Dragon Pony, Back After 8 Months: "We Hope It's Simply Good to Listen To, Rather Than Carrying a Special Meaning" [Interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The band Dragon Pony shared their thoughts on returning after an eight-month hiatus.

Dragon Pony (Ahn Tae-gyu, Kwon Se-hyuk, Ko Gang-hoon) recently sat down for an interview at the StarNews headquarters in Seorindong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of the release of their single "Calling Back."

"Calling Back" is a new release from Dragon Pony, coming approximately eight months after their third EP, "RUN RUN RUN," released last March. The album calls back the emotions left behind in the time that has passed into the present, capturing a wide spectrum of feelings ranging from the poignant sentiment of parting to the innocent excitement of school days.

Ko Gang-hoon said, "The process of preparing this album was incredibly happy. We had been busy with the release of our Japanese album previously, but working with the producers left a very fresh and good experience. As a result, rather than feeling rushed by the tight schedule, we were able to work on it enjoyably."

Kwon Se-hyuk also expressed satisfaction, stating, "It seems like good songs came out even amidst a busy schedule. In fact, having a deadline sometimes makes the work proceed faster and more smoothly. I think this album turned out well."

Ahn Tae-gyu conveyed his wishes, saying, "I am deeply grateful to the fans who have been waiting for this album the most. Since we prepared it diligently, I hope many people will listen to it."

This single includes two tracks: the title song of the same name, "Calling Back," and the included track "Back when we were young." "Calling Back" depicts a story of enduring parting by calling back the time spent together with you into oneself, rather than clinging to a past that can no longer be returned to. It adds classic charm while unfolding in a modern rock sound.

What direction did this single start from? We heard about the production process of this album and the stories contained in the included tracks. Ahn Tae-gyu explained, "Both songs contain content reflecting on the past, but they were not created as an allegory for the current Dragon Pony. It seems to have naturally developed into these messages." He added, "For the title song themed around parting, we focused on the emotional line and appeal from the moment we created the melody. We also made efforts to preserve these aspects during the lyric writing process."

Ko Gang-hoon introduced the included track as a song that captures the nostalgia and longing for those days, which could only be felt at age 17, such as the first ensemble practice of a new semester. He continued, "It was not a song started with musical diversity in mind from the beginning. We worked on it while recalling moments of practicing ensembles together with the members." He added, "I usually like Britpop rock, and even during ensemble practices, I felt that we matched well musically with the members. As I worked on the melody, the lyrics naturally blended in, and I wanted to preserve this feeling as much as possible."

Kwon Se-hyuk revealed, "Rather than recalling a specific experience, it seems we worked based on imagination grounded in what we wanted to express and our emotions. Those elements seem to always mix naturally into the production process."

They also shared their thoughts on the emotions they want to convey to the public through this single and the memories they hope listeners will recall while listening to the music.

Ahn Tae-gyu said, "While longing is contained in the songs, it is not necessarily something we want you to listen to while reflecting on the past. Since the tracks themselves have various elements, I hope listeners can enjoy them comfortably without thinking too much." He added, "I think it has an atmosphere that fits well with the season even when listening now. There are those who focus on the lyrics and those who like the melody, so I hope you enjoy the songs in diverse ways. Since we deliberated a lot and prepared diligently during the production process, I hope you can enjoy the finished music itself."

Kwon Se-hyuk conveyed a short and sincere wish: "I just hope it's good simply by listening to it." Ko Gang-hoon also said, "It seems people will receive it differently depending on their own situations. It is enough if you simply feel that it is good, without attributing any special meaning to it."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original