When the Korean drama, Itaewon Class blew up, it wasn’t simply the collection or its solid that gained reputation. It additionally included the Gaho, the voice behind the drama’s iconic soundtrack, ‘Begin Over’. The tune encapsulated many issues: a contemporary begin, ardour, hardwork, and reaching to your goals. Its lyrics, “I can fly the sky, by no means gonna keep” grew to become the rallying cry for a lot of younger individuals, accompanied by Gaho’s piercing vocals.
It’s no shock that after that, Gaho grew to become the unofficial “King of OSTs”, engaged on different blockbuster dramas resembling Begin-Up. However even earlier than ‘Begin Over’, he’s been lending his voice to soundtracks since 2018. And much more unbeknownst to many, he’s really a soloist in addition to a part of the group, PLT. Past his work within the Okay-drama realm, Gaho additional captured the highlight when he started releasing cowl songs, most notably BLACKPINK’s ‘How You Like That’. He introduced in his personal musical abilities by arranging and performing the tune in his personal model whereas preserving the signature highly effective beats of the unique.
Most lately, Gaho, whose actual identify is Kang Dae-ho, was in Hong Kong. He was one of many performers on the Okay-drama OST live performance introduced by the Korean Cultural Centre in Hong Kong. And naturally, he’s. Tickets have been offered out inside hours, proving his star attraction amongst Hong Kong followers. After his efficiency, Way of life Asia caught up with Gaho to speak about his go to to Hong Kong, his solo profession and his work on OSTs.
Gaho breaks down his work on Okay-drama OSTs, as a soloist, and a member of PLT
How was your expertise visiting and performing in Hong Kong?
That is really my second go to, and I had an important impression of Hong Kong. It was a spot I’ve at all times needed to go to, and I used to be wanting ahead to exploring the streets and having fun with all the pieces it needed to supply. I’m actually excited to take advantage of this chance.
I used to be delighted to have the ability to carry out in Hong Kong, and I used to be much more happy that many individuals got here to see the present. If there’s something that might have been higher, it’s that I stayed for a really quick time and there weren’t many songs I might carry out. Though the efficiency was quick, it was a powerful one.
When individuals hear your identify, they instantly consider the OSTs you probably did. Did you ever think about that your voice could be most related to Okay-drama soundtracks?
To be trustworthy, I didn’t anticipate to have so many OST works, however it turned out that method. Nonetheless, it’s not nearly OSTs, and I really feel prefer it has change into one other energy of mine. I’m grateful for that.
I’m grateful that listeners like nearly all the pieces and nothing notably stood out. However personally, I loved the one I did for Itaewon Class probably the most.
In that sense, is it limiting that you just’re most well-known for that quite than your individual work as a solo artist as a member of PLT?
It really grew to become a motivation for me to push my limits and proceed on. There are nonetheless so many songs I need to present, so having a platform the place I could make my identify identified seems like an important alternative.
Do you discover a distinction between the work you do for OSTs and the one you do as a soloist or for PLT?
There are important style variations. Whether or not it’s the singing model or the way in which songs are composed, these two points differ quite a bit. Once I create my very own songs, I make judgments whereas recording. I comply with the path of my very own concepts for music movies and outfits. Nonetheless, when collaborating in OST songs, I’ve to file them to suit the conditions within the present dramas. So, though my opinions are taken into consideration, the director’s opinions play a major position as properly.
Your album ‘Fireworks’ pertains to feelings you felt in your youth. Equally, numerous OSTs you’ve performed are for Okay-dramas and likewise relate to the theme of youth. Is that this one thing you’re feeling strongly about?
I feel I’m one of many artists who specific the idea of youth via music. It wasn’t intentional, however it naturally flowed that method. I imagine I’m at the moment in my youth, and I’ve numerous power, so it looks as if music on that theme naturally comes out.
Gaho talks about making cowl songs and the genres he desires to attempt subsequent
Unbeknownst to many, you initially tried to coach to be a Okay-pop idol however determined to change into a singer-songwriter. What led you to this resolution?
I used to assume that I might solely change into a singer if I have been an idol. Once I was younger, that was the one method I might consider. However after I met the members of PLT and began making music collectively in highschool, it grew to become a possibility for me to change into who I’m immediately and understand that I is usually a singer via my very own music.
‘Begin Over’ grew to become actually in style. However one other factor that blew up was if you did the quilt for BLACKPINK’s ‘How You Like That’ and also you adopted it up with different cowl songs. How did doing these covers come about? Is there any cowl that stood out to you?
I did cowl songs just because I needed to. I lined many songs by feminine artists and organized them in my very own model. Surprisingly, many individuals appreciated them, and after I thought concerning the causes, I imagine it’s as a result of they loved seeing me current the songs in a very completely different path from the unique.
I keep in mind how troublesome it was after I labored on the association of BLACKPINK’s ‘Shut Down’ lately. I feel it was as a result of I attempted to include the color of Kave and do a band association, so it required numerous effort. However it was probably the most satisfying tune for me. Though the Kave album hasn’t been launched but, I attempted to infuse the color of Kave prematurely via the quilt tune.
Which artist that you just’ve performed covers for do you need to work with?
I’d like to collaborate with Think about Dragons. I gained numerous energy by listening to their music. I imagine their distinctive power is captured of their songs. So, after listening to their music, I at all times thought that I must also specific my very own constructive power via music which is irreplaceable, similar to them.
You’re identified to your distinctive vocals and extensive vocal vary. Is there a style that you just need to attempt subsequent?
I need to attempt Latin pop. So, within the close to future, I plan to launch an album below the identify Kave as a band. It’s a style I’ve at all times needed to discover, and the band members who performed devices for my cowl movies shall be a part of it. Please sit up for it.
What’s preserving you busy as of late?
Time flies whereas engaged on the album with the Kave staff I discussed earlier. Please sit up for it, and I hope to carry out with the Kave members in Hong Kong! Simply wait a bit longer, Hong Kong!
Hearken to Gaho’s songs on Spotify and watch his cowl songs on YouTube.
Hero and featured pictures: Courtesy Planetarium Data
