DAVIDE K-POP

I had the pleasure of chatting with the talented artist From20, discussing his latest release “DEMON” and the eagerly anticipated Fast On The Highway European Tour, with the fellow artist HELLO GLOOM.

As a South Korean singer-songwriter and video director associated with Way Better, From20 brings a wealth of experience, you might recognising him from his earlier days as part of the boy group BIGSTAR.

Venturing into the solo realm, From20 marked his solo debut on March 28, 2021, with the release of the 1st Single [20; Still Greedy For Juicy, I’m Kissing This 20]. Since then, he has been on a journey of self-discovery, expressing his artistry through a unique blend of music and storytelling.

His latest offering, the enigmatic single titled “DEMON,” showcases From20’s evolution as an artist, pushing boundaries and exploring new dimensions of sound. The hauntingly powerful track delves into the darker corners of emotion, leaving listeners enthralled by its magnetic allure.

Adding to the excitement, From20 has set the stage for an unforgettable experience as he announces his first European tour alongside HELLO GLOOM this coming April. Fans across the continent are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness From20’s electrifying performances and connect with the soul behind the music.
Make sure to grab your tickets here, for the London show at the O2 Academy Islington on the 17th of April 2024, don’t miss it! NOTICE: UNFORTUNATELY THE LONDON SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED BUT THE EUROPEAN TOUR IS STILL GOING, MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT ANOTHER DATE OR CITY.

Before we dive into the heart of our conversation, let’s take a moment to experience the artist’s special greeting video, setting the tone for an insightful and intimate interview with From20.

Davide: Hi from20! Congratulations on your upcoming release, “Demon”! Please share with us a bit about the inspiration behind the song and what personal touch you added to it.

from20: Hello, I’m from20, a Korean singer-songwriter and video director. I recently released a new single, called “Demon”. This is the first single in a long time since I released music. I wanted to maintain the identity of from20, “Hot&Sexy” while capturing my musical growth. I’m very satisfied with the outcome.

Davide: The concept of “Demon” looks intriguing and cool! Can you give us a sneak peek into the vibe and style of the song? Any favourite moments or elements you enjoyed while working on it?

from20: There are a few things that inspired this song, but one of them is the movie “Fifty Shades of Grey”. I wanted to capture the irresistible devil’s temptation, and I worked out so hard to maintain that irresistible perfect appearance and body shape.
I also heard that if you look at the Bible, demons are expressed more beautifully than angels, because you have to seduce the other person. And I wanted to take that inspiration and create this beautiful demonic image in the music video, and I’m very happy that it turned out well.

Davide: Exciting news about your European tour with HELLO GLOOM! How does it feel to embark on this tour, and what cities are you most looking forward to visiting?

from20: It’s my first time visiting Europe. I’ve always wanted to go there, and I’m very excited to perform as an artist like this. I want to go to France and England the most. Especially in England, I’ve always dreamed of England since I was a big fan of ‘Harry Potter’. I want to talk with my fans in an English accent. I hope our first European tour will be successful!! Please come and see us!!

Davide: London is on the tour schedule! What are you most excited about performing here or is there any particular places you’d like to visit?

from20: As mentioned above, I am a big fan of Harry Potter. If there is a location related to Harry Potter, I really want to go there!!

Davide: Amazing, I would recommend Universal Studio or if you don’t have much time, go visit Kings Cross and check out Platform 9 ¾!

Davide: Your music has a unique and fresh vibe, which I personally really love. Where do you draw inspiration for your songs, and how has your creative process evolved, especially with “Demon” and the upcoming tour in mind?

from20: As I mentioned before, there are some inspirational points of “Demon.” One is “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Another is that the devil has a more beautiful appearance than an angel.
The last one is from William Shakespeare’s work, “The devil can cite scripture for his purpose.”
I know it’s bad for me, but I wanted to express the devilish temptation, the devilish relationship that I can’t get away with.

Davide: Can you share any memorable moments or challenges you faced during the creative process or preparations for “Demon” and the tour?

from20: I was physically and mentally overwhelmed because I had to prepare for the European tour and the single production together. I think the most difficult thing is that many things overlap, and some things are solved not only by having to do it but also by worrying artistically.

Davide: Besides your busy schedule, how do you like to relax during your downtime? Do any favourite hobbies or activities that help you relax and recharge?

from20: I really don’t have any special hobbies. I just want to exercise when I have free time. Working out can refresh me, and I think I get fewer headaches. Actually, I would love to swim more, but I can’t because I don’t have much time.

Davide: from20, can you take us back to the beginning of your musical journey? What inspired you to become a singer, and were there any specific artists or experiences that played a crucial role in shaping your decision?

from20: So many artists inspired me. I have listened to various kinds of music since I was young. Not only K-pop but also British-American pop music and J-pop. I think music from various countries helped me a lot.

Davide: Many aspiring artists look up to you. Can you share a bit about the challenges you faced early in your career and how you overcame them to reach where you are today?

from20: I think they are my beloved colleagues. The more I run a WAY BETTER, the more I feel that I can never do anything by myself. I think it’s my precious colleagues who help me stand up when I’m tired, and make me smile and go through hard things happily.

Davide: With a successful career already, what continues to motivate you as a singer? Are there particular goals or milestones you aim for in the future?

from20: I want to be a singer that I can be proud of. I want to present a better environment, a better concert hall, and better albums. I want to be an artist that I am proud of all the fans around the world who love me unconditionally. Those are my biggest motivations and driving forces.

Davide: As you embark on your European tour and release new music like “Demon,” what keeps your passion alive, and how do you stay inspired to create and perform?

From20: As much as I work hard, I try to rest hard. It’s not a good part, but I try to take the time to free my head. I need to relax to create another creation. And when I rest, I tend to play more ASMR or ambient sounds than music.

Davide: Thank you so much for your time from 20! DEMON is absolutely a BOMB! I look forward to seeing you in London!

Make sure you guys stream DEMON on all your digital platform and grab your tickets for the London show here, from20 and HELLO GLOOM will hit the stage at the O2 Academy Islington on the 17th of April 2024, don’t miss it!