Interview: Presenting PRSNT
Since their debut in June 2019 with “I Feel, You Feel, We Feel," BIXIZ XOUND's three-member, electronic, co-ed band PRSNT has been bringing a new and refreshing sound to the Korean music industry. Composed of vocalist Jiyoon (also known as Jenyer), who many might recognize from the K-Pop girl group 4Minute, DJ and producer Allzwell, as well as guitarist, synthesizer, and K-Pop music producer mOnSteR nO.9. PRSNT have showcased their unique style through their songs and performances on MBC’s Show!MusicCore, Arirang Radio’s Super K-Pop, and MU:CON 2022. Earlier this year, they released their debut EP titled Crazy Driver, consisting of six songs: “Engine On (Intro),” “Crazy Driver,” title track “Like a Butterfly,” “I Don’t Know Where to Go,” “Take That Back,” and “Engine Off (Outro)” as well as two respective singles “Summer Vacation” and “We’re Just a Grain of Sand.” HALSUG had the pleasure of talking to PRSNT about Crazy Driver and their other discography, allowing readers to discover more about the band and their music.
Photo Courtesy of BIXIZ XOUND
While the last couple of years have been strange and difficult for so many following the COVID-19 pandemic, for PRSNT, 2022 has been a great year, having released their debut mini-album Crazy Driver and singles “Summer Vacation” and “We’re Just a Grain of Sand.” When asked what the year was like for the band and whether the pandemic affected their creative process with these songs, Jiyoon said, “after we released Crazy Driver, I was disappointed that we couldn’t do many activities because of COVID-19. But in the second half of the year, we were able to do various activities such as live performances, TV shows, and radio. I think we tried hard this year, and I hope there will be more opportunities to do activities next year.”
Released on July 15, 2022, "Summer Vacation" was PRSNT's first song to be made with the intention of being a summer track, but it took three years for the trio to release it. “We missed the right time to release “Summer Vacation” because the summer had passed while we were writing it. There were so many revisions, but we were so happy to finally release it,” expressed mOnSteR nO.9. Inspired by the title, HALSUG asked what each of the members' ideal summer vacation would be. They all provided different yet very relatable answers. “Sitting on a small boat, drinking beer, and fishing,” said Allzwell. At the same time, mOnSteR nO.9 believes, “the best summer vacation [for me] now is traveling as I couldn’t go abroad because of COVID-19.” Jiyoon provided one of the most relatable answers many of us could ever hear, saying her ideal summer vacation would be “just watching Netflix and movies and eating cool watermelon at home.” They all sound perfect!
Photo Courtesy of BIXIZ XOUND
mOnSteR nO.9 explained that the inspiration behind the concept for their debut EP Crazy Driver was from the 2017 Hollywood movie Baby Driver, an idea thought of by Jiyoon. “I thought it would be more touching if people enjoy [our] music while driving, like the album concept. For the first time, we worked on an EP album and not a single, and there was a lot of pressure to make good songs, but we are satisfied because it is filled with the music we want to do.” When asked what their favorite songs are from Crazy Driver, each member, again, gave a different reply. “The answer to this question always changes [laughs] I love all of it,” said Allzwell. ““I don’t know where to go” because I don’t know where my life will go, like the meaning of the lyrics,” answered Jiyoon, while “Crazy Driver” is mOnSteR nO.9’s favorite. “When I was writing this song, I thought it would be the opening song. It’s the closest song to a band set. [It’s] super exciting,” mOnSteR nO.9 replied.
Before forming PRSNT, all three members came from different musical backgrounds. Jiyoon was a member of the former K-Pop girl group 4Minute, which they are known for their popular hits like “Hot Issue” and “미쳐 (Crazy).” Allzwell, on the other hand, is a DJ and producer specializing in bass music and has worked with K-Pop artists Block B and B.A.P, as well as international DJs such as Skrillex and Fedde Le Grand. Allzwell also was the head director of popular Korean clubs ‘OCTAGON’ and ‘ELLUI.’ mOnsteR nO.9, on the other hand, is a K-Pop music producer who makes trendy and unique sounds and has worked with many well-known and admired K-Pop acts such as BTS member and leader RM, Ha Sung Woon (of Wanna One) Golden Child, SF9, VICTON, and Red Velvet member Joy. When asked how three artists from different backgrounds came together to form PRSNT, Jiyoon explained that “somehow we got to know each other and started working on music purely for fun. We wrote many good songs together, and it wasn’t enough [to be writing songs] just for fun, so we made PRSNT.” She also explained the meaning behind the band's name, saying, “it’s exciting to see what’s in your socks before getting presents on Christmas, so I wanted to make a song like a present. I also wanted our fans to feel like a present, so I used the name PRSNT.”
Photo Courtesy of BIXIZ XOUND
Being from different backgrounds in music, one would assume that the creative process would have its difficulties but not for the members of PRSNT. “We started [PRSNT] for fun, so we worked easily without stress,” said Jiyoon when asked if the members endured any creative struggles during the early days of the band's career. “When working with other singers, it often works according to the client, but working as PRSNT is really free. We don’t need permission from anyone,” expressed mOnSteR nO.9 when asked about the difference between creating music for PRSNT and when they made music before joining the band. Jiyoon, herself, has gone from being a member of a girl group to being a solo artist to now being a member of a co-ed group, saying, “for a girl group, it felt more like a family because we used to work together all the time, but for PRSNT, it feels like a club because we only work together when we have work [laughs].”
When thinking of Korean music, K-Pop is generally the first thing that comes to mind, and with Jiyoon being a former member of 4Minute, this wouldn’t be too much of a surprising thought. But while PRSNT explores various music styles, such as R&B, Pop, and Bass, their genre seems to fall more into the electronic style of music. When asked how they would describe their sound to someone who has never listened to PRSNT before, mOnSteR nO.9 described it as “the team that clearly has a true color that can be enjoyed together.” mOnSteR nO.9 also recommended their most recent song, “We’re Just a Grain of Sand,” as the song that people should listen to first as “it’s a song that has the most PRSNT style,” while also recommending ““All Night Long” for those who like popular songs and “MINUS” for those who want to experience a variety of music.” When listening to PRSNT’s discography, Allzwell wants listeners to think, “what about the next PRSNT song?” staying in anticipation and excitement for future PRSNT releases.
Photo Courtesy of BIXIZ XOUND
With 2022 coming to an end next month and 2023 soon to make an appearance, PRSNT revealed that they are currently preparing for next year’s overseas activities, saying, “we have already decided to appear at a festival in Taiwan, and you will be able to meet us at more festivals and TV shows overseas.” They are a great band to listen to, with songs that express great energy and vibes worthy of more followers and listeners, so stay tuned and be ready to see and hear more from PRSNT next year.
Special thank you to PRSNT for taking the time to do this interview with HALSUG. Make sure you stay up to date with PRSNT on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and SoundCloud. Also, check out their music on Spotify and other streaming platforms today.