Korean girl group from FNC Entertainment, Ace of Angels (AOA)
Following the past few years of success, Sundown Festival is once again back for their annual event that celebrates Asian music and culture. Proudly created and organized by Red Spade Entertainment, The eight hour long music fiesta took place at the F1 Pit Area, Marina Promenade on November 16th. This year, Sundown Festival ups Asian countries tally to a whopping eight: Korea, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan with an addition three new Southeast Asian nation namely Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. The girls of Ace of Angels (AOA) were in town to represent Korea, visual kei bands Screw and D=OUT for Japan, No More Tear for Thailand, Rocksteddy and Rico Blanco for Philippines, Bosco Wong for Hong Kong, Yoga Lin for Taiwan, Adonia Shao for China and Nidji for Indonesia.
A press conference was held a day before the event on the 15th of November at the Marina Mandarin Hotel attended by SCREW, Rocksteddy, AOA, Nidji, D=OUT, No More Tears, Rico Blanco and Bosco Wong. All of the artistes shared the same level of enthusiasm to perform for our local audience.
J-pop & visual kei band, SCREW
Byo, lead vocalist of SCREW
Five member J-rock and visual kei band SCREW was first up in line. During the short interview, they mentioned that “Doku” meaning poison in English would best represent their group. When asked what their music inspiration was, they said that the scenery from across the globe inspired them. Although they debuted around the same time as D=OUT and has a similar music genre as them, SCREW’s leader Kazuki also shared that they don’t feel any competition as they are actually really good friends as they are from the same management company. He also mentioned that they are looking forward to showcase their performance for the very first time live in Singapore.
Rocksteddy from the Philippines
Christian Sindico, basist of Rocksteddy
Next up was Rocksteddy, a Christian alternative rock group from the Philippines which was founded in 2003. The group shared that their song used to have Christian lyrics and an acoustic style till they decided to drop it in 2005 and moved to alternative rock. Also, they mentioned that they love to listen to different genres of music including K-pop such as PSY and the Wonder Girls, which became their musical influences. Christian Sindico, the bass and the vocals of the band shared that he used to be a geek in the past but he is now opening up to the nightlife.
Ace of Angels (AOA), from Korea
Ace of Angels (AOA) who dances and plays their own musical instruments was the third line up after Rocksteddy. The entire eight-member Korean girl group, except Seolhyun who wasn’t able to attend the press conference due to conflicting schedules was present at the press conference. Jimin, the leader of AOA shared about how happy and honored they are to be able to represent Korea for this amazing festival and that they prepared a lot for this and hope that fans attending would enjoy the performance for the concert. When asked by the emcee to give a message to the local fans, Jimin said that when they came to Singapore last year for K-pop Music Night Out, they were very surprised at the love and support Singaporean fans gave to them.
Hyejeong from AOA
As are named as Ace of Angels, they were asked who the most angelic member in group is. The question drew laughter and giggles from them while Hyejeong answered cheekily, “Aren’t we all angelic?” Don’t you guys agree that they are all really gorgeous and angelic?
Leader of AOA, Jimin
The girls have been switching between their units of a five-member band (AOA Black) and seven-member dance stages (AOA). Thus, the girls were asked if they would have a comeback as a full team of eight members anytime soon. Leader Jimin answered that for now, they are still focusing as a group of seven members. When they were asked if they faced any difficulties juggling between a band and a girl group, they shared that they didn’t have any difficulties nor confusion as they have prepared and trained for their performance well. AOA was also asked if they have any secret behind their beautiful legs in which they laughed, thank the media and shared that they eat healthily and exercise regularly, no secrets!
Nidji from Indonesia
Fourth in line for the press conference was Indonesian band Nidji which was formed in 2002. The band’s name comes from the Japanese world “niji” which means Rainbow. The energetic members of the group tried to loosen the tension of the press conference by asking the members of the media to make some noise for them. The group shared that they are grateful to be given the chance to perform in Singapore together with other famous artistes from other Asian countries.
D=OUT from Japan
Bassist Reika, from D=OUT
Up next was D=OUT (pronounced as DOUBT), another top J-Rock and visual kei group similar to fellow group SCREW. Although they are good friends and share the same music genre as SCREW, D=OUT was different in terms of personality as the members are more cheerful and livelier as they created laughter with their cheeky antics during their interview. For example, bassist Reika was really interested with one of the headphones displayed on the table sponsored by Jabra as he was constantly picking it up and later asked if he could keep it during the end of interview. When the emcee informed him that he is welcome to bring it home, a wide smile flashed upon his face as he took it and walked down the stage while posing with it for the cameras.
No More Tear from Thailand
FukFang, main vocalist of No More Tear
Representing Thailand, pop-rock No More Tear was next in line. Consisting of three men namely Chay (guitar), Tae (bass), and Ice (drums) and one female, FukFang as the main vocal. FukFang shared that even though she is the only female in the group, she is very close with them.
Rico Blanco from the Phillippines
Another Philippines representative, singer-songwriter, record producer and actor Rico Blanco was next. The talented Filipino rock icon was asked about the recent devastating typhoon in the Philippines. In which, he shared that it is heartbreaking for him to leave his hometown and that he would donate his earning from this event to lend a helping hand to the victims of the disaster.
Bosco Wong, from Hong Kong
Last on the line up was Hong Kong actor and singer, Bosco Wong together with his band members Philip, Ah Zhong, Jeffery. Although he went straight to the press conference after landing in Singapore but did not show signs of tiredness at all! As this was not his first visit to Singapore, he was asked if he had any memorable fan experience during his visits here. In which, he responded that a female fan once chased his van in her car and caused a minor road accident when the fan’s car hit Bosco’s vehicle but thankfully, no one was hurt. Bosco also shared that he would like to try out a role of a uniformed policeman as it gives off a manly vibe.
Korean Beats would like to extend our thanks to Red Spade Entertainment for inviting us to Sundown Festival 2013. Do check out our Facebook page here for more pictures from the press conference! 🙂
Photos & Article by ED
Additional Photos by Red Spade Entertainment
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