Ted Park Interview
Last Saturday August 3rd Puerto Rico had its first ever Water Splash Festival “KBeat Fest” and I had the opportunity to interview some of the artist who attended. We got the opportunity to interview Ted Park for his first time in Puerto Rico.
Interview Ted Park:
Since arriving in Puerto Rico what has been your favorite thing?
I’m not extremely familiar with Puerto Rico but I used to live in a Spanish Harlem, so I used to eat a lot of Dominican food like I’ve had some Puerto Rican food before, I’ve had rice and peas, BBQ, chicken and pork. You know, I love plantains.
I think one of the biggest blessings of doing this music, like I’m form a very small city in the Midwest called Madison Wisconsin so getting to travel to all this places and get to experience just the vibes, the food, the people, its just so crazy seeing how the culture might be a little different. People are very nice, and people are very friendly here.
Who has been your biggest inspiration since starting your career?
Definitely, my parents because. At first when I told my parents about everything, we don’t have a lot we are from very humble beginnings even if I don’t make it in music, I’m going to apply everything I learned and I’m going to teach someone. They were like ok, it not just about being rich and famous. Even when I was struggling, they helped me through it and even to this day whenever I go to Korea they go to my shows. They love listening to my new music.
The energy has been so welcoming and kind. I’m looking forward to doing my best and putting a special show for the people in Puerto Rico.
Which elements do you enjoy in the process of making music?
I’m very free spirited so I kind of just free style it, have fun, whatever comes naturally. I think my biggest joy of music is sharing the vibes with people. With all the sad thing going on in the world I’m able to create and use my art, no matter how much time, to bring joy, have fun and go crazy.
If you were to have a Latin or Puerto Rican collaboration which artist would you like?
I would love to do something with Bad Bunny. Every time his music comes on like everyone started going crazy. So, I was like I got to make something like that because I’ve never seen anyone move like that to my songs. The rhythm and the swag are so cool.
They say the Hispanic and Latin community is very intense and energetic, so in that line, what are your expectations for tonight?
The Latin fans are crazy, now that we came straight to the source, like I’ve never had expectations. My only expectation is anyone who wants to meet me I want to make it happen. I like to get personal with people, have a good time.
Now that you say you’re on the source, you’re in your 10th year as an artist what have you seen from Puerto Rico that you want to apply on your music? The ambiance of anything that you’ve seen or heard.
The next music I’m putting out is going to be turn up, straight base, a little bit of everything some afro beat. I’m going to try some new sounds today in this show specifically.
What is the main message you want to convey through your songs?
Some of my music might be very deep and motivational, while others might be a little crazy; but that’s just because there’s multiple sides and dept to my personality as a human being. Making music is the one chance I have for people who choose to listen, my message is do what you love because life is so short. I feel like this year is really flying.
What motivated you to come to Puerto Rico?
I didn’t pull up to not go crazy. I believe in determination, where there’s a will there’s a way. I didn’t expect to come here this year, so this is a very pleasant surprise and I’m very honored. I just want to do my best to bring my songs to Puerto Rico. Its very beautiful to see Puerto Rico embrace Korean music and culture and I’m very happy to be here.
I have a collaboration with a KPOP idol coming next month. Its crazy, it was kind of random, this producer I met from Italy asked me if I could go to Sony studio in LA and it went viral in Italy. He said Yo my friend from Pentagon Kino has this song so I’m going to perform it tonight.
Photos by Monica
Even though he injured his leg he still pulled through and performed with full out energy. It was crazy, he was jumping and dancing with one leg. The crowd was screaming and dancing, everyone was having so much fun. As promised in the interview he performed his latest song. He was also joined on stage for his last songs by the impulse dance team. It was amazing, hope he can come back soon with a new Latin inspired song.
Hope you enjoyed the interview, don’t forget to check out Craxy’s interview and will upload soon Alan Z’s interview. Until next time.
- Monica E
