DAVIDE K-POP

HELLO GLOOM, the soulful South Korean singer-songwriter and rapper, has been carving his path through the music scene since his solo debut with “Because I Was Young Boy” in May 2022. With hits like “Dancing In The Dark” and “Eyes On Me,” he’s consistently captivated audiences with his evocative lyrics and dynamic performances.

Now, in 2024, HELLO GLOOM returns with a powerful new single, “MAMACITA” marking his triumphant comeback after a brief hiatus. But his journey extends beyond the spotlight, delving into themes of vulnerability and overcoming personal struggles. In an exclusive interview with HELLO GLOOM, we explore his artistic evolution, his latest release, and his upcoming European Tour with from20 (which we previously interviewed here). You can find tickets and more details about the tour at this link.

Join us as we delve into the depths of creativity and resilience with HELLO GLOOM, shedding light on the darkness through his music and his inspiring story of triumph over depression. We had this chat before the new single MAMACITA was out.

Davide: Hello HELLO GLOOM, thank you so much for this chat! It’s amazing to get to know a bit more! It’s nice to meet you. How are you?

HELLO GLOOM: I’ve been really busy working on the new album. Nice to meet you, too.

Davide: Can you tell us about your upcoming single “MAMACITA” out on the 22nd of March? What inspired it, and what can fans expect from the song? What was the creative process like when working on “MAMACITA”?

HELLO GLOOM: Last year, I fell in love with House music. “MAMACITA” came along after falling in love with the house genre. I liked House music from the 80s and 90s the most. I wanted to make a song that was a little bit strong, sticky and delicate. “MAMACITA” was finally born from that. Funnily enough, “Heaven On Earth” and “MAMACITA” were born on the same day.

Davide: As we speak, the music video for “MAMACITA” isn’t out yet. Can you talk us through the inspiration behind the video and was there any specific message behind it?

HELLO GLOOM: I don’t think the music video has a big message. I just wanted to create a club-like atmosphere, inspired by the club scene in Europe back in the 80s and 90s. I think I wanted to show you guys a slightly different atmosphere than before.
The fun part is that this song is delicate and neutral, but also macho. I think this kind of mood is also included in the music video. It’s very intense, but it expresses very delicate emotions in some parts. I hope you guys enjoyed the music.

Davide: You’re embarking on a Euro tour in April with your friend from20. How did this collaboration come about, and what are you most excited about for the tour?

HELLO GLOOM: “from20” and myself are no just friends or colleagues but more like family. I can’t even remember how we started. I think we felt that we would be best friends, more than that, like precious family.
It’s been a long time since we’ve been on a tour in Europe. And it’s our first time together, so I’m really looking forward to it. It’s been a long time since we’ve been loved by European fans.

Davide: Could you share a bit about your relationship with your friend from20? How do your musical styles complement each other?

HELLO GLOOM: We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses so well that we complement each other in a lot of different ways. I think we look at each other’s strengths and share them with each other a lot. That’s why I try to highlight my strengths rather than my weaknesses.

Davide: Your stage name, HELLO GLOOM, is quite unique. Can you shed some light on its origin and what it represents to you as an artist?

HELLO GLOOM: Well, I think I spent my teens and 20s feeling a little down. And sometimes I started to hate myself. I think I hated and hated myself and felt depressed at times. So I tried not to avoid this feeling and just started loving myself for who I am.
Hello GLOOM is a greeting that is sent out to that depression. I think it was like, “You came to my life again today depression, but it’s okay”

Davide: What initially inspired you to pursue a music career and become a singer? Were there any specific artists or experiences that influenced your decision?

HELLO GLOOM: Playing the piano since I was young helped a lot. And while playing the piano, I started composing at the age of 13. Then, I fell in love with Epik High, Big Bang, and Eminem, and became interested in hip-hop, and I think I fell in love with Michael Jackson and POP music. That’s why I’ve become the artist I am today.

Davide: When you’re not busy with music, what are some of your hobbies or activities you enjoy in your spare time?

HELLO GLOOM: I don’t have a hobby, so people are very worried about that. However, I’ve been trying to have a lot of time to read books at home recently. Since I have to be in a hurry every time and express and organise many thoughts and emotions, I try to have a lot of calming habits. I think that’s why reading books, cleaning up, and drinking tea, help me relax.

Davide: Do you have any favourite songs among those you’ve released? If so, what makes them special to you?

HELLO GLOOM: I think “Eyes On Me” is my favourite. Personally, it was very hard for me before releasing this song. At the time, I was talking with the producer, I was so distracted that he said that I was really out of my mind when I was working on this song. I had no choice but to release a song in that moment and I wanted to put my emotions into it as much as possible. I’m so excited about this song, but it feels so empty and painful when I listen to it. It drains my emotions. 

Davide: As a K-pop artist, what’s currently your favourite K-pop song? What about it resonates with you?

HELLO GLOOM: I don’t have a favourite song at the moment, but I have respect for all the artists out there.

I think we all are fun and good. I like it when I see artists who work differently from me. I enjoyed watching LIMKIM’s work recently. I think she expressed the confidence of Asian women very well. I think she approached music differently from me, I was so inspired by that.

Davide: If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

HELLO GLOOM: It’s a friend of mine, but I’d love to collaborate with VIVIVZ “Umji.” I’ve worked with him a few times and he has a really good voice. Personally, I want to make him try a new genre and I want people to see a new side of him.

Davide: Besides “MAMACITA” and the Euro tour, can fans expect future projects from you soon? Perhaps a full album or other creative endeavours?

HELLO GLOOM: I think new music will continue to come out this year. My goal is to release music that fans will enjoy listening to often.

Davide: Thank you so much for this chat together, it was incredible to get to know you better and I look forward to seeing you in London but first, I can’t wait to listen to MAMACITA! 

HELLO GLOOM: I was very happy to talk to you about this today. I’ll be back with good music and interviews. Thank you.

I had a blast having this chat with HELLO GLOOM, please make sure to support him on social media like Instagram or Twitter and stream MAMACITA on your favourite music platforms.

Don’t miss HELLO GLOOM and from20 in tour in Europe this coming April 2024, tickets and info here.