Asia News Agency met with the rock band Royal Pirates to discuss what they have been doing recently, as well as their music, and aspirations for the future. From left to right: Sooyoon, Moon Kim, James Lee (cr. Apple of the Eye)
There’s a rock band whose skill and nature are as good as their looks. They are the Royal Pirates, who broke into the music industry in 2013 with their single album “Shout Out”.
Royal Pirates is a three member global rock band hailing from California, comprised of the members ▶ Guitarist and vocalist, Moon Kim ▶ Drummer Sooyoon ▶ Bassist James Lee. The band has been gaining popularity both in Korea and overseas with their music that is a mix of traditional rock and pop.
They’ve recently participated in the Asia Music Network showcase, and have met with the Asia News Agency to discuss their current and future activities in music.
♦ The following are questions to and answers from the Royal Pirates
Q. For the past year, while you’ve paused all promotional activities, how have you been spending that time?
A. In August and September of 2014 after concluding our “Love Toxic” and “Love Toxic Deluxe Version” promotions, we suffered from member injury and internal problems, so promoting has been quite difficult. So that we can meet the fans again, we’ve been immersed in working on our songs and practicing.
Q. We know that the bassist James has recently suffered from an injury. Has this been a hindrance to your promotional activities?
A. While James was meeting with friends, he was met with an unfortunate accident that hurt his wrist, and therefore he is not able to partake in this interview. On this Asia Music Network stage, we will do our best to perform so as to lessen the effect of James’ empty space. All schedules and even the album reveal will be postponed and determined by the course of James’ recovery. We think we will be able to proceed by the end of the year.
Q. We’ll pray for James’ quick recovery, then. What sort of bar are you seeking to set through your participation in the Asia Music Network Showcase?
A. Through previous promotions we were able to have performances in Thailand and Japan, but since there hasn’t been a traditional rock band in China, we would like to use this opportunity to show our music to not only Chinese fans, but also any other Asian countries.
Q. Based on looks alone, you have amazing popularity in Korea and overseas, comparable to other bands in the spotlight, such as CN BLUE and FT Island. On the other hand, do you feel any uneasiness regarding your lack of awareness?
A. As a band who has started since they were young and come to Korea, we still have a lot to show. Since we are a band, we can only age and become more refined with time, so we believe that our awareness will continue to rise. We want to be judged on our music, rather than on our looks.
Q. What is “Royal Pirates” music oriented to?
A. Our music is a mix of traditional rock while maintaining a pop feel. People who listen to our music should do so with the ease of listening American music. Since we believe the music should be enticing on both a musical and personal level, we will work hard to make and share music that we ourselves like, so that others can also enjoy it.
Q. We know that there are some fans who are saddened by the fact that you haven’t been promoting for a year now. Can you say a word to your fans now?
A. First and foremost, we would like to say a word of thanks to the fans who have been waiting for us to return. Due to various things, we haven’t been able to continue smoothly with promotions. We’re working hard, and taking this opportunity as a new start. If you wait a little longer for us, sooner or later we’ll come to you with an even better album.
Q. Lastly, please tell us about any future plans and resolutions.
A. In the future, using the thought that “this promotion is our last” we will continue to work hard and overcome any obstacles that we my face. There are still so many things we have yet to show, and so many things we have yet to do, so please look after us.
Meanwhile, since their debut in 2013, the Royal Pirates have been gaining awareness in Korea and overseas through frequent appearances in radio. We anticipate seeing whether the Royal Pirates will be able to transform “K-POP” into “K-ROCK” and become new representatives of Hallyu.
Recently the rock band Royal Pirates has met with Asia News Agency to relay their thanks to Korean fans and reveal promises for the future. From left to right: James Lee, Moon Kim, Sooyoon. (cr. Apple of the Eye)
[Asia News Agency | Reporter Park Dongsun] (x)
Translation credits to setsailroyalpirates.
