Exclusive Interview With P1Harmony
South Korean boy band P1Harmony have been in the music game since 2020 with their hugely successful single “Siren” which helped their debut EP, Disharmony: Stand Out reach number five on Haon Album Chart.
P1Harmony members KEEHO, INTAK, SOUL, JONGSEOB, THEO, JIUNG have just released their latest album “SAD SONG” in September 2024. Their title track “SAD SONG” has reached over 8 million streams on Spotify and continues to grow. The boy band has announced their upcoming European tour.
We had the chance to interview the band members.
When was the first time you realized you wanted to be a musician?
JIUNG – When I was young, after going out to eat with my family, we often stopped by a karaoke place, and I sang with my father. Not only my parents but also other family members would always give great responses, and they all had happy faces. Seeing that, I think that’s when I started dreaming of being on stage, singing, and dancing.
JONGSEOB – Since both my parents worked in the arts from my early age, I naturally spent a lot of time backstage, in dressing rooms, and in practice rooms. So, I was always interested, but what ultimately sparked my desire to try rapping and dancing was when I saw B.A.P on TV. That’s when I decided to start attending an academy.
What’s the first album that made you fall in love with music?
KEEHO – It’s funny because there are multiple layers to this answer. It started when I was a baby, there is a fun memory with Beethoven’s music. I still vividly remember seeing fun shapes that turned into a giraffe and Mona Lisa whenever the music played. Then, as I grew older, whatever the High School Music soundtrack had a big impact on me. That movie shaped who I am, and it made me want to attend an arts school (it might sound childish, but it’s true). And since I ended up going to an arts high school, it definitely had a major influence on me! During my teenage years, I came across Ariana Grande’s “Yours Truly” album. After seeing the album live, it felt even more real to me, and watching it inspired me to stand on stage one day.
SOUL – The song that first made me fall in love with music was “EXILE – Rising Sun.”
Which artists have influenced your career? What artists are you currently looking up to?
JIUNG – In the past, I used to think a lot about wanting to be like someone else or look up many artists. Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, and many other artists were my role models. But now, I want to focus more on myself and P1Harmony to continue our career, building stages and music that only we can create.
INTAK – From a young age, I grew up watching Michael Jackson’s performances, and he had a huge influence on me. Even now, I still respect him a lot.
Who do you dream of collaborating with?
KEEHO – Personally, I would love to work with Pharrell Williams. I think it would be a challenge for the members to digest and make ours but it would totally be worth it. Also, I’ve been really into A.G. Cook’s production lately, so I’d love to work with him as well.
Where (location-wise) do you get the most creative inspiration?
JIUNG – If I had to say where I find myself most creative, it would be the places I go alone. When I’m alone, I can listen more closely to my thoughts and emotions, and as I do that, I feel more connected to the places I’m in. Those experiences seem to become a source of inspiration.
JONGSEOB – I get inspiration from everywhere. Often, ideas come to me like a lightbulb turning on in my head. I also get a lot of inspiration from watching other artists perform.
What media are you consuming right now (reading/watching/listening to)?
THEO – These days, I’m really into songs by a band called “wave to earth.”
SOUL – I’m watching Kengan Ashura (ケンガンアシュラ) recently.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever gotten?
JIUNG – I think about the advice a lot that I have more places to go up than places to go down. That’s true in reality as well, and to some extent, giving me motivation, so I take those words to heart.
INTAK – I once saw a reel of “Rain.” He said, “For me, practice wasn’t about 2 or 3 hours. It was about doing it until I got it right.” I thought that mindset was crucial as a performer!
What are some of your aspirations/ goals in terms of your music?
THEO – Personally, I just want to sing the songs I like and live a happy life, giving back that happiness to fans.
INTAK – My goal is to give someone their dream. So I feel like I’m living my dream every day.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
THEO – I want to play the guitar really well, and I’d love to sing happily while playing the guitar.
SOUL – I think I’ll have a bit more of a mature vibe.
If you could switch places with any artist in the world, who would it be?
KEEHO – I would choose to switch places with Bruno Mars. He seems like someone who makes the music he wants while walking his own path and consistently creating hits.
JONGSEOB – I listen to Billie Eilish’s music a lot. She has such a unique musical color, so I think it would be interesting to see how and in what environment she works.
