Anderson .Paak Discusses His New 'K-Pops!' Album and Future Projects
Anderson .Paak's upcoming album, "K-Pops! (Music from and inspired by K-Pops! Motion Picture)," set to release on May 29, was initially designed as a complementary piece to his directorial debut, the film "K-Pops!" launching on Netflix on May 30. This record features a stellar lineup of K-pop talents, reflecting the film's backdrop in the vibrant South Korean idol scene. Despite the array of collaborations, the album also heavily showcases Paak's distinct vocals and his characteristic retro-influenced sound, making it his most personal work since his 2019 release, "Ventura."
Currently, Paak is performing alongside Bruno Mars, taking on dual roles as opener DJ Pee .Wee and contributing to the Silk Sonic segment of the show. In a recent interview, Paak shared insights into the making of "K-Pops!," the ongoing journey of Silk Sonic, his experience collaborating with his son, Soul Rasheed, and his broader artistic aspirations.
Paak emphasized that "K-Pops!" transcends being merely a soundtrack, evolving into an album that deeply embodies his artistic vision. He aimed to integrate K-pop artists into his musical universe, crafting a unique sound with producer Dem Jointz, who has a history of working with K-pop acts. This collaborative effort allowed them to explore new creative territories, resulting in an album that feels very much like an Anderson .Paak creation within the K-pop landscape.
He also highlighted the album's role in acknowledging the roots of K-Pop in Black American music, particularly R&B and hip-hop. Paak noted the rarity of K-pop compilations featuring artists from different labels, making the album a groundbreaking effort to unite diverse talents. He stressed the importance of respecting and paying homage to the cultural origins of the music, believing that such recognition is crucial for sustained artistic integrity.
Gathering all the prominent artists for "K-Pops!" proved to be a challenging endeavor, even more complex than navigating the politics of the hip-hop scene. Paak described the extensive process of securing clearances and coordinating schedules. However, once artists understood the project's vision, their enthusiasm made the collaborations seamless. He credited producer Dem Jointz for his invaluable contribution in curating the right songs for each artist and facilitating a "K-pop camp" atmosphere during content shoots in Korea.
Despite his busy schedule, Paak admitted that he can't help but be deeply involved in every project he undertakes, whether it's NxWorries, Silk Sonic, or his various compilations. He recounted how what started as a simple soundtrack quickly transformed into a mission to create the most impactful musical accompaniment possible, becoming an album that stands on its own.
Working with his son, Soul Rasheed, was a particularly special experience. Paak shared how his son's transition from K-pop to Slipknot during puberty presented a challenge in finding a suitable song for him. They revisited an archived track, "Love Is Everywhere," which resonated with Soul Rasheed and aligned with the movie's theme. Recording vocals with his son and re-recording his own for the track was a heartwarming experience, showcasing his son's beautiful yet shy singing voice.
He also lauded the contributions of emerging artists like Lngshot from Jay Park's group, whose performances left him in awe. Paak and Dem Jointz extensively drew from their musical archives for the album, a practice he employs for various projects to maximize the use of his vast collection of unreleased material. He learned the financial implications of using popular music in films, leading him to utilize his own compositions, such as "Jewels" and "The Last," which opens the movie with a stunning animated sequence.
The collaboration with Dean on "Aftertaste" was another highlight. Paak immediately envisioned Dean for the track, recognizing his unique ability to blend R&B sensibilities with K-pop. Despite Dean's recent hiatus from releasing music, he enthusiastically embraced the song, ensuring its meticulous production. Their reunion after a decade was a rewarding experience for both artists.
Scheduling conflicts prevented a collaboration with BTS's RM and the group during their military service, although initial discussions had taken place. Paak expressed his continued interest in working with them in the future. Looking ahead, Paak is keen on directing more films, drawing lessons from his first project. He aims to tell diverse stories, particularly those that highlight Black and Asian communities, which he felt were underrepresented in the films he grew up watching. He hopes to continue contributing to the film industry through acting, directing, producing, and writing.
Paak noted the pleasant surprise many, especially Koreans, express upon discovering his Korean heritage. He humorously acknowledged the heightened embrace of his Korean identity, particularly with the global popularity of Korean culture. His experiences on tour with Bruno Mars as DJ Pee .Wee and part of Silk Sonic have been immensely gratifying, emphasizing the honor of sharing the stage with what he considers the greatest entertainer of the current era. He hinted at the possibility of future Silk Sonic albums, viewing the group as a cherished resource that can be revisited whenever the timing is right. Additionally, he plans to release exciting new material through his label, Apeshit, and explore other ventures like movie projects and potentially even a book, indicating his ceaseless creative drive.