K-Pop Idol BLACK ON has been on his 'World Luv Tour', recently performing and visiting with fans in cities throughout the US. Before his performance at Los Angeles' Cat’s Crawl, MIXTAPE 317 had the chance to catch up with the artist and chat about his experience on tour, upcoming music journey and if he prefers spending the day at the beach or mountains.
As we arrive at the theatre fans were already lining up with excitement to meet with the idol ahead of the performance. Cat's Crawl, located in East Hollywood is a unique venue with brick interior and a stage lined with twinkling lights. BLACK ON, looking edgy wearing a leather jacket embellished with pendants and chains, blue nail polish and showcasing several exposed tattoos greets us with a smile. The idol is flawless in a smokey eye done by makeup artist Seoha (서하); his blonde hair pulled half up.
We kicked off the interview getting to know more about BLACK ON and his journey into becoming an idol. Starting as a dancer, he practiced dance during his schooling years and as he says, continued to “level up” , later going on to debut under the name BLACK ON in 2021 with XPLORE Entertainment.
Since his first Digital Single Valuable, the idol has gone on to release several EPs, digital singles and album COLD SILENCE in 2022 containing his most notable '스르르(SRR)'. His style spans genres like hip hop, pop, RnB and ballads; with softer songs like 'LOV=' off album of the same name and more tough and gritty songs like 'STRAIGHT OVER' off Digital Single OVER DOSE we asked the singer how he goes about blending his styles.
“Focusing my feelings, and when I talk to Angels I try to think how Angels are feeling…My music is Angel and me.”
Angel, fandom name, had the unique opportunity to participate in fan meets with the idol throughout cities such as Brea and Torrance, California leading up to his performance in Los Angeles. He describes the experience as special, having never been to the cities before and getting to meet new Angels.
“One comment is ‘special’. So special to me, this is BLACK ON and Angels start[ing] history in USA.”
After spending time on the road, showcasing his talents around the world I ask if his puppy 타미(Tami) has been in the audience to cheer him on. Admitting 타미 has yet to witness his performances, he laughs as we joke about needing to return home to show to him that his dad is a star.
Before wrapping up we went on to play a quick round of 'This or That' where the idol laughs as he tells us he prefers having a face piercing to a face tattoo, performing live to music video and choosing to spend time at the beach over the mountains.
Following his successful and meaningful fan meetings with Angel and world wide performances, BLACK ON will be back to tour within the US this upcoming September, following with a Europe Tour in November. Angel can also look forward to an upcoming album that features a new concept; album details to be announced at a later date.
As our time together concluded BLACK ON had one final message to Angel,
"Angels, every challenge and every memory together with me, thank you so much. You guys are so special to me, we don't stop."
Photographer and Interview Rebecca R
Assist Maggie A
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