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In the K-Pop industry, being self-produced is definitely a flex. Having a part in the entire production process - from songwriting to composition, production, arrangement, music video direction, and more, is definitely a strength for artists and allows them to have more creative freedom and control. Two such self-produced artists who are pioneering their own artistic message through self-production are from20 and HELLO GLOOM.
For those who might not know, from20 (a.k.a Kim RaeHwan, formerly of BIGSTAR) and HELLO GLOOM (a.k.a IMFACT’s UngJae) run their own creative collective called WAY BETTER that focuses on a diverse range of artistic fields such as music, fashion, video production and more and prioritizes self-expression without boundaries.
from20 and HELLO GLOOM take sole responsibility for the complete creative process that goes into their art, whether that be music video storyboarding, music production, styling, and so on and so forth.
The duo makes music together as well as individually as soloists and both have a reputation for their diverse range, versatility, and inclusivity.
As WAY BETTER continues to grow, from20 and HELLO GLOOM are going on their first European tour, called "Fast On The Highway".
WAY BETTER
The tour kicks off on April 9, 2024 and stops include Warsaw, Cologne, Amsterdam, Paris and London.
Fans who have been waiting for this tour for ages are finally going to be seeing from20 and HELLO GLOOM turning up the heat in their cities this summer and could not be more excited.
You can get your tickets to "Fast On The Highway" by from20 and HELLO GLOOM here.
Now, back to being self-producing artists!
While it is definitely a dazzling title to have, being self-produced is not as easy as artists like from20 and HELLO GLOOM make it appear. Still, there are surely more pros than cons in the game.
So, let's find out what the three biggest advantages of being a self-produced artist are, according to from20 and HELLO GLOOM!
1. Art On Your Own Terms
WAY BETTER
The ultimate goal of WAY BETTER is to make art on one's own terms. Oftentimes, being in an agency can restrict personal freedom of expression, and logistics can limit one's choice and potential. As a result, artists may not be able to share their true selves and artistic desires with the world as they'd like. This was the case for from20 and HELLO GLOOM during their time as idols.
Ultimately, being an idol is a team activity. It's a challenging environment where expressing 100% of one's own taste and desire is difficult. Right now, as an artist and director, I feel like I can express what I want to express a little more clearly. Each person has their own strengths and weaknesses, but I think I'm a little more satisfied with my current self.
from20
However, with being self-produced, artists have the scope to take creative liberties, risks, and chances that would perhaps not be afforded to them otherwise. In other words, being self-produced lifts the burden of being "realistic" with projects and encourages reaching for one's dreams just how they envision it. Being independent artists, from20 and HELLO GLOOM do exactly that.
Yes, that means more work, more effort, and more sleepless nights, but it also means more fulfillment, more satisfaction, and more autonomy, which is priceless.
The two of us are artists, CEOs of a company, and also producers, who are able to produce on our own. These roles seem to balance each other out. It feels like a position where I can consider both my personal taste and the direction the company should take at the same time.
HELLO GLOOM
2. Art With People You Love
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HELLO GLOOM shared in an exclusive interview with Kpopmap - "whenever I wanted to do something new, I wanted to do it with from20". With WAY BETTER, HELLO GLOOM works closely with from20 and vice versa on their music, with the former even writing songs for from20 while from20 makes all the videos! This creative collaboration comes from a place of love, and mutual respect and so naturally gives birth to something new and unique.
It doesn't feel like we make a big distinction between what's mine and what's his. In the end, HELLO GLOOM's album is my work, and my work is also his work. Because of that, we work with a lot of affection.
While working, we inevitably have to give and receive feedback, and what we often tell each other these days is "Let's both do well~".
These words might sound self-centered, but ultimately, they're for my own good. It's all about me doing well. When I realize that, I feel so thankful. Haha.
from20
At the same time, when working with people you love, like from20 and HELLO GLOOM, who share the same vision, purpose becomes a key factor that leads to growth. For instance, one of the purposes of starting WAY BETTER, formerly known as THE FAKER CLUB, according to the artists, is to offer comfort, acceptance, and belonging to people.
Towards this end, from20 and HELLO GLOOM carried out a donation campaign on behalf of "TFC : HEART", which adds yet another layer of meaning to their art. Talk about being true to your message!
From the very beginning of our company's journey, our mission was to spread warmth and inspiration to people.
After running the company for about a year, we started the "HEART" project with the thought that we should now try to achieve this goal on a larger scale with other artists.
We started out wanting to share warmth, but ironically, through that work, a lot of good things happened to us, and it was a project that we were truly grateful for.
It is a memory that still warms my heart, thinking about doing good work with people who love and cherish each other.
HELLO GLOOM
3. Art With Authenticity
WAY BETTER
Point #2 smoothly brings us to our third point, which is authenticity. Being able to express your own emotions, vision and ideas yourself sans any restrictions undoubtedly translates to an authentic presentation of the same. When we find out that our favorite idol or group penned the lyrics to their song, drawing inspiration from their own experiences, it never fails to be impressive as we get a glimpse of their personal and artistic philosophy, an honest interpretation of their thoughts and feelings.
I think that, at least for from20, being authentic in your art lies in the gratitude that I feel towards our fans. As an artist working in mainstream art, artistic value isn't the sole focus, but I believe that sincerity, in terms of gratitude towards fans and the mindset that comes with it, is a crucial aspect of my work. I want to be an artist who sincerely appreciates the people who give me the strength to pursue my artistic endeavors.
from20, HELLO GLOOM
This authenticity gives rise to a genuine connection between artists and fans as the music resonates with listeners on a deeper level, evoking empathy and understanding. There is something so pure and deeply human about putting one's vulnerabilities out there through art that it inadvertently provides comfort to listeners who can see themselves and their own experiences in the same.
Such is the art of from20 and HELLO GLOOM.
To witness the brilliance of from20 and HELLO GLOOM live, get your tickets to their first European tour, called "Fast On The Highway" now!
Meanwhile, check out from20's latest single 'Demon'!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
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