Game Time by G.Soul

[88-pea.livejournal.com]

Cheongdam, South Korea.

January 18, 2015.

1 AM.

I’m in my boxers, laying in bed. The TV screen flickers with a grainy image of a young Basquiat in his debut performance in the 1980 indie film, Downtown 81.

There’s nothing out of the ordinary with this picture.

Except that I had just made my own official debut an hour ago.

To an outsider, my behavior might be unusual. I considered celebrating with friends, or rehearsing for my next performance in passing thoughts. Anyone else might have done so.


Me?

I just wanted to relax and appreciate the moment that I had arrived at. I wanted to embrace everything that led me here, because I knew I’d take the next few steps a changed man.

But first things first. Let’s back up a little.

Let’s back up before I debuted, moved to New York, or first stepped foot inside a studio — before any of that.

I grew up in a very musical household in Gimpo. My aunt was a cabaret singer and I used to go watch her perform at local clubs with my mom. As a kid, I was probably most musically influenced by my aunt.
My mom wasn’t much of a performer, but she’d play the guitar and listen to artists like The Beatles and Olivia Newton-John. I remember seeing piles of cassette tapes and LP’s lying around the house. I wonder if she still has those...

I was born in ‘88, and the 90’s was a crucial time period for the development of my taste in music. 90’s R&B was huge in Korea. You’d go to any record store and they’d be playing the new Boyz II Men album - Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and R. Kelly. This was a time when Michael Jackson was still putting out music.

Needless to say, I became obsessed with 90's R&B.

I would listen to the same song 500 times, trying to imitate their voices. Musical giants like Brandy, Wanya Morris, and, of course, MJ. Their voices were untouchable — so pure, so passionate, so honest.



One Sunday when I was 13, I was walking to church. Out of the blue, I recalled having seen a TV commercial about an open audition for JYP Entertainment the other day. In a split second, I decided to skip church and got on a 2 hour train ride to Jamsil by myself. I sat in anticipation in the waiting room until they called my number, 3152. In a strange sense of peace, I went up on stage and sang “I Believe I Can Fly” and “Hero.”

I was offered a record deal the next day.

I could hardly believe it myself. Just like that, I was a trainee at one of the most recognized entertainment labels in Asia.

When I was 16, I moved to New York. That was, hands down, the best decision I ever made in my life. To have lived and breathed that type of culture and energy, that spirit of hard work and hustle, hanging out with free spirited musicians and being able to watch them perform so closely — those moments will trump any number 1 song.

I still have dreams of being back in New York.
Some people are misinformed that my life in New York was full of disappointments and broken promises. Let me set the record straight: My life in New York was a complete blessing, full of incredible memories and experiences that most artists only dream of.

One of the most important lessons I learned was while singing Luther Vandross’ Superstar on the 6 train. New York is known for being one of the most diverse places in the world. You see rich people, poor people, different races, young, and old.

But I learned that as long as I sing from the heart with passion and honesty, it doesn’t matter who I’m singing to. Someone, regardless of their age or background, will appreciate my gift.

That gave me confidence.
I’ve had the pleasure of working in the studio with R. Kelly, performing privately in a room in front of Stevie Wonder, opening for JYP at Madison Square Garden, winning 1st place at the Apollo Amateur Night, and singing backup for Mariah Carey at Central Park. I mean, who gets to do these things?
I got to hear Mariah Carey, one of the greatest vocalists of all time, sing 2 feet away from me while I sang backup for her on stage.

Every time I remember those days, I am blessed by the realization that these moments were not just fantasies.

Yes, I’ve had my ups and downs - but anyone who’s lived anywhere for 10 years will tell you the same. Nothing comes easy.

The next few steps are informed by the birth, growth, and development of my musical talent.

Now, the pressure is on. I have no excuses.



To Jin Young hyung, I’ll be thankful to him till the day that I die. I was just a chubby little kid trying to sing, but he heard something in me. He took me under his wings and supported my development into the artist that I am today.

To my fans, old and new, I can’t thank you enough for your support. You’ve been patient, forgiving, and unconditional with your love. But most importantly, you have great taste in music haha.

To those who look at me as if I’ve been doing this for years — that I haven’t measured up in my career, I ask that you be patient with me. Remember that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

I’ve had a very fulfilling 15 years as a trainee, to say the least. But I was still just a trainee. All that time was necessary practice for the big day.

This is just the beginning.

It’s game time.

***
G.SOUL
WRITER



This is the first piece of artist written content at The Music Mind. Looking forward to bringing more of these types of content to fans, so please keep an eye out! As always, suggestions are welcome!

Mods: had to use my Tumblr to host the images since my photobucket is not working.

The Music Mind | Game Time, G.Soul

Comments

[fabulousdoll.livejournal.com]

Some people are misinformed that my life in New York was full of disappointments and broken promises. Let me set the record straight: My life in New York was a complete blessing, full of incredible memories and experiences that most artists only dream of.

Sometimes some of us forget that this is a dream for some artists and not just a job, and that dream for idols is not always the popularity. I'm glad he got all those experiences that will help him to feel more fulfilled with his life.

I think the same about the Wonder Girls going to America. I know things didn't went exactly as they were planned but they seem so pleased with what they learnt there that it only makes me happy for them.

[taengtaengbol.livejournal.com]

This was such a great read. That's amazing how he was offered a deal the very next day.

This reminds me of WG as well. Even though the turnout wasn't exactly how everyone envisioned it to be, they were able to grow both as musicians and as people. I admit that it sucks how they lost their status, but then again if they never left, then we probably wouldn't have gotten releases like "Reboot" and "Me?"

Maybe G.Soul would've been more well known if he debuted sooner/never moved to NY, but he had lots of great experiences as a trainee and he wouldn't have had those same opportunities in Korea :O And probably he wouldn't have released the same type of music (which isn't a bad thing, but I'm just really into this specific sound he's doing) :3

[suggestivepeach.livejournal.com]

This was an interesting read. I never realized he'd accomplished so much in the States.