Question: You have a very strong image of optimism. Havenât you ever wanted to break from that?
Chanyeol: When i was younger i thought my bright and optimistic image would create certain preconceptions for the music i wanted to compose, so i wanted to break away from the image, but these days i compose without thinking about that kind of thing. Because there is bound to be someone who enjoys that kind of music too. Iâm living comfortably with that thought.
Question: Iâve heard that you got in trouble from your mother when you told her you wanted to raise a mouse that got caught in a mouse trap. Do you like animals?
Chanyeol: Animals are like family to me. Iâve always had animals with me since i was a child. These days i have no time to raise a pet because iâm busy, but i play with the dog at my parentsâ place whenever i visit. Unfortunately iâve developed a cat fur allergy which i didnât have when i was younger, so i have to be careful.
Question: Your low voice is so nice to listen to. Iâm curious about which songs you enjoy singing.
Chanyeol: I like singing. I sing Jung Jun Il sunbae-nimâs âHug Meâ a lot. Iâve even uploaded myself singing it in my own style. There are people who are surprised when i sing because they only know me as a rapper. Before i wanted to gain recognition for my singing, but these days i donât feel that itâs necessary to worry myself like that.
Question: Not feeling the need to worry yourself can be seen as a sign of maturity. Was there a moment that caused it?
Chanyeol: My personality is rather impatient. I feel the need to do things immediately and feel anxious when i donât. When i look at it i think the moment that helped me was all the bowling i did when i found myself with time to spare. I got impatient that i couldnât control the bowl properly so clung to it for two months bowling until early morning, but i actually bowled better after a two month break when i went back with an easier mind. I control myself with the thought of âIf i get it itâs good and if i donât get it iâll make it eventuallyâ. Maybe itâs because personalities donât change but iâm still impatient.
Question: Any songs that you find touching?
Chanyeol: I couldnât understand them when i was younger but these days i really love songs by Black Skirt and Lee Sora sunbaenim. I was looking up their songs and suddenly found myself overcome with emotion, almost as though something was flowing into me.
Question: Iâm curious about your current playlist.
Chanyeol: Amy Winehouse, Migos, Aerosmith, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and more. There are also songs from the OST of the animation <Your Name>, which i watched recently.
Question: What did you like about <Your Name>?
Chanyeol: I like the subtle emotions that you find in Japanese films. I think i get pulled in very easily by the hooks Shinkai Makoto sets up. Of course the visuals are beautiful, but i really enjoyed the introduction of fantasy elements in a still realistic setting. The fact that the main protagonist went through a great deal of events but couldnât remember any of it was sad.
Question: You debuted in 2012. Do you have any aspirations for your music as an idol of 5 years?
Chanyeol: EXO has always shown a new, trendy and constantly changing side of us in our own unique colours. You could see each member growing obviously for each album. I have faith in the company, so i believe that we will continue to grow in the future. I have a lot of passion for music personally too. At the moment i just want to enjoy myself with the music as it comes, without feeling as though i have to do something. It isnât a greed from impatience, i could call it more of a greed to do better.
Question: Is there anything that influences your music?
Chanyeol: My surroundings. When i see someone whoâs talented in music i want to be talented like them. I get the same desire when i meet an artist i respect or see a good performance. These days i pray alot before composing too. Praying helps me go into composing by letting me collect my thoughts and putting me in a calmer state.
Question: Iâm curious about the artists you like.
Chanyeol: Iâm a fan of Jamie Cullum. I like his voice and the way he plays the piano. Iâm also a fan of pianist Yoon Suk Chulâs works. Heâs so talented to the point where i think âhe must be the god of pianoâ. I learn a lot from composing with him. I listen to a variety of genres but jazz and rock are my constants.
Question: You contributed in writing the lyrics of a song in your 4th official album. Is it an autobiographical story?
Chanyeol: No. âSweet Liesâ is a story very far from me. I thought alot about what i would be like if i was a bad boy, but the style doesnât really fit with me so it was a little difficult (laughs). G. Soul composed and wrote the lyrics for the frame of the song and when i first heard the melody i thought that kind of story would suit it.
Question: Youâve been called a âface prodigyâ. What do you think when you look into the mirror.
Chanyeol: I admit it (laughs) I feel proud occasionally when i look in the mirror. I usually wear black clothing without accessorising very much. I started off thinking âIâll be okay even though iâm wearing thisâ but i stick to it now because itâs so comfortable. Comfort is the most important for going to the studio and bowling alley, home and so on. So i donât really have much of an interest for appearances but when thereâs a schedule and i look in the mirror with makeup i think âas expectedâ (both laugh)
Question: You were wearing the so-called three-lined slippers at London, youâre even wearing them now.
Chanyeol: Thatâs right. These are the shoes and pants i wore then. I wore them because they were comfortable but even the London people were surprised. I told them it was outerwear clothes.
Question: As an artist, there are people who donât hesitate on stage but are shy in front of a camera. Conversely, there are people who shine both on stage and enjoy themselves as a celebrity on variety shows or dramas. Which side do you lean towards?
Chanyeol: The former. There are lots of people that think i donât talk when i go on variety shows and on top of that iâm very shy so it takes me a while to get comfortable. I still try though. I like seeing new sides of me so i always like a new challenge.
Question: Iâm curious on how you feel about Seoul as someone whoâs travelled all over the world.
Chanyeol: Even though i donât feel particularly different when iâm overseas, the first thought i have when i come to Seoul is âOh! Iâm homeâ. When i come to Incheon airport and take my phone off airport mode, itâs convenient that the wifi works well. I donât go around very much overseas.
Question: Last question. What gives you inspiration these days?
Chanyeol: Myself. Not because iâm particularly special but because iâm thinking a lot about myself. In the end i think all things conclude with yourself. So i find myself gaining inspiration for the types of music i really want to do.
Translation by fyeah-chanyeol
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