| OhMYStar Coverage / Reporter Lee Eonhyuk | Their debut in this country was in August 2013 but these boys have already thrown us a small bone through their overseas activities. They toured small clubs in America and even performed in some, and have stood on stage in Fashion Week in Singapore. Just before debut they also stood with Cho Yongpil, Pet Shop Boys, Earth Wind and Fire, and others at the SuperSonic 2013 festival stage.
Known as ‘RP’ for short, also known to be called “RoPa”, the Royal Pirates. They are not a band who had thoughts of debut in their minds when they started. After meeting in middle school at church, and spending 12 years together Moon (Kim Moonchul, 27) and Sooyoon (Kim Sooyoon, 26) met James (Lee Joohyun, 27) four years ago and formed a band.
“We were very compatible for some reason (about Sooyoon), it was a wonder. When I was little i really liked games but a hyung from church that played guitar told me, “It’s no good to play a lot of games. Sell your console.” That hyung sold it for me but got counterfeit money in return. He was so sorry he gave me his own guitar. From that point on I started playing guitar and singing.” (Moon)
Being together was natural for Moon and Sooyoon when they added James- with whom they had a “good affinity”- the Royal Pirates were complete. They started letting their music be known through performing in such clubs as Actor Johnny Depp operated club, Viper Room, and various other famous ones. They’ve never seen Johnny Depp but the time they spent on stage feeling the atmosphere so alive became a precious time for them.
Activities in an Unfamiliar Korea… “It wasn’t easy finding the camera’s “red light”.”
After uploading their performance videos on youtube and slowly catching the attention of netizens, the Royal Pirates chose to make their start in Korea. They began their start down a path that is quite different from their time performing freely in American clubs. Royal Pirates, who wanted to live not as celebrities but as musicians started going through their growing pains.
“In order to gain awareness as a band in Korea, we not only had to play music but also participate in other fields. We couldn’t just sell through our instruments (as musicians) but also through entertainment (as celebrities). There were a lot of things to learn. It was hard to adjust to the concept. At first I thought, “Why should we have to do this?” but now my heart’s opened enough to start thinking, “I can try other things.” (Sooyoon)
As by now they have appeared on music programs, it was confusing knowing when the camera’s “red light” would be coming, and knowing when the camera would be focusing on oneself. Not only that but on a broadcast they are not actually playing their instruments and have to hand-synch. Because many artists have to stand on stage in a limited amount of time, it’s something you have to sacrifice but from a band’s perspective it can become harmful to one’s pride.
“In order to practice for music programs, for two weeks we only did hand-synch. And not long ago I actually played the drums at Lee Minho’s solo concert. My hands hadn’t adapted and I didn’t have my normal strength regulation so my fingers got hurt and I bled. (laugh) It hurt but I didn’t know it then. Not long ago Kim Jongseo-sunbaenim said “Even though you hand-synch, it’s really good.” He told me I would need to have the basics of hand-syncing down. I felt really good.” (Sooyoon)
The Market for Bands is Poor But… “Even so, We will Survive.”
Royal Pirates released their RP “Drawing the Line” on the 15th and most of the songs on the album were made by the members. The track “You” is a track that the members even wrote the lyrics for. “Someday we don’t want to be forgotten by people who make music. People who like music more than anyone, music-loving people.”
At some point bands were considered the “roots” of popular music. But despite the overflowing amount of idol groups and the push for dance music becoming commonplace, recently it seems that band music will survive. Royal Pirates state, “Still (the band market) is poor and we’re at a disadvantage but our goal is to lead it to favorable circumstances.”
“I think I know a little of the reason there aren’t many bands active in Korea. It’s because we lack live systems and the time limits are inflexible. But in these cases it seems like self-esteem survives. ‘Even if it’s like this we can survive’ something like that? As long as the public can listen to band music we ought to be leading it.”
“In 2014, not matter if it’s big or small performances, we want to become closer to the public.” On the 29th the boys will be performing in Seoul, Gangnam-gu Shinsadong POP, at an acoustic performance. Starting with the country’s performance halls and going far to Europe, even dreaming of a tour, the Royal Pirates’ bright steps are something to anticipate.
