EQUATE Meets Balming Tiger

We recently were given the chance to get acquainted with genre-bending, South Korean “alt K-Pop” group ‘Balming Tiger’, a self-confessed group of weirdo multimedia misfits. Bridging the gap between K-pop, Hip-Hop, Pop and Rap, the group (comprised not only of musical artists, but producers, editors and filmmakers too) have firmly cemented themselves as trailblazers in Seoul’s thriving rap scene, and took some time to chat to us about the varying cultural output emerging from Asia today, the method, the music and the madness.

Words by Danielle Temeng

EQ: How did you come up with the stage name ‘Balming Tiger’ and what’s the story behind it?

As you may guess, the stage name ‘Balming Tiger’ is originally came from Tiger Balm which is one of the oldest oriental ointments. We wanted to play on the name as it’s a product from the orient which has already gain recognition around the world as we’d like too. Thus, we really wanted to make unique name, and we intentionally reversed the it to make sound nostalgic and familiar enough to recognise, but also interesting enough to differentiate. That is all. To be honest, the name was almost going to be ‘Balming Koala’ [laughs], glad we didn’t go with that!

EQ: When did you each first realise that creating music was something you wanted to do long-term?

Each member has their own personality first and foremost – and we are individuals who realised who we are through the arts, and then learned how to express ourselves through them. If you ever got the chance to meet us, we’re sure you’d think we are very unique and weird [laughs]. It is like a group of social misfits getting together to show our insufficient self-expression through the arts.

I think we all realised that even if we weren’t in music for one particular reason or another we’d be fine [laughs], but if we’re honest, individually we knew music was something we all really needed to do, and here we are…Balming Tiger.

Produced by UNSINKABLE – YouTube/Balming Tiger

EQ: Your music has been described as “K-Hip Hop”. How would you classify your genre of music, and who would you say you’re most inspired by?

We see ourselves as an “alternative K-pop band”. First of all, the music we compose is really hard to designate one genre – this is because our potential is too infinite to define one specific genre. With this being said, we took influences from K-pop (all of us have grown up with K-pop culture) so absolutely, K-pop has influenced us. It’s funny though as K-pop itself actually can’t be defined as a specific genre – it’s closer to a cultural phenomena which is difficult define so we think “alt K-pop” is more who we are, and we wish to be described as.

EQ: Tell us about how your environment has inspired or changed you as musicians. What does your personal and musical culture mean to you?

Freedom of personality and expression is mostly suppressed in society in Korea or in Asian culture, sadly. In other words, people in this culture are very self-conscious, so, it is hard to express their authentic self. Like we mentioned, we finally realised who we were through the music, and found our way of self-expression. Moreover, our culture has given us the musical motivation to highlight themes in our music such as ‘diversity’ and ‘openness’.

The Korean and Asian culture is what we undoubtably consider our home and roots – it’s ingrained in our DNA.We resonate so strongly with our heritage that we cant help but naturally relate to it without consciousness. It’s very important that we carry our culture with us as we grow in music and find success, but making sure it’s expressed in our own way.

EQ: Your track ‘Armadillo’ has amassed over 1.2 million views on YouTube (which is incredible!), it’s a very unique video with tonnes of references, what was the inspiration behind this?

The theme of the ‘Armadillo’ music video revolved around the theme that “we’re so cool even though we are not luxurious”, and that came with a lot of different elements. When we directed the video initially there was a lot of discussion with our director, Pennacky. We got musical inspiration from 1980 ~ 90s Japan movie’s (which are mainly static, but profound and comic). You can see Pennacky’s touch throughout he video a lot, and reflects a lot of his previous work – you’ll understand he really has his own tones or texture. It’s like his creative signature, and we’re glad because of this the video was such a success!

YouTube/Balming Tiger

EQ: What can we expect from your new EP with Omega Sapien, do you have a favourite track?

Omaga Sapien, one of our members, will schedule to release his new EP (name TBC) in early May this year. The EP is about not only Omega Sapien’s personal story, but is also an album that we want to use to show our collective musical ideas.

The album aims to shine a light on Asian culture and what it’s like to be a “Third Culture Kid” who was born in foreign country, or a person who is in their 20’s right now, a K-pop artist, a person who lives in 21st century. Theres a lot of context, and the main point of the EP is to create the unique sound and the music which is really difficult to define as one genre. We really love each track of the EP for different reasons.

EQ: Who would your top artist to collaborate with be and why?

Each of us has different opinions on this question [laughs], but I’d say Pharrell Williams is the one we all agree on. He is the most iconic character and artist, and style resonates with us because he has all the creativity, openness, and is an inspiration to people which we hope we represent too.

EQ: If you wanted one thing for people to take away from your music what would it be?

We really don’t mind if people don’t understand what’s right or wrong in our music, and this is because the meaning in our music ultimately leaves us once it’s recorded and out into the world. It’ll always be open to individual interpretation. One thing we do hope listeners get though is a fresh perspective on sound and new inspiration from it.

Finally, what are your plans for 2020? Any EQUATE Exclusives you can let us in on?

Our plans for 2020 are to be very active around both Korea and globally. We want to make sure out various collaborations show out creativity and ur authentic artistic style, and then to share our music with the world.

우리는 너희를 사랑한다.

(We love you EQUATE!)

Keep up with ‘Balming Tiger’ on socials:

Instagram: @balmingtiger

Web: BalmingTiger