From infatuation to love,
I thought this was a theme that everyone could relate to. As the title suggests, ‘If this is love, I want a refund’, I wanted to reveal the other side of love, beyond the fantasy. All the tracks express different realistic emotions we feel while in love, and I’m sure people have experienced at least one of these stories. I think it’s an album like a page from your diary.
How much of your personal relationships are mirrored in this album? Is there a specific story you’re trying to tell through the songs?
I wanted to tell stories of “every one of us”, things we all can relate to. So there are bits and pieces of my experiences, and a combination of stories of friends and people around me. I asked around and adapted stories from friends. Rather than delivering a one-sided message to the people, I wanted them to think of this album as their “own story” rather than “KINO’s story.”
How did your collaboration with Lay Bankz come about?
I first saw her on Spotify while I was looking for a good artist that would fit my music the best. She made a strong impression, and I emailed her straight away. We even had a great opportunity to shoot a music video together in Philadelphia, maybe it was meant to be (laughs).
Shed some light on taking inspiration from the viral Gen Z term ‘Delulu’ for ‘Freaky love’?
When I first saw the word “Delulu” being used by fans in my TikTok comments, I had no idea what it meant. I looked it up and found that it was a new word coined from the meaning of ‘delusion’. With that interesting word, I created the story about infatuation, a person who falls in love in two seconds and plans a whole future with someone who he/she just met. The finger dance challenge of the song was fun and I hope to see India participating in it too!
Your music is topping charts in India, how does it feel to be loved across borders?
It’s unbelievable. It’s amazing to know that there’s a place that gives me this much love even though it’s a place I’ve never been before. That’s why I want to perform in India and meet my fans no matter what.
Are there any artists (Korean or international) you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
I recently got to know a girl group called W.i.S.H. They are so talented, and they are a great group. I want to produce a song for them, not just a simple vocal feature. If I get the chance, I would like to go to India and film a video together too.
You adopted an unusual promotional strategy of ‘rate my song’ at Coachella, and it even featured Simu Liu… What was the thought behind it and how was the experience?
The idea started from a very small conversation. On our way to Coachella, we were brainstorming on a fun way to promote our new EP. When the idea came up, we only needed the courage to carry out the ideas ourselves. We immediately bought cardboard at a mart, created the sign and carried it around. It was interesting to play my music to strangers, they didn’t know who I was and receiving high ratings from them boosted my confidence. Meeting Simu Liu was a coincidence. I couldn’t believe he was right in front of me, and I felt lucky to have an interview with him.
What message do you hope to convey to Universes with this new album?
I want to make them feel comfortable. I hope it will be the music that they can always listen to and age well. There are way too many serious things in life so while they are listening to my music, I hope they don’t think too deeply and just enjoy it as they feel.
Earlier this year you attended the New York Fashion Week, how would you describe the experience?
As a fashion lover, it was a very important moment for me. Just being able to attend a global fashion event like that meant a lot. I was inspired by everyone I met there and the clothes I saw. Now it’s time to make music with the inspiration I’ve got.
