https://www.onestowatch.com/en/blog/riize-makes-history-as-the-first-k-pop-group-to-play-austin-city-limits-qa
OnesToWatch: You are the first K-pop group to play ACL in the festival’s history. What does this historic accomplishment mean to you?
SHOTARO: I was amazed by the lineup this year - there are so many artists who are active and making waves globally. When I first heard that we’d be part of it, it honestly felt like a dream come true. At the same time, I felt a certain sense of pressure because we’re representing K-pop at this festival in a way. That made us want to work even harder and push ourselves to do better. I’ve watched many festivals around the world and can sense the weight that comes with it. But more than anything, I just hope we can truly enjoy the moment together with the audience tomorrow.
올해 라인업에 정말 놀랐어요. 세계적으로 활발하게 활동하며 큰 인기를 얻고 있는 아티스트들이 정말 많거든요. 처음 참여한다는 소식을 들었을 때 정말 꿈이 이루어진 것 같았어요. 하지만 동시에 이 페스티벌에서 K팝을 대표한다는 생각에 부담감도 컸어요. 그래서 더 열심히 하고 더 잘해야겠다는 생각이 들었어요. 전 세계 여러 페스티벌을 봤는데, 그 무게감이 얼마나 큰지 새삼 느꼈어요. 하지만 무엇보다 내일 관객들과 함께 이 순간을 진심으로 즐길 수 있기를 바랍니다.
What is your favorite song to perform live and why?
SHOTARO: I’d say “Bag Bad Back” and “Siren.” They’re both very close to the style of music I personally enjoy. When we performed “Bag Bad Back,” I didn’t expect it at first, but so many fans sang along during the “bag bag bag” part, which made me really happy. When the crowd joins in like that, it gives me such a rush of energy and it’s honestly one of the best feelings on stage. So for ACL too, since we’ll be performing both songs, I really hope everyone in the crowd can have fun with us.
"Bag Bad Back"과 "Siren"이라고 말하고 싶어요. 두 곡 모두 제가 개인적으로 좋아하는 음악 스타일과 아주 비슷해요. "Bag Bad Back"을 불렀을 때는 처음엔 전혀 예상치 못했는데, "bag bag bag" 부분에서 많은 팬분들이 따라 불러주셔서 정말 기뻤어요. 관객들이 그렇게 함께해 주시면 정말 에너지가 솟구치고, 무대에서 느끼는 최고의 감정 중 하나예요. ACL도 두 곡을 다 부르게 되니, 관객 여러분도 저희와 함께 즐거운 시간을 보내셨으면 좋겠어요.
What kind of music do you listen to when you’re on tour? Who are your OnesToWatch?
SHOTARO: I recently came across a song called “Candy” by Claudia Valentina, and I’ve really been into it. The beat is great, and it’s the kind of song that gives you a boost of energy - like something you’d want to listen to on your way to work. I also listened to a lot of Justin Bieber last night. Swag II is amazing, but the one that really moved me was “Life Is Worth Living.” The message in that song is so beautiful, and it gave me a lot of comfort.
최근에 클라우디아 발렌티나의 "Candy"라는 노래를 우연히 들었는데, 정말 푹 빠졌어요. 비트도 좋고, 출근길에 듣고 싶은 에너지가 솟구치는 노래예요. 어젯밤에는 저스틴 비버 노래도 많이 들었어요. Swag II도 정말 좋았지만, 제게 가장 큰 감동을 준 곡은 "Life Is Worth Living."였어요. 그 노래의 메시지가 너무 아름다워서 많은 위로를 받았어요.
