New Face in a New Place: Jaeho Hwang
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" background_image="http://between-borders.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/JAE_HO_FUKSIA_OCTOBER_18_10.jpg" parallax="on" parallax_method="off" custom_padding="|0px|91px|0px" disabled_on="off|off|off" admin_label="section"][et_pb_row custom_padding="-50px||0px|" column_padding_mobile="on" parallax_method_1="off" admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4" parallax="off" parallax_method="off" column_padding_mobile="on"][et_pb_divider height="203" admin_label="Divider"][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text text_orientation="center" max_width="1750px" admin_label="Text" header_font_size="60px" header_font_size_phone="35px" header_font_size_last_edited="on|phone" text_font="PT Sans||||" text_font_size="72" text_font_size_tablet="52" text_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" text_text_color="#1d1d1d" text_line_height="1.1em" custom_margin="10px||-20px|" saved_tabs="all" inline_fonts="Bitter"]
New Face in a New Place: Jaeho Hwang
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Details"]
Music
Words By: Sarah-Louise Maillet
Photography: Fuksia
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text text_orientation="center" admin_label="Text" text_font="neuzeit|on|||" text_font_size="11" text_text_color="#bababa" text_line_height="1em" custom_margin="||0px|" custom_padding="||0px|" inline_fonts="Bree Serif"][/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider height="30" admin_label="Divider"][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" transparent_background="on" custom_padding="10px||0px|0px" admin_label="Section"][et_pb_row make_fullwidth="on" custom_padding="15px|0px|0px|0px" admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="1_2" parallax="off" parallax_method="on"][et_pb_image admin_label="Image"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" parallax="off" parallax_method="on"][et_pb_text max_width="3000px" admin_label="Text" text_font_size="15px" text_font_size_last_edited="on|phone" text_line_height="2em" text_line_height_phone="1.5em" text_line_height_last_edited="on|phone" custom_margin_phone="|-15px||-15px" custom_margin_last_edited="on|phone"]
Jaeho Hwang is an Korean DJ and producer based in London, recently releasing his first EP on Chinabot on March 1st. Sarah-Louise Maillet had a talk with him about his musical career, arts and music in London, BAME communities and Brexit.
Tell us a bit about your background and your relationship with music?
I was born and grew up in South Korea, then I moved to the UK in 2009. I studied graphic moving image and then worked in that industry for 5 years. I told myself that I wanted to do other creative things and I thought that in London, I’d gain lots of good musical experience. I didn't actually have any musical background before moving to London. I never imagined myself making music. I went to lot of underground parties and became embedded in the music scene, I started to make some friends in this scene and this really influenced me.
When did you start DJ-ing/producing?
I was really interested in audio and visual arts for a long time before I started making music. That led me to make music for visual arts and that, in turn led me to start making music 2 years ago. It was more unprofessional, learning how to make music with Ableton Live. I started to DJ about a year ago, I bought a CDJ and mixer with my savings. That way I could practice whenever I wanted and I have learned so much in the space of a year. I taught myself how to DJ with Youtube. I’ve never thought of my music as, quite professional as I don't do the mastering myself. I try to learn what I need to know. I wouldn't say I know everything about Ableton Live, but I know what I need to know for my music.
Why did you decide to move to London?
I finished my BA in South Korea and I’d spent my whole life there. I was quite bored and I decided I wanted to move to London to study more and live more. London has been great for music, arts and design. I haven’t been to any other cities (in the UK) but I think London is great. I don't feel like I need to go to other cities to gain inspiration. I’d love to go to other cities though, but I feel like I already have enough inspiration in London. There are so many choices, it’s quite diverse. What kind of music do you listen to? What’s your typical nigh tout in London like? Since I started making music I’ve really gotten into dark underground music. I don't see big DJs anymore. I used to go to big parties but now I prefer to see underground parties, artists or DJs.
