By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune and other outlets
April 18, 2023
Currently on his first North American tour, singer-songwriter-producer SHAUN said in a recent interview that he was looking forward to seeing more of the United States than what he has experienced so far. “I visited Seattle a few years ago to see my old friend there,” said the musician, who’s also a prominent DJ. “The time I had there reminds me of good memories with good people and new cultural experiences. I also visited Los Angeles in October of 2021 to have a song camp session in which I wrote ‘Steal The Show’ and ‘So Right.’ It was a wonderful experience to have sessions with musicians, producers and meeting friends from nice new places.” For more information on SHAUN and his tour, check out his website.
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about how Kim Yun-ho became the musician SHAUN?
A: I started my band career in my early 20s. At that time, I didn’t have any thoughts of wanting to become famous, be a professional musician or jump into a bigger scene. I just enjoyed playing music every night, getting on stage, performing in front of people, drinking and meeting new people. It was simply fun for me to do music back then. There was a lot of joy and novelty in it. Everything seemed so new and exciting at that time. Even though there are still many new things happening now, I try harder to remember each moment because I want to keep them as vivid memories within me.
Q: What foreign destinations have stood out for you so far?
A: My first overseas performance as a musician was in Japan. It was a club performance during the time I was playing in a band. We performed at a small venue called Eggman. I have fond memories of the enjoyable time we had. Prior to that, I visited several European cities in England, France and the Netherlands.
Q: How have your travels impacted your work as an artist?
A: I think being exposed to a new environment is a great advantage for creative people. Having a major turning point in everyday life is great for getting new inspiration. Traveling can [bring out] changes that were previously locked within oneself. Arriving alone in a strange city and checking into a hotel room, I feel like I can [draw on] new feelings when I turn on my laptop. I also expect something new to come out rather than being in a familiar environment. People, feelings, weather, temperature and everything else experienced in new travel destinations seem to influence creative work.
Q: If money and time weren’t an object, what artist would you like to see in concert and where would you like it to be?
A: I have seen a video of the Chemical Brothers performing at a venue called Red Rocks Amphitheater in the past. I remember it being a performance where Fatboy Slim and the Chemical Brothers shared the stage and the stage had a mysterious and rugged natural beauty that was in perfect harmony with the music. It felt like the music was incredibly fantastic. I also want to experience many festivals that I have not yet been to.
Q: Where would you like to visit that you have never been to before?
A: It’s said that [about 71 percent] of the Earth’s surface is covered in water and the land that humans can step on and stand on is [much] less. My close colleague has been recommending scuba diving to me a lot. I have a desire to experience the mysterious spaces underwater that I haven’t seen before. Right now, I’m too busy and don’t have the time, but someday I want to explore new places on the water in a natural landscape that is truly beautiful. Actually, I want to say space, but I think that won’t be possible until I’m really old. I always have hope that the age of space travel will come, but without technology that can keep me alive forever, it seems difficult. So I choose underwater.
© 2023 JAE-HA KIM
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