Q&A: 3kelves Returns to Indie Roots with New EP 'Lucas 루카스'
KOREAN-AMERICAN PRODUCTION 3KELVES is taking a melodic turn with his latest project, the indie pop EP Lucas 루카스. Marking a departure from his usual disco-house sounds, this new release reflects a return to his musical roots and a collaboration with a talented group of international musicians.
In this interview, 3kelves dives deep into the inspiration behind Lucas 루카스, exploring the challenges and rewards of venturing into a new genre. He discusses the influence of his Korean heritage on his music, a theme gaining traction with artists like Japanese Breakfast and Peggy Gou. 3Kelves also shares valuable advice for aspiring producers who, like him, are building online connections.
Beyond the unexpected joy of crafting an optimistic anthem like "Nonsense," 3kelves hints at the technical mastery showcased in the bass work by Jonathan Mono of "We Are Neurotic" and the impeccable mixing talents of Dylan C. Greene. Lucas 루카스 serves as a captivating journey for listeners, filled with both artistic exploration and impressive sonic craftsmanship. Read below to learn more about the project and what’s next for 3kelves.
LUNA: Lucas 루카스 marks a shift in your sound towards indie pop. What inspired this return to your musical roots?
3KELVES: Although it's easier to make sampled-disco house songs and get more attention from DJs, I still have great love for indie music, with all of my favorite artists from the past like Dirty Projectors, Phoenix, Radiohead, The Rapture, and forever onwards. I travelled to Jakarta, Indonesia to meet my collaborators, We Are Neurotic. We were going to make House/Disco House music but because they're such great musicians that we were able to easily shift our focus to indie pop music.
LUNA: You mentioned meeting fellow producers online during the pandemic. How did these online connections translate into real-world collaborations on Lucas?
3KELVES: When the world shut down, we were collaborating and hanging out every day on discord. We were showing each other on video calls what it is like to live in San Francisco, Eindhoven, Jakarta, Cologne, etc, via going shopping, out on the road, out at bars, or in studios. There was no social hesitancy at all meeting them for the first time in person. Interestingly, the only thing that we weren't familiar with was each other's heights. Our collaborations were so great that even one of them, Dylan C. Greene, moved to San Francisco for us to work even more frequently.
LUNA: "Nonsense" is a disco-infused track with a deeper message. Can you elaborate on the themes of optimism and self-acceptance within the song?
3KELVES: I'm a deeply cynical person towards outlook on life, expectations, and relationships, so writing this song about "hearing" each other, "seeing" each other, "feeling" each other was kind of an unexpected breakout, but i guess i make up the cynicism part with "what's all of this nonsense" at the bridge.
LUNA: You've achieved international success with your electronic music. What challenges or expectations do you face when exploring a new genre like indie pop?
3KELVES: Music business-wise, it really makes no sense to go into indie pop anymore. Electronic music, you can make one hit song and you can tour clubs forever and people will always be there, but with indie music, you make three perfect albums and one bad album, then the whole tour is dead. Also, it takes much more time to craft indie songs with more instruments and more mixing, so with this all being said, this EP is purely for the love of music at this point. Also, it helps that these songs are the ones that I'm the most proud of.
LUNA: Winning Disclosure's remix competition twice is a huge accomplishment. How did that experience shape your career as a producer?
3KELVES: Honestly, the collaborators that I met through Disclosure's remix contests are the biggest prize I've ever gotten. All of them are so insanely talented and helped me make all my visions come true. Also I've gotten to see the parts of the world I would have never gone to. I definitely owe Disclosure my life at this point.
LUNA: Touring with artists like Purple Disco Machine and Duck Sauce must have been incredible. What did you learn from those experiences that you'll take forward?
3KELVES: Surprisingly, I haven't gotten to talk to them at all! Just got shy backstage and retreated, but it was very fun to see that the genre that I love to make (Disco House) is widely accepted and creating a good vibe around electronic music!
LUNA: Beyond Lucas 루카스, what are your hopes for the future of your music career? Are there other genres you'd like to explore?
3KELVES: I always joke about not being too popular but being accepted enough to be in third line from the bottom of the Coachella lineup. Working with Toro Y Moi and Disclosure would be a dream too! For the next genre of music, Dylan and I have talked about making a punk band to get all our frustrations out, so maybe a hardcore ep is next?
LUNA: With a base in San Francisco now, how do your Korean roots influence your music?
3KELVES: Absolutely, I think stories of immigrant Koreans are prevalent in the music industry with artists like Japanese Breakfast, Peggy Gou, Park Hye Jin, etc, so watching them grow as a Korean immigrant has been highly influential. Also having my first tour in Korea this year was a learning experience as I have met several DJs and producers in the scene who are also trying to expand the horizon of what Koreans can produce!
LUNA: You're active on Discord servers within the producer community. What advice would you give to aspiring producers who are building online connections?
3KELVES: I think when you work online, you need to be open to everything but also not be surprised when shady things happen too! There have been some incredible connections that I've made but also had some very weird interactions too, so just be open and alert.
LUNA: What are you most excited for fans to hear on this new EP?
3KELVES: Incredible bass performance from Jonathan Mono of "We Are Neurotic" and perfect mixing work from Dylan C. Greene.
