Akdong Musician (In short, AKMU) is a sibling duo from South Korea, widely known even internationally for their music, impressive vocals, and flawless harmonization.
AKMU, consists of brother Chanhyuk, main rapper and lead vocalist, and younger sister Suhyun, the main vocalist and lead rapper. The duo found fame when they entered Kpop Star 2, captivating the audience and judges with their powerful vocals, with self-composed tracks such as 'Don't Cross Your Legs' and rendition of G-Dragon's 'One Of A Kind'. The rare combination of a brother and sister duo also brought them to wide attention. Placing 1st in Kpop Star 2, the siblings signed on with YG Entertainment, leading to their release of album 'Play', and the 'Winter' album, as part of their Puberty series.
As part of their 2016 AKMU Studio tour, AKMU visited Singapore for their very first time with a showcase for fans over at Kallang Theatre. KpopStarz had the exclusive opportunity to catch up with both of the stunning siblings for a short Q&A.
KpopStarz: It's two years since Akdong Musician (AKMU) debuted. What do you feel are the challenges and what have you learnt over the course of the year?
Suhyun: Over the two years, the most memorable learning parts are during the times we prepared for our albums.
Chanhyuk: Two years is actually not very long. Small little things can be learnt in daily life. For example, Suhyun recently took a picture of me. I take so many pictures for covers and all, but I didn't realize which looks better on me, and those also serve as small little lessons.
KpopStarz: Chanhyuk, what is your creative process like?
Chanhyuk: People think that I have a big secret when it comes to producing music, but I actually do it without much thought, it's a natural process. I might give you a disappointing answer in a sense. I just look at normal daily things. Like when it comes to 'How People Move', that particular song, I just literally look at how people move and like what are the feelings that they give.
KpopStarz: What were the hardest and easiest songs for Suhyun to sing?
Suhyun: The easiest song was 'Rebye', as I just had to sing. For the hardest song, it was 'How People Move', because I had to put more feelings into it, and not just techniques.
KpopStarz: Can you share about the album 'Winter'? How is it different from the album "Spring vol1"? How would you promote to your fans in 15 seconds?
Chanhyuk: There's not a big difference, but there are small differences. The main idea itself is the same for both albums, but for the second part that is coming out, it's more mature, realistic, and like looking back into our lives, that feeling.
Throughout the interview, it wasn't hard to spot the famed chemistry between the siblings. Once, they even did a sudden harmonization between themselves, showing off a formidable vocal prowess.
At the end of the quick interview, AKMU gave a special shout-out to KpopStarz readers.
Check out AKMU's shout-out below:
Do check out AKMU's latest 'Play Ugly' M/V
Interview by: KpopStarz SG Team (Ong Melin) | Writer: Mabel | Video Credits: Ong Melin | Video Editor: HR| Special thanks to: Akdong Musician, YG Entertainment, IME Productions Singapore and Three Angles Group
