The Royal Pirates have come back as RP. After consistently releasing albums since their debut in 2013, the boys took a year and four month break and have recently made their comeback with their third EP [3.3] on the first of this month. RP recently met with NewsEn to talk about what they were doing in that time, and what took them so long to complete the album.
Vocal Moon Kim explains, “We had recorded ten songs already, but had to start anew,” adding, “since James got hurt, it took us quite a while.” While James was walking into a restaurant one day, the door frame suddenly came crashing down on him and seriously hurt his wrist to the point where he may no longer use it. The aftermath of that accident is what has caused James to change positions from the bass guitar to the keyboard. To the bassist in James, this is a pain that can not be washed away.
“At first I was in a stupor. I didn’t even tell my family. Even though I am so far from them, I didn’t want to cause them trouble. Did I think about my fans? I did, a lot. I wanted to tell them, so they wouldn’t be so shocked.” (James)
James’ accident influenced much of the new album. Though you can not hear the sound of his bass, he was able to fill that emptiness with a new sound and still maintain RP’s unique musical color. Unlike the exciting songs like “Drawing The Line” and “Love Toxic”, the greatest change was that they came back with the serious and mature title song of “Run Away.” This came very naturally to them, as the Royal Pirates have filled the song with a sincerity that is not been interfered with by third parties. [3.3] is clearly different from the rest.
“Before we started working on the album we had a lot of talks about life with (Jung) Jaeyoon, who came on as our producer. It was difficult because the time we were away became longer, and James’ accident was hard on us too. I realized that not everyone is happy all the time. Since we were able to put our current feelings into our music, I thought that it became a lot more meaningful.” (EXSY)
“We changed so much that some may think we aren’t even the same band we were before. If you listen carefully, even my voice has changed a bit. I used a sweeter voice before, but now I sing with the bass tone I use while speaking, so the sound has gotten a lot heavier.” (Moon Kim)
This change also has a lot to do with Producer Jung Jaeyoon’s free directing. Not only does he actively accept the members’ opinions, he also made sure that the finishing on the music was perfect. He allowed the members add their own color to their music, to determine the flow and arrangement to their hearts’ content. Moon Kim specifically points out the fourth track on [3.3] “U & I”, explaining, “It has a funky feel to it that carries weight from the past, and is a song that perfectly blends the past and the present together.”
The RP members all took part in the lyrics-writing and composition on this album. Since there was a producer on scene, there weren’t many times where they had clashes in opinion, but that does not mean there weren’t concerns. EXSY says, “If I think about it now, the first method isn’t always the right one.” Moon Kim also adds, “We were looking to find our band’s identity.” Moon Kim wanted to make popular band music and James carried an interest in metal, so as musicians, they each wanted something different.
“We didn’t really know what direction to take. There were clearly things we each liked, but we weren’t able to find something that was purely ours. As we began working with Jaeyoon-hyung, it felt like we were becoming one. This album is fully our own.” (EXSY)
This album contains elements that the three all equally like. Moon Kim enjoyed singing in the wider musical range of up and low tempo, and EXSY was able to improvise on his drum performances. It became clear to them how to express their music.
“Things I regret? I regret that I couldn’t be of more help while working on this album. It would have been great if my opinions could have been reflected a little more, so I have a little regret. Even so, I’m satisfied and proud of it. There are so many songs in our song warehouse now. I want to quickly let you all hear them.” (James)
“I wanted to write a really magnificent rock ballad. I think it would be extremely great to sing at a concert. There are those ones that start off calmly then rise to a really great climax, you know? A song like the movie Warrior’s OST by The National, “About Today.”” (Moon Kim)
While James while lying in a hospital bed, members Moon and EXSY practiced much more than usual, and made a lot more music. Though they could have been frustrated, could have tried to force themselves to come back sooner, they bided their time. They were able to put their feelings of overcoming this difficult time into their album, and make wittier music with their now more matured minds. Though member James might need a little more time, this album definitely became a way for RP to show a different side to themselves.
“I want to try making the next album like this one. I imagine it every day before I sleep. I draw an image of three guys in suits, performing at Las Vegas. Tonight is the greatest in my life. In that atmosphere, people will listen to our songs and really enjoy it. This album is really honest and good. I can’t say that it’s 100 points out of 100 but I want to play it for someone, I’m more certain than ever, I’ve gained confidence as part of this band. It’s fun. Even if there are difficult times, I can enjoy it if they are people here doing it with me. I’ve become more at ease.” (Moon Kim)
“I’ve aired out my heart. I don’t feel like I have to make a lot of money; I’m only making music because I like being with my friends. Before, I would worry about money and about our popularity but I can let all of that go and only think about making good music.” (EXSY)
“Because of the accident I’ve switched to a new instrument. I think it’s because of that that I am able to be thankful for everything. I don’t know when I will die, so now I want to try my hardest in everything I do. Through my choices, I am able to feel happiness. The scar on my wrist? Now it’s nothing. I don’t care about it.” (James)
All RP wants is for people to know their music, to continue to empathize and have exchanges with each other. After almost having lost their chance, if there is an opportunity for them to go and spread their name, they would like to take it. In conclusion they revealed, “We hope that a lot of people can listen to our music” and “It would be great if things go well.”
♦ Newsen Reporter Kim Dasom | Photographer Pyo Myeongjoong
♠ English translations by setsailroyalpirates, please credit. ^^~
