QWER Interview Part 2: Learning Instruments and Creating Songs

QWER recently sat down for an interview with Star News in Jongno, Seoul, where they shared their thoughts on winning at AAA 2024, reflected on their journey so far, and discussed their future plans.

This interview has been translated and presented in three parts. Part 1 covers their AAA 2024 experience and how QWER was formed. Part 2 delves into their journey of learning instruments and their hit songs. Finally, Part 3 explores their thoughts on fan reactions and their plans for international activities.

Here is Part 2.

QWER interview: Learning Instruments and Overcoming Stage Fright

Chodan: My grandfather was a professional guitarist, and many of my family members are musicians. I started playing instruments when I was eight or nine and began learning drums at ten. I even majored in drums in college. When I met Kim Gyeran, I already had a solid foundation in drumming. My lifelong dream was to be in a band, and he suggested we pursue it together. I used to be afraid of performing and preferred staying at home. However, I decided to break out of my shell and face the world. My first stage experience was nerve-wracking. My legs were shaking while playing the drums, and I worried if I could pull it off. Now, thanks to the love and support I’ve received, my stage fright has eased, and I genuinely enjoy performing.

Magenta: I’ve always loved rock music, so I bought a bass guitar and posted about it on SNS. Kim Gyeran saw my post and suggested forming a band. Since Chodan was my friend, and I wanted to learn bass properly, I decided to give it a shot. As the project grew bigger, practice became as intense as preparing for a job interview. At first, I didn’t think much about it, but continuous practice made me take it seriously.

(On bass being hard to hear on stage) That’s true. People who watched my videos left funny comments like, “Is the amp unplugged?” or “She’s not actually playing.”

Hina: I learned various instruments as a child but never picked up the guitar. In high school, I majored in practical music, focusing on piano, songwriting, composition, and MIDI. When I joined the band, they assigned me to electric guitar. Since I loved rock, I was eager to learn. However, the difficulty level was much higher than I expected, and it required more than just casual practice—I had to give it my all.

We had about three months before our first showcase. “Discord” is a technically challenging song, and even my instructor worried about how I’d manage. I practiced for 16 hours a day to get it right. Despite that, I wasn’t satisfied with my first showcase performance. I wasn’t comfortable with the guitar yet, so I kept looking down while playing. Now, I can finally look up at the audience.

QWER interview: Siyeon’s Journey from Japanese Idol to Korean Band

Siyeon: I attended a vocal academy and later enrolled in an arts university. However, due to personal circumstances, I dropped out and pursued a career as an idol trainee. That didn’t work out, so I went to Japan, where I admired the idol industry. Then, Kim Gyeran reached out to me. At the time, I wasn’t familiar with Korean trends or culture, so I didn’t know who he was. After researching him, I decided to join as a vocalist.

Japanese music often incorporates band instrument sounds, so I didn’t feel much difference between the two music styles. Singing in a band is incredibly fun, and I love how I can pour explosive energy into my performances.

QWER interview: The Breakthrough Hit: “T.B.H”

Magenta: The song went through many revisions. Initially, it had a sentimental vibe, and I believed it had potential from the start. However, to make it a true hit, our instrumental skills had to be on point. So, we practiced intensely, streaming only once or twice a month during that time.

Hina: I actually had a strange experience while recording “T.B.H.” I saw what looked like a figure in the studio, but when I finished recording, it was gone. No one else had seen anything. A similar thing happened while recording “My Name is Malguem.” There were no technical issues, but my voice wouldn’t register. After struggling for a while, I had to stop and take a break. Looking back, maybe overcoming those challenges helped the song succeed.

Working with Jeon Soyeon on “My Name is Malguem”

Chodan: My vocal tone used to be minor-key and swallowed, but she taught me how to project my voice and express emotions. Thanks to her advice, I developed a unique vocal style.

Siyeon: During Lunar New Year, I sent her a gift set of nuts through a messenger app. It feels like I’ve gained a warm and supportive mentor.

Magenta: We’re now on casual speaking terms. Whenever my videos pop up on SNS, she comments on my makeup or gives me tips about performing. She’s like a magical conch shell that always provides the right advice.

Pressure for the Next Release

Magenta: It would be a lie to say there’s no pressure. However, rather than feeling burdened, we’re more excited about our next album. Through our activities, we’ve expanded our musical horizons. This time, the members will actively participate and contribute their ideas to create fresh, new music.

QWER Interview Part 1: AAA 2024 Reflections & Band Formation

QWER interview covers their AAA 2024 experience, where they won the Rookie Award and performed on a huge stage. They discuss the band’s formation, the meaning behind their name, and their first impressions of each other.

Here’s a link to MLBPARK.

Thank you so much for reading this post! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share them in the comments!