SXSW Interview: Love X Stereo

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Love X Stereo has a real chance to become bigger in the U.S. than they are in Korea. At SXSW, Love X Stereo is in their second U.S. tour in three months. With their appealing music of racy rock 'n roll with mostly English lyrics, it is hard to see why not. The Korean met Annie and Toby of Love X Stereo at the Seoulsonic stage shortly before the show started. (Sol, the band's bassist, was not available.)

The interview was conducted in Korean. The translations are the Korean's own.

TK:  Please say hello to everyone.

TK:  How would you describe your music?

Toby:  We play electro-rock from the 1990s.

TK:  How was Love X Stereo formed?

Toby:  Love X Stereo began in 2011. I have been playing music professionally since 1999. I wanted to form a band with a woman vocal, and Buldaegal [불대갈], vocal for No Brain, introduced me to Annie.

Annie:  I was a trainee for an idol group at the time. For an R&B act.

Toby:  But she loved rock too much.

TK:  How are you enjoying SXSW? How do you feel about the way crowd reacts to your music?

Toby:  This is so much fun. It feels free and chaotic. This town is crazy.

Annie:  I thought our performance [at University of Texas] yesterday was well received. It had a good college vibe. Very wholesome.

TK:  Who are some of your musical influence?

Toby:  Mostly 90s alternative. 

Annie and Toby [in alternating rapid fire]:  Nirvana. Smashing Pumpkins. New Order. Chemical Brothers. Prodigy. Prosthetic Head. No FX. Pennywise.

TK:  Where do you see your music moving toward?

Annie:  I think our future music will be more fun.

Toby:  We are aiming more for U.S. and UK market, so we hope to come here more often in the future.

Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.