I recently went to a party organised by Eastern Margins, they invited a Chinese music collective called Genome 6.66 Mbp. One of the guys from Genome 6.66 Mbp was amazing; his name was Kilo Vee. His sets are very different and very mixed. The other DJ I remember is Kamixlo from Bala Club. This is the kind of music that I love. It is more like the young generation of DJs, they have more freestyle DJ-ing rather than very traditional ways of DJ-ing.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" custom_padding="0px|0px|0px|0px" admin_label="section"][et_pb_row make_fullwidth="on" custom_padding="15px|0px|0px|0px" admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="1_2" parallax="off" parallax_method="on"][et_pb_image src="http://between-borders.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/JAE_HO_FUKSIA_OCTOBER_18_6.jpg" admin_label="Image" custom_margin_phone="|-50px||-50px" custom_margin_last_edited="on|phone"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" text_font_size="12px" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" text_text_color="#c1c1c1" text_line_height="1.5em" custom_margin_phone="|-15px||-15px" custom_margin_last_edited="on|phone"]
Pictured: Jaeho Hwang
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" parallax="off" parallax_method="on"][et_pb_image src="http://between-borders.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/JAE_HO_FUKSIA_OCTOBER_18_12.jpg" animation="right" admin_label="Image" custom_margin_phone="|-50px||-50px" custom_margin_last_edited="on|phone"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" text_font_size="12px" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" text_text_color="#c1c1c1" text_line_height="1.5em" custom_margin_phone="|-15px||-15px" custom_margin_last_edited="on|phone"]
Pictured: Jaeho Hwang
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text max_width="3000px" admin_label="Text" text_font_size="15px" text_line_height="2em" text_line_height_phone="1.5em" text_line_height_last_edited="on|phone" custom_margin_phone="|-15px||-15px" custom_margin_last_edited="on|phone"]
Has the London underground influenced you? Why do you think London is a big scene for underground music ?
I guess it can be the same in other cities. London is a very easy place to me. London has much easier access to it, there are so many events and everyone can come here and play. You can see it easily without making an effort. When I lived in South Korea, I didn't have the same access. I’m sure they have a great music scene but it wasn't common to make art and here it makes a difference.
I am very lucky to have found Chinabot as the style they produce is exactly what I want to do. Chinabot is a collective that tries to bring their own music, Asian music into the very contemporary music scene. It’s very good to be in that kind of collective and with those kind of people. Before finding them I felt like I was on my own but now I feel like I have found my music community.
Have you observed collectives for BAME communities popping up at the moment ?
It is really amazing to see that BAME communities play important roles in music and art scene. I think people who are into music and art wants to see something different and new all the time and also something authentic at the same time. In that sense, it’s very nice to see talented artists and curators from BAME communities adding new value in London.
What do you think about communities in London? What do you think about your community?
What would you expect from that? On a daily basis I didn't struggle and didn't think I needed to find a community. But for music or arts, to me, you need someone or a group that can help you and lead you. Having a community is very important I guess. I didn't plan on working with an East Asian community to be honest, it was more about making the same kind of music.
Recently I was so happy to meet Lumi(DJ and party organiser) from Eastern Margins and Diaspora Disco who tries to bring East Asian music and art into London’s scene. And of course, including Saphy (a.k.a Lafidki), a founder of Chinabot. When I make music I usually share without having to explain where that sound comes from and what is the concept behind it. I guess we have that kind of similar background.
What do you think about the impact of Brexit? Especially for artists, djs and musicians? Have you noticed a difference from before Brexit and now?
I think many people belive Brexit shouldn't happen. I feel really sorry for younger generations in the UK. I think it will impact the artistic scene as there won't be so many talented artists coming here anymore, or they may not be able to stay in London. I think it will be very difficult. I have Asian friends that are in creative industries but they need to go back to their countries because of VISAs etc. I know how hard it is to live and work in the UK as a non-EU artist. Basically, the UK Home office allows you stay and work in the UK based on how high skilled you are and how much you earn annually (In general, your annual income need to be over 35k at least) which is not really fair for someone who works in creative industry. After Brexit, the UK Border policy for EU citizens will be as difficult as it is for non-EU citizens, if we have a hard Brexit or no-deal. I guess it will have a really negative impact for all talented artists from the EU who want to live and work in London but also who want to travel (touring). It will kill the diversity and richness of the music and art scene in London.
What are the challenges and issues that DJs, producers, musicians are facing at the moment? In London especially?
To be honest I don't know as I only have been DJ-ing for a year and producing for two years. In creative industries normally people are more open-minded. I don't really have any negative experiences. But still, Brexit will have a huge impact on music, the club scene and the arts. I am worried about that. It won't be as before.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Text"][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding="0px|0px|43.1875px|0px" admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4" parallax="off" parallax_method="on"][et_pb_text disabled_on="off|off|off" admin_label="Text" header_line_height="1.2em" text_font_size="52px" text_line_height="1em" custom_margin="50px|50px|50px|" custom_padding="0px|||" saved_tabs="all"]
"Chinabot is a collective that tries to bring their own music, Asian music into the very contemporary music scene."
