Peculiar but popular: all-rounder rapper “Quak-E”

I write my own lyrics, compose, arrange songs, rap and I even made an album cover for my mix tape album called [Braces]. I wanted to be outstanding in various aspects so that’s why I used ‘All-rounder’ as my modifier. If you must ask, I’d rather say that the style I pursue is ‘peculiar but popular, and yet not excessive’ (laugh)

Q. Hello, can you please briefly introduce yourself?

Hello, I am an All-rounder rapper ‘Quak-E’. I write my own lyrics, compose, arrange songs, rap and I even made an album cover for my mix tape album called [Braces]. I wanted to be outstanding in various aspects so that’s why I used ‘All-rounder’ as my modifier. Nice to meet you.

Q. How did you get involved with music?

As an only child with both of my parents working, I was always alone in the house. I spent most of time watching TV or playing on my computer. During that time, I used to often sing-along with songs from the streaming site or dance-along with music videos I was watching. Playing alone was my hobby. I had this idea of becoming a singer but it was quite abstract and vague back then.  After few years, when I entered middle school, I started using headphones with microphone attached. All of my friends were using it for computer games but I thought it’d be fun to use it for recording and singing. So I opened a recorder and started rapping and singing, using the headphones. I kept my music files aside, but one day my mom found them and listened to my music. She thought I have a big musical potential and after a few conversations with my mom, I went to a musical institutions. I got involved with music in earnest since then.

Q. Are there any artists you were influenced by?

I like heaps of artists…BoA, TVXQ, Snipersound in mid 2000s, Big Bang, Brown Eyes, Yoo Young Jin, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown and etc. Overall, I really like music from SM and YG Entertainment but I also like independent music too so I’ve listened to various kinds of music styles. I can say that these numerous music genres had an influence on me.

Q. Do you have any particular style of musical direction you want to follow?

I never thought about specific genre of style. Instead of pursing one specific genre, I’ve set a high value on the vibe that comes out of my music. The music I’ve been recently working on has diverse genres due to this reason. Some people advise me to follow a specific genre but ever since I was a kid, I’ve never really liked doing one thing only. I am a curious musician. I want to do this; I want to do that… I already have my own rapping style and it showcases strong characteristics. If you must ask, though, I’ll probably say that the style I purse is ‘peculiar but popular, and yet not excessive’ (laugh)

Q. Do you have any special song you hold dear?

I’ve written 70 songs but none of them were carelessly done. The song I care for is [Subthing] and [ㄱ.ㅗ.ㅏ.ㄱ.ㅋ.ㅣ]. I concentrated more on these songs because they were officially distributed and weren’t done with any labels being included. I found a person to work on my album cover, contacted distribution companies, signed a contract, went to copyright commission and it was all done by myself. I had a really hard time working alone and finally understood why people desperately want to sign with entertainment companies. All the time I could’ve focused on music was used for other things; but it was a good experience. As for [Subthing], one of my friends arranged, mixed and mastered the song without any gain. I was so thankful and that’s why it’s especially memorable.

Q. What songs do you have on your playlist? Do you have any song you want to recommend?

The songs I have on my playlist are [Subthing] and [ㄱ.ㅗ.ㅏ.ㄱ.ㅋ.ㅣ] and I recommend them (laugh). They are melting. Listen.

Q. What was the happiest and worst moment of your musical career so far?

Many of my friends don’t know what they like or what they want. Even friends who do music have such thoughts as well. I consider myself as a lucky person since I know exactly what I like and what I want to do. The moment I realized it can be considered as my happiest moment. Also, the moment I found out that I have a talent (laugh). It was a big motivation to me. On the other hand, the worst moment of my musical career was the time I wasn’t able to do music for a couple of months last year. I went through a hard situation. I was super sensitive and pressured. In the end I called 2 of my closest friends and talked about it. This helped me a lot and I was able to begin my musical career again.

Q. What is your main goal as an artist?

My goal is….to be more precise is that… I want to perform in the sky….perhaps the moon maybe…so that people from different countries can see my performance live at the same time. Moreover not only will I try rapping, singing, dancing, composing, writing lyrics, arranging but also I will try various fields including art, fashion and acting. It’d be awesome if I could be great in all fields. I don’t want to get old.

Q. What is your plan for the future?

I don’t know what exactly will happen to me in the future, but what’s in my mind is that I will release many songs this year. I think releasing a full album is bit too soon for me, so I am going to release 6 albums that contain 2 songs each. Almost 20 songs will be released this year. Please be prepare for it J

Q. As finishing the interview, do you have one last thing to say?

I upload a lot of my works on facebook and instagram. Hope more people see my work, and please look forward to ‘Quak-E’. Thank you for taking my first interview ever.