work with G-Dragon or Zion T.

 

WTK : Who are some of the artists that have influenced you the most when it comes to music?

ARTLOVER : My music and fashion is inspired mostly from the 80’s and Michael Jackson is one of my favorites, I think he is a true musician, artist and entertainer.  

 

WTK : For people who haven't heard of you yet, how would you describe your music and tell fans why should they listen to you.

ARTLOVER : My music is a fusion of Hip-hop, Jazz and Rock. I use different influences to create my own vision and emotion. I want communicate with my audience through my influences and also through visuals such as videos and pictures. So people can hopefully expect something that they feel is quite unique, both sonically and visually.

 

WTK : Can you tell us a little bit about the experience of filming your first music video? The scenery and aesthetic of the music video were amazing! Did you face any particular challenges while filming? What was the best part?

ARTLOVER : Thank you so much! When I worked as a make-up artist, I used to check the screen. So standing in front of the camera was kind of different, I had to imagine the whole scenery because I couldn’t check the screen. During the shoot, at a certain point everything just felt right and it came together.

I felt that nature wanted to help me because the timing was perfect as everything was blooming out on the Swedish fields.

 

WTK : You have a very distinct sound and sense of fashion that comes off as a very independent and strong woman. What women have made the biggest influence in your own life? Any other celebrities that inspire you?

ARTLOVER : Firstly, thank you for kind the words. I like Madonna, seems like her passion is never ending. I admire that.

 

WTK : Can you tell us a little bit about your work as a makeup artists? What are some of your favorite projects that you have done/worked on?  Any interesting experience to share with fans?

ARTLOVER : One of my favorite shoots was a collaboration between ELLE and Pandora. Not only did I work on the shoot but I also got an opportunity to be exclusively interviewed by ELLE UK. I loved to be styled up and photographed by their team. I got to be featured with two other young talents (womens wear and a set designer) who also worked on the Pandora x ELLE shoot with me.

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/3oioGZ0iMj2lNlju2hjw5k?fbclid=IwAR1glV_M4tT3etc_I9Y15ECBaj63pUrUO9xFkB7Ho7qIQhR4EcFYrKwVmdU

iTunes https://music.apple.com/us/artist/artlover/1346187846

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/artlovermusic

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mynameisartlover

Twitter https://twitter.com/artlovermusic

Press Release;

What The K-pop http://www.whatthekpop.com/2018/08/30/wtks-exclusive-interview-with-eclectic-k-pop-solo-artist-artlover/