Interview with the 'Epik High'

Epik High is back standing on stage together again. However, after 3 years of hiatus from the music industry, they are said to be giving off an idol-like image. Is it due to the fact that they are now with YG?

Epik High who recently revealed their 7th album, '99' is back with their fans. The title of the album '99' is due to a few significant reasons. One of the reasons is in celebration of their 9th anniversary since debut this year and also because this album consists of 9 tracks. The members' favorite number too is also revealed to be 9. Hence, producing an album named '99'.

The anticipation was high on this comeback as the rest of Epik High members officially joined Tablo at YG Entertainment for their comeback. As the adage goes, nobody does it like YG. YG indeed has the ability to bring out the best out of an already talented person or group. And they did it again with an impressive comeback from Epik High. Only the best sound systems in the world are chosen to be used in the making of this album. During an interview done with the Epik High members, the reporter mentioned "You guys have turned into idols" and the members put on a smile of satisfaction. Why so?

"A lot of people said that we look like idols when they see our jacket album. It's good that we get to wear pretty clothes. (laugh) I saw comments on the internet that says "Like idols", "These are married men but I'm falling for them" but in reality, our style at the set is bad. We were so excited to be able to wear a lot of pretty clothes. It's the same kind of t-shirt and jeans but last time it was just clothes, now we got comments that we look like idols. It's an absolute compliment", says Tablo. 

After Tablo first signed with YG Entertainment, stories about Epik High breaking up surfaces on the internet and eventhough they tried to explain it, the public couldn't careless.

"When the news came out about Tablo joining YG, we already knew about it. People started asking 'Is Epik High breaking up? Will we be able to see Epik High together again?' I wanted to deny it but I thought it was best to deny it with an outcome (a comeback)" says Tukutz.

"When I released a solo album with YG, I've mentioned clearly in an interview that us three will unite again and we're not breaking up but things anyhow turned out like that. We couldn't do nothing with articles after articles mentioning our break up" says Tablo.

Their comeback album '99' shows not only a vast improvement but it is also their first time having two promotional tracks - Don't Hate Me and Up featuring 2NE1's Park Bom.

"When we were deciding the title track, we opposed Yang Hyun Suk's decision and argued with him over it. (laugh) We wanted to do double title track. Instead of just a single title track, if we put up two title tracks we thought at least we can make one of it known. We even bet on which one of this will do better", says Tablo.

They made their comeback stage through SBS Inkigayo last October 21st and although it is nerve-wracking since it has been 3 years, they decided to start afresh. Putting aside their senior image with almost all of their tracks turned out to be emotional previously, they're coming back with a rookie mindset.

"Personally during this comeback I want the listeners to think "I feel better when I see Epik High", "They are having fun on stage" and I want to listen to that kind of thing. I wish we've made that kind of image" says Mithra Jin. 

"I take this album as a debut album. With a rookie mindset, we'll work hard. Club's concert, little theatres, we're going to do all that. We really missed the stage. Besides making music, I've missed the feeling of three of us together on stage facing the audience. I want to stand on stage. I don't care if it's for broadcast, club nor concert" says Tablo showing his passion in performing.

(source : Osen)