Q. Can you briefly introduce yourself?

Hi, this is ‘heuk hyung (black brother)’ Greg Priester. I’ve been staying in Korea for 10 years, so the slang like ‘heuk hyung’ is okay with me. But you should be careful with the word when speaking to those who just came to Korea and new to the culture. I was working as an English teacher in 2007, and one day I happened to hang out with friends at the karaoke. My colleagues loved my singing at the time, which really got me into music. In 2011, I performed “For You” by Korean artist Lim Jae-beom at ‘Jeongook Norae Jarang’, the popular music show in Korea, and the producer at KBS contacted me. That’s how I started working in Korean TV show business. Also, my video on YouTube hit 2 million views. I appreciated for what happened to me and thought I was lucky.

Q. What are your charming points?

My charming points are my voice, baby face, sweetness, glistening eyes, and how I express emotion through singing. My students used to love my expressions back when I was teaching English.

Q. Who are the artists that had influence on you?

My father is the greatest influence to me. He was a jazz musician. He did not like me singing when I was young, for he knew how hard playing music was. He wanted to me to become an ordinary businessman rather than a musician. I started singing again at age 21, when I was in college. And I told my father what happened at the karaoke that I mentioned earlier. He advised me saying, “then, play music as you wish. However, keep your teaching job, and be prudent as you pursue music career.” After watching the video of me performing at Jeongook Norae Jarang, he told me it is okay for me to start music seriously. In 2015, he passed away. Before he passed away, he told me “if you are going to be in music business, try hard to be a global musician.” He was the musician who gave me the greatest impact. Wheesung, the artist I got to know after my appearance on the TV show, Hidden Singer, suggested me making my own album. Since then, I am working on my record.

Q. What is your goal or key word?

I think it is important to sing freely. I believe it is right to sing in one’s own style, not putting too much emphasis on structured rhythms or music sources. Koreans generally treat music too academically. There are good aspects in that; however, I personally believe that it is important to deliver music to listeners with my own soul and feelings. My performance of “I miss you” by Kim Bum-soo on Superstar K received good reviews because I interpreted the song in my own way. 

Q. Tell us about your recording new album.

There is a saying that says timing is everything. People told me that I am late or I am too old to begin, but I believe such things don’t matter. I tried to put the message of ‘hope’ and ‘there is nothing too late’ in my new album. I appreciate that Wheesung is asking me to make an album together, and the title of it will contain meaning something like love is timing.

Q. What is your hobby beside music?

I love traveling and sleeping (laughter). My schedule is so fully packed with EBS TV show in the morning, guide recording, singing for wedding, and concert guest, so I am grateful for just little bit of sleep now. For traveling, I visited almost all countries in Asia, and I got inspirations from the travels. I visited the Jeju island for like 10 times. It is such a beautiful place and the sceneries are still vivid in my mind. 

Q. What’s your songwriting process like? Do you get inspiration from a special place?

I get inspirations from various sources, like places I visit or special things I see. I record melodies coming up on my mind on the phone and share them with others. For making music, I try to keep it simple and don’t follow a certain process. In contrast, Wheesung is a perfectionist with strong focus on the process. I find a lot to learn from him in that aspect. 

Q. What is your jinx?

I have a terrible memory with the color yellow, so I never wear any clothes in yellow. I remember my first show, which was back in 2009, I performed wearing yellow outfit and forgot all the lyrics. Since then, I never wear anything in yellow. When I was participating to Superstar K, the producer recommended me wearing yellow clothes, and I said, “no way!”

Q. What is your best and worst moment in your music career?

The best one was when I was singing my own song at the concert of Wheesung & K.Will. All at sudden Wheesung popped out and started singing with me. I was very moved at the time. It was a special experience. Wheesung knew my song. That was very touching. The worst moment was obviously when I forgot all the lyrics wearing a yellow shirt.

Q. What’s your future plan?

I’ll keep making music. I am planning to release a single. I released tracks like ‘Love’, ‘Baby It’s You’, ‘NiNaNo’, ‘Guest Song’ and also worked on Wheesung’s tracks and OSTs. And I will continue to keep myself busy. When I release my official album, I wish to introduce my music to people worldwide. Also, movies, commercial films and many others things are planned ahead, which I look forward to. But the biggest plan is to release an official album. I am tired because Wheesung keeps pushing me (laughter).