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding="0px|0px|43.1875px|0px" admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4" parallax="off" parallax_method="on"][et_pb_image src="http://between-borders.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/JAE_HO_FUKSIA_OCTOBER_18_13.jpg" admin_label="Image"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_fullwidth="on" admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="1_2" parallax="off" parallax_method="on"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" parallax="off" parallax_method="on"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" text_font_size="15px" text_line_height="2em"]
How do you feel about your EP release that has been released on March 1st by Chinabot ?
I am very excited. To be honest I didn't think it would happen so quickly. Chinabot supported me so much. I am proud that I have been able to bring my heritage and Korean sounds to my EP. This first EP is about my identity, how I changed since moving to the UK. Since I moved here, I feel like I am in a continuous change of condition in terms of how I think and how I perceive things in the present moment and how I look back to the past.
My EP is about the reflection of a new life, in a new city and different culture. One of my tracks is called "Sad Relationship", it is a very popular song in Korea and I wanted to make it different. I played with it and was interested in the process of changing it and changing my heritage with a new nuance.
What's next for you?
I Just had my EP release party with Chinabot last Saturday at Rye Wax and I will keep working with the record label. There will be more events in London and Berlin with Chinabot and especially a 2-year anniversary party in Berlin and London. I will continue working with them. I have been DJ-ing for a bit but I think I also will start doing live sets.. I am also thinking of doing an audio-visual art / performance again at some point in the future. It’s a relatively time-consuming project. Recently, I have been waiting for myself to be ready, or being too busy trying to survive in London.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_fullwidth="on" custom_width_px="2600px" custom_padding="0px|0px|0px|0px" parallax_method_1="off" parallax_method_2="off" admin_label="Row" custom_padding_last_edited="on|phone" custom_margin_last_edited="on|phone"][et_pb_column type="1_2" parallax="off" parallax_method="off"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" parallax="off" parallax_method="off"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" custom_margin_last_edited="on|phone"]
Facebook: @Jaeho111111
Instagram: @Jaeho111111
Soundcloud: Jaeho Hwang
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color="#ededed" show_divider="on" height="2" divider_style="solid" divider_position="bottom" hide_on_mobile="off" disabled_on="off|off|off" admin_label="Divider"][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_margin_last_edited="on|phone"]Words By: Sarah-Louise Maillet, 09th March 2019[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" background_color="#f9f9f9" custom_padding="20px||0px|" disabled_on="off|off|off" admin_label="Section" global_module="30533"][et_pb_row make_fullwidth="on" custom_padding="0px|0px|0px|0px" parallax_method_1="off" admin_label="row" custom_css_main_element="padding-left:30px !important;||padding-right:30px !important;"][et_pb_column type="4_4" parallax="off" parallax_method="off"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" header_text_color="#ffffff" header_letter_spacing="19px" text_letter_spacing="1px" custom_margin="15px|||"]
READ MORE
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog fullwidth="off" posts_number="6" meta_date="j M, Y" show_author="off" show_date="off" show_pagination="off" offset_number="0" masonry_tile_background_color="#ffffff" admin_label="Blog" header_font="|on|||" header_font_size="20px" meta_font="||||on" meta_font_size="12px" meta_text_color="#939393" use_border_color="on" saved_tabs="all"][/et_pb_blog][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" background_color="#000000" custom_padding="0px|0px|-60px|0px" admin_label="Section"][et_pb_row custom_padding="38.3594px|0px|5px|0px" parallax_method_1="off" parallax_method_2="off" parallax_method_3="off" admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="1_4" parallax="off" parallax_method="off"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" parallax="off" parallax_method="off"][et_pb_text text_orientation="center" admin_label="Text" header_line_height="1.4em" text_line_height="2.3em"]
CONTEMPORARY CONVERSATIONS
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow link_shape="circle" url_new_window="off" admin_label="Social Media Follow"][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network="twitter" url="https://twitter.com/borders_between?lang=en-gb" bg_color="#000000" link_shape="circle" follow_button="off" url_new_window="off"] Twitter [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network="instagram" url="https://www.instagram.com/betweenbordersmag/" bg_color="#000000" link_shape="circle" follow_button="off" url_new_window="off"] Instagram [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network="facebook" url="https://www.facebook.com/BetweenBordersMagazine/" bg_color="#000000" link_shape="circle" follow_button="off" url_new_window="off"] Facebook [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_4" parallax="off" parallax_method="off"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]